National American Worker Survey

1
National American Worker Survey

• The Rockefeller Foundation
• 2008 National Survey Results
• (Race Ethnicity Breaks)

2
Methodology

• This Rockefeller Foundation poll was conducted by
  telephone June 19 through June 29, 2008.
• It was conducted among a national random sample
  of 1,004 Americans, age 18 and older throughout
  America
• In addition oversamples of 502 African Americans
  and 502 Hispanics were conducted.
• A portion of the African American and Hispanic
  oversamples were collected using targeted sample.
• Hispanic respondents were polled in the language
  of their choice
• The margin of error for the entire sample is
  approximately /- 3 percentage points.
• The margin of error is higher for subgroups.
• Surveys are subject to other error sources as
  well, including sampling coverage error,
  recording error, and respondent error. 
• Abt SRBI Public Affairs designed the survey and
  conducted all interviewing.
• The full Rockefeller questionnaire and trend data
  may be found at www.srbi.com.

3

• Q1. GENERALLY SPEAKING, DO YOU THINK THE ECONOMY
  IN THIS COUNTRY IS GOING IN THE RIGHT
• DIRECTION, OR DO YOU FEEL THAT THINGS HAVE GOTTEN
  PRETTY SERIOUSLY OFF ON THE
• WRONG TRACK?

RIGHT DIRECTION 10 11 2 7 WRONG
TRACK 85 84 96 88 NO ANSWER/DON'T
KNOW 5 5 2 5
Q2. HOW LONG DO YOU THINK IT WILL TAKE FOR THE
ECONOMY IN THIS COUNTRY TO GET BACK ON THE RIGHT
TRACK? BASE FEEL ECONOMY ON WRONG TRACK
LESS THAN 6 MONTHS 1 1 1 1 6
MONTHS TO A YEAR 7 8 10 8 1 TO
2 YEARS 24 22 23 23 2 YEARS OR
MORE 63 64 62 61 OTHER (SPECIFY)
2 2 3 3 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW
3 3 2 3
4

• Q4. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS CLOSER TO YOUR VIEW?

AMERICA WAS A BETTER PLACE TOLIVE IN THE 1990S
AND WILL CONTINUE TO DECLINE 40 39 47
51 AMERICA'S BEST DAYS ARE STILL AHEAD OF
IT 53 54 49 44 NO ANSWER/DON'T
KNOW 7 7 4 5
Q6. HOW MUCH ARE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING A PART OF
ACHIEVING THE AMERICAN DREAM IN YOUR MIND?
(SUMMARY OF MAJOR PART) BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT
SAMPLE)
HAVING A GOOD FAMILY LIFE 93 93 90
93 BEING ABLE TO FEED MYSELF AND MY FAMILY
92 93 92 85 HAVING QUALITY HEALTH
CARE FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY 90 90 94
88 HAVING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR
MYSELF AND MY FAMILY 88 87 93
87 HAVING A COMFORTABLE AND SECURE RETIREMENT
85 87 85 84 BEING ABLE TO SPEAK
YOUR MIND REGARDLESS OF THE POSITIONS YOU
TAKE 85 85 83 83 BEING ABLE TO
SUCCEED REGARDLESS OF YOUR FAMILY BACKGROUND OR
WHERE YOU COME FROM 82 82 85 81
5
Q6. HOW MUCH ARE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING A PART OF
ACHIEVING THE AMERICAN DREAM IN YOUR MIND?
(SUMMARY OF MAJOR PART) - continued BASE TOTAL
ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)
BEING ECONOMICALLY SECURE AND NOT HAVING TO
WORRY ABOUT BEING ABLE TO AFFORD THINGS 81
81 85 78 BEING OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE
FUTURE 76 77 74 77 ACHIEVING
PEACE IN THE WORLD 63 63 80
73 HAVING THE TIME TO ENJOY THE GOOD THINGS
IN LIFE WITHOUT HAVING TO WORK TOO MANY HOURS
59 57 69 63 REDUCING THE EFFECTS
OF GLOBAL WARMING 56 53 73 67

Q6. HOW MUCH ARE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING A PART OF
ACHIEVING THE AMERICAN DREAM IN YOUR MIND?
(SUMMARY OF MINOR PART) BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT
SAMPLE)
HAVING THE TIME TO ENJOY THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE
WITHOUT HAVING TO WORK TOO MANY HOURS 29
31 22 23 REDUCING THE EFFECTS OF
GLOBAL WARMING 26 27 17 18
ACHIEVING PEACE IN THE WORLD 24 25 10
14 BEING OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE 16
14 17 13 BEING ECONOMICALLY SECURE
AND NOT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT BEING ABLE TO
AFFORD THINGS 15 16 12 15
6
Q6. HOW MUCH ARE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING A PART OF
ACHIEVING THE AMERICAN DREAM IN YOUR MIND?
(SUMMARY OF MINOR PART) - continued BASE TOTAL
ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)
BEING ABLE TO SPEAK YOUR MIND REGARDLESS OF THE
POSITIONS YOU TAKE 11 10 12
9 BEING ABLE TO SUCCEED REGARDLESS OF YOUR
FAMILY BACKGROUND OR WHERE YOU COME FROM 11
10 10 10 HAVING A COMFORTABLE AND
SECURE RETIREMENT 11 9 11 10
HAVING QUALITY HEALTH CARE FOR MYSELF AND MY
FAMILY 7 8 4 10 HAVING
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR MYSELF AND MY
FAMILY 7 8 5 8 BEING ABLE TO
FEED MYSELF AND MY FAMILY 5 4 5
8 HAVING A GOOD FAMILY LIFE 5 4 7
3

• Q7. OVER THE NEXT FEW QUESTIONS, WE'LL BE
  DISCUSSING THE AMERICAN DREAM. WHILE EVERYONE
• MAY INTERPRET THIS IDEA DIFFERENTLY, WE REFER TO
  IT AS THE ABILITY OF ALL CITIZENS AND
• RESIDENTS OF AMERICA TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS IN
  LIFE THROUGH HARD WORK. DO YOU THINK YOU
• HAVE ACHIEVED THE AMERICAN DREAM?

YES 64 69 46 50 NO 34 29
53 48 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 2 2
2
7
Q9. IS IT LIKELY YOUR CHILDREN WILL ACHIEVE THE
AMERICAN DREAM?
YES 69 69 74 78 NO 20 20
19 14 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 10 10
7 8
Q11. WOULD YOU SAY THAT IT IS EASIER OR HARDER
FOR AMERICANS TO ACHIEVE THE AMERICAN DREAM TODAY
THAN IT WAS TEN YEARS AGO, OR HAVEN'T THINGS
CHANGED MUCH? BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)
EASIER 11 10 19 11 HARDER 65
64 65 69 HASN'T CHANGED MUCH 22
25 16 19 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 1
1 1

• Q12. WOULD YOU SAY THAT IT'S GOING TO BE EASIER
  OR HARDER FOR AMERICANS TO ACHIEVE THE
• AMERICAN DREAM IN 10 YEARS THAN IT IS TODAY, OR
  THAT THINGS WON'T CHANGE MUCH?
• BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)

EASIER 11 8 17 13 HARDER 62
65 63 56 WON'T CHANGE MUCH 23
23 18 27 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 4
4 2 4
8
Q13. WHICH IS CLOSER TO YOUR VIEW? BASE DO NOT
FEEL HAVE ACHIEVED THE AMERICAN DREAM
I HAVE SET GOALSFOR MY LIFE THAT ONCE REACHED
WILL MEAN THAT I HAVE ACHIEVED THE AMERICAN
DREAM 13 9 19 11 THE AMERICAN
DREAMIS A NEVER-ENDING PURSUIT - I CAN ALWAYS DO
MORE TO ACHIEVE IT 84 87 80 87
NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 3 4 1 2

Q14. WHICH IS CLOSER TO YOUR VIEW? BASE DO NOT
FEEL HAVE ACHIEVED THE AMERICAN DREAM
IF I WORK HARD AND PLAY BY THE RULES, I WILL
BE ABLE TOACHIEVE THEAMERICAN DREAM INMY
LIFETIME 51 46 62 54 EVEN BY
WORKING HARD AND PLAYING BY THE RULES, THE
AMERICAN DREAM IS UNATTAINABLE FOR ME 45
51 35 44 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 3
3 3 2
9

• Q16. WHICH IS CLOSER TO YOUR VIEW?

IT IS MOREIMPORTANT TO REDUCE INEQUALITY IN
INCOME AND WEALTH LEVELS IN AMERICA 28 28
26 32 IT IS MOREIMPORTANT TO ENSURE
EVERYONE IN AMERICA HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO
REACH THE HIGHEST ECHELON OF INCOME AND
WEALTHEVEN IF NOT EVERYONE MAKES IT 66 66
72 65 NO ANSWER/DONTKNOW 6 6
2 3
Q22. HOW MUCH IS THE FOLLOWING A PART OF ECONOMIC
SECURITY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR MIND?
(SUMMARY OF MAJOR PART) BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT
SAMPLE)
HAVING ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY BILLS 96 94
96 92 HAVING HEALTH INSURANCE 91
90 96 92 HAVING ENOUGH MONEY TO BUY
OR KEEP A HOME 88 87 92 81
HAVING ENOUGH MONEY FOR A COMFORTABLE
RETIREMENT 88 87 93 88 HAVING
ENOUGH MONEY TO RAISE A FAMILY 87 88 88
88 HAVING JOB SECURITY 82 80 90
86
10
Q22. HOW MUCH IS THE FOLLOWING A PART OF ECONOMIC
SECURITY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR MIND?
(SUMMARY OF MAJOR PART) - continued BASE TOTAL
ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)
HAVING ENOUGH MONEY FOR CHILDRENS EDUCATION
79 78 87 85 HAVING ENOUGH MONEY
THAT I DONT NEED TO WORRY 76 75 82
72 HAVING NO DEBT (ASIDE FROM MORTGAGE) 72
71 79 77 HAVING ENOUGH MONEY TO BUY
OR KEEP A CAR 70 72 68 58 HAVING
ENOUGH MONEY TO TAKE CARE OF ELDERLY PARENTS OR
IN-LAWS 67 64 81 77
Q22. HOW MUCH IS THE FOLLOWING A PART OF ECONOMIC
SECURITY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR MIND?
(SUMMARY OF MINOR PART) BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT
SAMPLE)
HAVING NO DEBT (ASIDE FROM MORTGAGE) 23 24
17 17 HAVING ENOUGH MONEY TO BUY OR KEEP
A CAR 22 21 22 29 HAVING ENOUGH
MONEY TO TAKE CARE OF ELDERLY PARENTS OR IN-LAWS
21 23 11 15 HAVING ENOUGH MONEY
THAT I DONT NEED TO WORRY 19 20 15
20 HAVING ENOUGH MONEY FOR CHILDRENS
EDUCATION 12 14 6 9
11
Q22. HOW MUCH IS THE FOLLOWING A PART OF ECONOMIC
SECURITY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR MIND?
(SUMMARY OF MINOR PART) - continued BASE TOTAL
ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)
HAVING JOB SECURITY 11 12 6 6
HAVING ENOUGH MONEY TO BUY OR KEEP A HOME 9
10 5 13 HAVING ENOUGH MONEY FOR A
COMFORTABLE RETIREMENT 9 10 6 9
HAVING ENOUGH MONEY TO RAISE A FAMILY 7
6 6 6 HAVING HEALTH INSURANCE 6
7 3 5 HAVING ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY
BILLS 3 4 3 4

• Q20. COMPARED TO 10 YEARS AGO, DO YOU THINK
  AMERICANS TODAY HAVE A LOT MORE ECONOMIC
• SECURITY, SOMEWHAT MORE ECONOMIC SECURITY, ABOUT
  THE SAME ECONOMIC SECURITY, SOMEWHAT
• LESS ECONOMIC SECURITY, OR A LOT LESS ECONOMIC
  SECURITY?

MORE (NET) 11 10 14 17 A LOT MORE
4 3 5 6 SOMEWHAT MORE 7 7
9 11 ABOUT THE SAME 16 17 8
12 LESS (NET) 73 72 77 70
SOMEWHAT LESS 32 33 34 33 A LOT
LESS 40 38 43 37 NO ANSWER/DON'T
KNOW 1 1 2
12
Q21. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS CLOSER TO YOUR
VIEW?
THE NEXT GENERATION OF AMERICANS WILL HAVE TO
STRUGGLE MUCH MORE THAN I DID TO MAKE ENDS MEET
AND BE ECONOMICALLY SECURE 75 75 79
78 THE NEXT GENERATION OF AMERICANS WILL
NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS MAKING ENDS MEET AND WILL
BE MORE ECONOMICALLY SECURE THAN I AM TODAY 18
17 20 18 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 7
8 1 4
Q17. IS THE FOLLOWING HELPING YOU A GREAT DEAL IN
ACHIEVING ECONOMIC SECURITY, HELPING SOMEWHAT,
HURTING SOMEWHAT, HURTING A GREAT DEAL, OR NOT
HAVING MUCH EFFECT ONE WAY OR ANOTHER? (SUMMARY
OF HELPING A GREAT DEAL)
THE COMPANY YOUWORK FOR 29 30 26
27 SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES 29
28 34 35 SMALL BUSINESSES 28 30
17 22 RELIGIOUS LEADERS 12 11
18 17 HEALTH CARE INSURERS 11 12
14 16 ENVIRONMENTALGROUPS 10 10
19 21 LABOR UNIONS 10 8 14
15 GLOBAL COMPANIES OPERATING IN THE UNITED
STATES 8 6 7 10
13
Q17. IS THE FOLLOWING HELPING YOU A GREAT DEAL IN
ACHIEVING ECONOMIC SECURITY, HELPING SOMEWHAT,
HURTING SOMEWHAT, HURTING A GREAT DEAL, OR NOT
HAVING MUCH EFFECT ONE WAY OR ANOTHER? (SUMMARY
OF HELPING A GREAT DEAL) - continued
LARGE CORPORATIONS 6 6 6 6
THE NEWS MEDIA 6 4 10 12
UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS 6 3 5
20 STATE AND LOCALGOVERNMENTS 5 4
7 9 THE PRESIDENT 5 4 2
7 OIL COMPANIES 3 4 2 4
CONGRESS 3 2 5 6 SPECIAL
INTERESTS IN WASHINGTON 1 1 1
4

• Q17. IS THE FOLLOWING HELPING YOU A GREAT DEAL IN
  ACHIEVING ECONOMIC SECURITY, HELPING
• SOMEWHAT, HURTING SOMEWHAT, HURTING A GREAT DEAL,
  OR NOT HAVING MUCH EFFECT ONE WAY OR
• ANOTHER? (SUMMARY OF HELPING A GREAT DEAL/SOME)

SMALL BUSINESSES 68 69 62 61
SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES 64 64
72 65 THE COMPANY YOU WORK FOR 56
56 55 59 ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS 45
43 63 59 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
41 39 45 44 RELIGIOUS LEADERS
39 38 53 44
14

• Q17. IS THE FOLLOWING HELPING YOU A GREAT DEAL IN
  ACHIEVING ECONOMIC SECURITY, HELPING
• SOMEWHAT, HURTING SOMEWHAT, HURTING A GREAT DEAL,
  OR NOT HAVING MUCH EFFECT ONE WAY OR
• ANOTHER? (SUMMARY OF HELPING A GREAT DEAL/SOME) -
  continued

LABOR UNIONS 38 36 56 50 HEALTH
CARE INSURERS 36 35 41 46 GLOBAL
COMPANIES OPERATING IN THE UNITED STATES 34
34 38 40 LARGE CORPORATIONS 31
31 32 32 THE NEWS MEDIA 25 22
36 36 CONGRESS 24 23 33
32 THE PRESIDENT 21 22 9
21 UNDOCUMENTEDIMMIGRANTS 17 13 18
43 SPECIAL INTERESTS IN WASHINGTON 14
10 22 21 OIL COMPANIES 9 10
6 10
Q17. IS THE FOLLOWING HELPING YOU A GREAT DEAL IN
ACHIEVING ECONOMIC SECURITY, HELPING SOMEWHAT,
HURTING SOMEWHAT, HURTING A GREAT DEAL, OR NOT
HAVING MUCH EFFECT ONE WAY OR ANOTHER? (SUMMARY
OF HURTING SOME/A GREAT DEAL)
OIL COMPANIES 81 80 85 80 SPECIAL
INTERESTS IN WASHINGTON 65 68 56
49 UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS 62 68 54
32
15
Q17. IS THE FOLLOWING HELPING YOU A GREAT DEAL IN
ACHIEVING ECONOMIC SECURITY, HELPING SOMEWHAT,
HURTING SOMEWHAT, HURTING A GREAT DEAL, OR NOT
HAVING MUCH EFFECT ONE WAY OR ANOTHER? (SUMMARY
OF HURTING SOME/A GREAT DEAL) - continued
THE PRESIDENT 62 61 79
60 CONGRESS 55 55 48 46 THE
NEWS MEDIA 54 58 45 41 HEALTH
CARE INSURERS 53 54 52 40 LARGE
CORPORATIONS 52 52 50 47 GLOBAL
COMPANIES OPERATING IN THE UNITED STATES 40
40 37 36 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
39 39 39 37 ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
32 34 5 18 LABOR UNIONS 29
30 19 20 RELIGIOUS LEADERS 23
23 22 20 SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES 18 17 16 19 THE
COMPANY YOU WORK FOR 11 10 12
15 SMALL BUSINESSES 10 9 14 12

16
Q23. NOW I'D LIKE YOU TO CONTINUE THINKING ABOUT
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY'S ECONOMIC SECURITY. OVERALL,
HOW WORRIED ARE YOU ABOUT YOUR ECONOMIC SECURITY?
VERY/FAIRLY WORRIED (NET) 47 44 55
61 VERY WORRIED 27 24 38
39 FAIRLY WORRIED 20 20 7
22 SLIGHTLY/NOT AT ALL WORRIED (NET) 53
56 45 39 SLIGHTLY WORRIED 34 34
30 26 NOT WORRIED AT ALL 20 21
14 13 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW

• Q24. THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY'S ECONOMIC
  SECURITY, HOW WORRIED ARE YOU ABOUT EACH
• OF THE FOLLOWING? (SUMMARY OF VERY WORRIED)
• BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)

KEEPING UP WITH HIGH FUEL AND ENERGY COSTS 56
55 69 69 OUTSOURCING OF AMERICAN JOBS
TO OTHER COUNTRIES 53 50 64
38 WHETHER GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS SUCH AS SOCIAL
SECURITY AND MEDICARE WILL BE THERE WHEN YOU
RETIRE 46 41 56 55 KEEPING UP WITH
THE COST OF LIVING 39 37 53
49 HAVING ADEQUATE HEALTH CARE INSURANCE 39
36 50 49 HAVING ENOUGH MONEY TO
RETIRE ON 38 35 49 49
17

• Q24. THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY'S ECONOMIC
  SECURITY, HOW WORRIED ARE YOU ABOUT EACH
• OF THE FOLLOWING? (SUMMARY OF VERY WORRIED) -
  continued
• BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)

HAVING ENOUGH SAVINGS TO HANDLE EMERGENCIES 38
34 56 52 BEING ABLE TO FIND A NEW JOB
IFYOU LOSE YOUR JOB 36 32 54
49 THE STOCK MARKET 25 22 28
29 BEING ABLE TO PAY YOUR RENT OR YOUR
MORTGAGE 22 17 42 35 HAVING
ENOUGH MONEY TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE 20
18 34 35
Q24. THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY'S ECONOMIC
SECURITY, HOW WORRIED ARE YOU ABOUT EACH OF THE
FOLLOWING? (SUMMARY OF VERY/FAIRLY WORRIED) BASE
TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)
KEEPING UP WITH HIGH FUEL AND ENERGY COSTS 73
73 81 82 OUTSOURCING OF AMERICAN
JOBS TO OTHER COUNTRIES 67 66 76
57 WHETHER GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS SUCH AS
SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE WILL BE THERE WHEN
YOU RETIRE 58 55 63 68 KEEPING
UP WITHTHE COST OF LIVING 56 54 65
68 HAVING ENOUGH MONEY TO RETIRE ON 55
51 63 67 HAVING ENOUGH SAVINGS TO
HANDLE EMERGENCIES 55 53 67 70
18
Q24. THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY'S ECONOMIC
SECURITY, HOW WORRIED ARE YOU ABOUT EACH OF THE
FOLLOWING? (SUMMARY OF VERY/FAIRLY WORRIED) -
continued BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)
HAVING ADEQUATE HEALTH CARE INSURANCE 54
50 64 68 BEING ABLE TO FIND A NEW JOB
IF YOU LOSE YOUR JOB 45 42 61 62
THE STOCK MARKET 42 40 43 47
BEING ABLE TO PAY YOUR RENT OR YOUR MORTGAGE
34 30 54 55 HAVING ENOUGH MONEY
TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE 33 29 48
54
Q26. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS CLOSER TO YOUR
VIEW? BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)
IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS, I AM CONFIDENT I WILL FEEL
MORE ECONOMICALLY SECURE THAN I DO TODAY 49
46 53 57 IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS, I
THINK MY FEELINGS OF ECONOMIC SECURITY WILL
DECLINE 45 48 44 38 NO
ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 6 6 3 5
19

• Q27. WHICH IS CLOSER TO YOUR VIEW?
• BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)

THERE IS MORE RISK TO MY AND MY FAMILYS
FINANCIAL FUTURE THAN IN THE PAST 78 78
76 78 THERE IS LESS RISK TO MY AND MY
FAMILYS FINANCIAL FUTURE THAN IN THE PAST 19
18 23 21 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 3
4 1
Q28. FIVE YEARS AGO WHEN YOU WERE THINKING ABOUT
YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS, DID YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE
FARTHER AHEAD OR FARTHER BEHIND TODAY THAN YOU
ACTUALLY ARE?
THOUGHT I WOULD BE FARTHER AHEAD TODAY 66
66 77 72 THOUGHT I WOULD BE FARTHER
BEHIND TODAY 20 18 16 20 THOUGHT
I WOULD BE RIGHT WHERE I AM ALREADY 11 13
5 5 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 3 3
2 3
20
Q29. WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE A JOB THAT GUARANTEES
YOU HEALTH COVERAGE AND A PENSION OR A JOB THAT
PAYS YOU MORE?
A JOB THAT GUARANTEES YOU HEALTH COVERAGE AND A
PENSION 71 70 72 68 A JOB THAT
PAYS YOU MORE 20 21 22 21 BOTH
EQUALLY 5 5 5 9 NEITHER 1
1 1 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 3
3 1 1

• Q30. DO YOU HAVE SUFFICIENT PERSONAL SAVINGS TO
  ALLOW YOU TO HANDLE A PERSONAL CRISIS
• SUCH AS LOSING YOUR JOB OR HAVING A MAJOR ILLNESS
  - WITHOUT INCURRING A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE
• IN YOUR STANDARD OF LIVING?

YES 44 44 37 32 NO 54 53
61 65 NO ANSWER/DON'TKNOW 3 3
1 2
21
Q31. IN THE PAST YEAR, HAVE YOU HAD TO DO ANY OF
THE FOLLOWING TO MEET YOUR EXPENSES?
HAVE DONE ANY (NET) 38 35 53 57
BORROW MONEY FROM A FRIEND OR RELATIVE 22
18 40 36 USE THE REVOLVING CREDIT
LINE ON YOUR CREDIT CARD TO PAY OFF YOUR DEBTS
13 12 13 24 BORROW AGAINST A
RETIREMENT PLAN, SUCH AS A 401K PLAN OR PENSION
11 9 16 14 TAKE OUT A SECOND
MORTGAGE OR HOME EQUITY LOAN 9 9 8
10 BORROW MONEY FROM A RELIGIOUS
ORGANIZATION OR COMMUNITY 4 2 9
4 BORROW MONEY FROM PEOPLE YOU MET ONLINE
1 1 3 5 BORROW MONEY FROM A
LABOR UNION - 2 3
Q32. IN THE PAST YEAR, WAS THERE EVER A TIME WHEN
YOU...?
HAVE DONE ANY (NET) 76 74 85
85 CUT BACK ON VACATIONS OR ENTERTAINMENT
BECAUSE OF THEIR COST 64 64 73
66 FAILED TO PAY A BILL ON TIME 37 32
60 49 HAVE NOT GONE TO A DOCTOR BECAUSE
OF THE COST 25 25 29 35
22
Q32. IN THE PAST YEAR, WAS THERE EVER A TIME WHEN
YOU...? - continued
HAVE NOT FILLED A MEDICAL PRESCRIPTION
BECAUSE OF THE COST 23 23 30
30 HAVE GONE WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE 23
20 33 37 HAVE TAKEN MONEY OUT OF YOUR
PERSONAL OR RETIREMENT SAVINGS TO PAY FOR
HEALTH-RELATED EXPENSES 20 19 22
22 WERE UNEMPLOYED, BUT NOT BY PERSONAL
CHOICE 20 16 32 29 HAVE BEEN
HUNGRY BECAUSE YOU COULD NOT AFFORD FOOD 8
6 17 16

• Q33. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING BEST DESCRIBES YOUR
  HOUSEHOLD?

HAVE CHILDREN (NET) 46 45 52 59
I HAVE CHILDREN AGE 18 OR UNDER LIVING IN MY
HOUSEHOLD OR I HAVE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
FOR SOMEONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 36 35
43 49 I HAVE CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES
OF 18 AND 25 LIVING IN MY HOUSEHOLD 9 9
10 10 NEITHER OF THESE APPLY TO ME 54
55 47 41 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW

23
Q34. IN THE PAST YEAR, WAS THERE EVER A TIME WHEN
YOU...? A) HAVE NOT BOUGHT SOMETHING YOUR KIDS
NEEDED BECAUSE OF THE COST BASE RESPONSIBLE FOR
CHILD(REN) 18 OR YOUNGER
YES 30 27 40 38 NO 69 73
60 62 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW -
-
Q34. IN THE PAST YEAR, WAS THERE EVER A TIME WHEN
YOU...? B) HAVE NOT TAKEN A CHILD TO THE DOCTOR
BECAUSE OF THE COST BASE RESPONSIBLE FOR
CHILD(REN) 18 OR YOUNGER
YES 10 9 13 14 NO 90 91
87 86

• Q35. I'M GOING TO READ YOU A SERIES OF STATEMENTS
  AND FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOU AGREE WITH
• EACH. (SUMMARY OF STRONGLY AGREE)
• BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)

AMERICANS ARE WORKING AS HARD OR HARDER THAN
EVER JUST TO GET BY 61 8 78 63
MY LIFE IS BETTER THAN MY PARENTS LIVES WERE
43 43 44 49 IN TODAYS AMERICA
EVEN IF YOU WORK HARD AND PLAY BY THE RULES, YOU
CAN NO LONGER EXPECT TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO
SEND YOUR KIDS TO COLLEGE, PAY FOR HEALTH CARE
AND HAVE A SECURE RETIREMENT 37 34 46
40 MY CHILDREN WILL HAVE A BETTER LIFE
THAN I DO 33 29 45 41
24

• Q35. I'M GOING TO READ YOU A SERIES OF STATEMENTS
  AND FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOU AGREE WITH
• EACH. (SUMMARY OF STRONGLY/SOMEWHAT AGREE)
• BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)

AMERICANS ARE WORKING AS HARD OR HARDER THAN
EVER JUST TO GET BY 87 86 95 85
MY LIFE IS BETTER THAN MY PARENTS LIVES WERE
75 72 76 76 MY CHILDREN WILL HAVE
A BETTER LIFE THAN I DO 68 65 75
71 IN TODAYS AMERICA EVEN IF YOU WORK HARD
AND PLAY BY THE RULES, YOU CAN NO LONGER EXPECT
TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO SEND YOUR KIDS TO
COLLEGE, PAY FOR HEALTH CARE AND HAVE A SECURE
RETIREMENT 66 64 73 63
Q37. WHICH IS CLOSER TO YOUR VIEW?
MYSELF AND MY FAMILY ARE PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE
FOR ACHIEVING OUR ECONOMIC SECURITY 80 81
69 73 MY EMPLOYER AND THE GOVERNMENT ARE
PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE FOR HELPING ME TO ACHIEVE
CONOMIC SECURITY 17 15 27 24 NO
ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 3 4 3 3
25

• Q38. SOME PEOPLE TALK ABOUT A "SOCIAL CONTRACT"
  MEANING GOVERNMENT AND EMPLOYERS SHOULDPROVIDE
  MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY WITH BASIC
  NECESSITIES SUCH AS HEALTHCARE, RETIREMENT
  PROGRAMS, UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE, ETC. DO YOU
  THINK THIS SOCIAL CONTRACT STILL EXISTS IN
  AMERICA?

YES 36 34 37 47 NO 57
60 58 44 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 6
6 4 9
Q39. DO YOU THINK THIS SOCIAL CONTRACT SHOULD
STILL EXIST IN AMERICA?
YES 72 69 87 81 NO 23 26
10 16 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 5 5
3 3
26
Q40. DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THIS
STATEMENT? THE SOCIAL CONTRACT OF THE
20TH CENTURY HAS BEEN BROKEN AND NEEDS TO BE
REWRITTEN TO REFLECT THE CURRENT REALITIES
OF LIFE TODAY.
AGREE (NET) 78 77 92 78 STRONGLY
AGREE 51 48 70 57 SOMEWHAT AGREE
27 29 23 21 DISAGREE (NET) 18
18 7 17 SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 8
9 5 7 STRONGLY DISAGREE 10
9 2 9 NO ANSWER/DON'TKNOW 4
5 1 5

• Q41. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING BEST DESCRIBES YOUR
  PRIMARY HEALTHCARE COVERAGE, OR DON'T
• YOU HAVE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE AT THIS TIME?

HAVE HEALTH COVERAGE (NET) 89 90 84
74 A PLAN THROUGH YOU OR YOUR PARTNER'S
EMPLOYER OR UNION 58 58 48 47
MEDICARE 16 17 14 9
MEDICAID 3 2 11 7 A PLAN YOU
BOUGHT YOURSELF 9 9 7 6 SOME
OTHER GOVERNMENT PROGRAM 3 3 4 5
DON'T HAVE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE AT THIS TIME
10 9 16 25 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW
1 1 2
27
Q42. HOW WORRIED ARE YOU ABOUT LOSING YOUR HEALTH
CARE COVERAGE? BASE HAVE HEALTH COVERAGE
VERY/FAIRLY WORRIED (NET) 24 22 32
43 VERY WORRIED 16 13 24
32 FAIRLY WORRIED 9 9 8
11 SLIGHTLY/NOT AT ALL WORRIED (NET) 75
78 68 56 SLIGHTLY WORRIED 20 20
21 17 NOT WORRIED AT ALL 55 58
47 39 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 1
- 1
Q43. OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS, WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO
THE AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU HAVE PAID OUT-OF POCKET
FOR YOUR OWN HEALTHCARE, INCLUDING INSURANCE
PREMIUMS, DEDUCTIBLES, CO-PAYS AND DIRECT
PURCHASE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS OR SERVICES?
RISEN (NET) 75 77 71 67 IT HAS
RISEN A LOT 39 41 36 37 IT HAS
RISEN SOMEWHAT 36 36 35 30 IT HAS
STAYED THE SAME 17 15 17 20
DECLINED (NET) 5 4 10 9 IT
HAS DECLINED SOMEWHAT 3 2 6 4
IT HAS DECLINED A LOT 2 2 5 5
NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 3 3 2 4

28

• Q43A. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO PAY FOR THOSE COSTS?
• BASE OUT-OF-POCKET HEALTHCARE EXPENSES HAVE
  RISEN IN PAST 5 YEARS

USED YOUR SAVINGS 26 24 28
35 INCURRED DEBT (NET) 15 13 20
21 INCURRED CREDIT CARD DEBT THAT YOU
SUBSEQUENTLY PAID OFF 9 8 10
11 INCURRED CREDIT CARD DEBT THAT YOU STILL
CARRY 10 9 16 16 CUT BACK (NET)
43 42 54 47 CUT BACK ON NON-HEALTH
CARE RELATED SPENDING 35 34 45
40 CUT BACK ON ADDITIONAL HEALTH CARE
SPENDING 17 16 27 21 OTHER
(SPECIFY) 26 28 20 18 NO
ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 10 10 12 7
Q44. ARE YOU CURRENTLY EMPLOYED FULL-TIME OUTSIDE
THE HOME, PART-TIME, UNEMPLOYED BUT LOOKING FOR
WORK, NOT EMPLOYED OUTSIDE THE HOME AND NOT
LOOKING FOR WORK, A FULL-TIME STUDENT, OR RETIRED?
EMPLOYED (NET) 64 64 62 70
EMPLOYED FULL-TIME 55 53 54 58
EMPLOYED PART-TIME 9 10 8 12
UNEMPLOYED BUT LOOKING FOR WORK 6 5
12 10 NOT EMPLOYED AND NOT LOOKING 7
8 5 9 FULL-TIME STUDENT 3 2
5 2 RETIRED 20 22 16
8 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 1 1 1
1
29
Q44A. ARE YOU CURRENTLY SELF-EMPLOYED? BASE
EMPLOYED FULL/PART-TIME
YES 16 19 15 19 NO 84
81 84 78 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW -
- 3

• Q44B. DO YOU CURRENTLY WORK MORE THAN ONE JOB?
• BASE EMPLOYED FULL/PART-TIME

YES 17 17 20 14 NO 83 83
80 86
Q45. HOW WORRIED ARE YOU ABOUT LOSING YOUR JOB IN
THE NEXT YEAR OR SO? BASE EMPLOYED FULL/PART-TIME
VERY/FAIRLY WORRIED (NET) 19 17 26
34 VERY WORRIED 11 10 15
26 FAIRLY WORRIED 8 8 10
9 SLIGHTLY/NOT AT ALL WORRIED (NET) 81
83 74 65 SLIGHTLY WORRIED 20 19
23 19 NOT WORRIED AT ALL 60 64
51 46 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW
-
30
Q45A. OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS, HOW MANY TIMES DO
YOU EXPECT TO CHANGE JOBS? BASE EMPLOYED/LOOKING
FOR WORK/STUDENT
NONE - I WILL STAY AT THE SAME COMPANY FOR THE
NEXT TEN YEARS 54 58 43 47 1 OR
MORE (NET) 43 39 54 48 1 TIME
22 22 25 21 2 TIMES 13 10
17 13 3 TIMES 5 4 8 8
4 OR MORE TIMES 4 3 4 7 NO
ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 2 3 3 4

• Q45B. WHICH IS CLOSER TO YOUR VIEW?
• BASE EXPECT TO CHANGE JOBS IN NEXT 10 YEARS

I HAVE CHANGED JOBS OR MAY CHANGE JOBS IN THE
FUTURE BASED MAINLY ON MY PERSONAL AND CAREER
GOALS 58 57 49 51 I HAVE NEEDED
TO CHANGE JOBS OR MAY CHANGE JOBS IN THE FUTURE
TO MAINTAIN AN INCOME TO MEET MY BASIC NEEDS
38 39 48 47 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW
4 4 3 2
31
Q45C. WHICH IS CLOSER TO YOUR VIEW? BASE
EMPLOYED/LOOKING FOR WORK/STUDENT
I WILL CHANGE JOBS MORE TIMES IN MY LIFE THAN MY
PARENTS DID 51 54 45 38 I WILL
CHANGE JOBS FEWER TIMES IN MY LIFE THAN MY
PARENTS DID 29 27 40 44 I WILL
CHANGE JOBS ABOUT AS MANY TIMES AS MY PARENTS
DID 18 18 12 16 NO ANSWER/DON'T
KNOW 2 1 3 3
Q46. TURNING TO ANOTHER ISSUE, DO YOU BELIEVE YOU
ARE CURRENTLY SAVING ENOUGH FOR RETIREMENT, OR
NOT? BASE NOT RETIRED
SAVING ENOUGH 31 32 24 23 NOT
SAVING ENOUGH 66 64 75 76 NO
ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 3 3 2 1

• Q46A. DOES YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER OFFER YOU A
  RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN THAT ALLOWS
• YOU TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM YOUR SALARY TO AN
  INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT SET UP IN YOUR NAME?
• BASE EMPLOYED FULL/PART-TIME

YES 71 68 73 59 NO 27
30 26 41 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 2
2 1 1
32
Q46B. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING SOURCES OF INCOME DO
YOU EXPECT TO RELY ON TO PAY FOR
YOUR RETIREMENT? BASE EMPLOYED/UNEMPLOYED/STUDENT

INDIVIDUAL INVESTMENTS SAVINGS 70 70
66 63 EMPLOYER- PROVIDED RETIREMENT PLAN
70 71 69 66 SOCIAL SECURITY 56
58 57 60 SUPPORT FROM FAMILY MEMBERS
13 10 21 27
Q46C. HOW BIG IS THE RISK THAT YOU WILL OUTLIVE
YOUR SAVINGS IN RETIREMENT?
MAJOR RISK 33 31 38 47 MINOR RISK
44 46 35 31 NOT A RISK 19
19 24 19 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 3
4 3 4

• Q49. WHICH IS CLOSER TO YOUR VIEW?
• BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)

I AM CONFIDENT I CAN COUNT ON GOVERNMENT
SPONSORED BENEFITS SUCH AS SOCIAL SECURITY AND
MEDICARE TO HELP ME ACHIEVE FINANCIAL SECURITY
19 20 18 25 I AM CONCERNED THAT I
MAY NOT BE ABLE TO COUNT ON GOVERNMENT SPONSORED
BENEFITS SUCH AS SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE
LIKE OTHER GENERATIONS COULD 78 78 79
71 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 3 2 3
4
33
Q50. WHICH IS CLOSER TO YOUR VIEW? BASE TOTAL
ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)
IM CONFIDENT I CANRELY ON RETIREMENT SAVINGS OR
PENSION HELP FROM MY EMPLOYER TO HELP ME PROVIDE
FOR MY RETIREMENT 36 37 32 34 I
AM CONCERNED THAT I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RELY ON
RETIREMENT SAVINGS OR PENSION BENEFITS FROM MY
EMPLOYER LIKE OTHER GENERATIONS COULD 57
55 64 60 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 7
8 4 5
Q51. PLEASE TELL ME HOW MUCH YOU AGREE WITH THE
FOLLOWING STATEMENT. A) AT THE SAME TIME THAT
COMPANIES HAVE BEEN CUTTING BACK ON HEALTH CARE
BENEFITS AND PENSIONS, THE GOVERNMENT IS AVOIDING
ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS
AGREE (NET) 70 68 86 73 STRONGLY
AGREE 46 44 62 48 SOMEWHAT
AGREE 24 23 25 25 DISAGREE
(NET) 26 29 12 25 SOMEWHAT
DISAGREE 13 15 8 14 STRONGLY
DISAGREE 14 14 4 11 NO
ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 3 3 1 2
34

• Q51. PLEASE TELL ME HOW MUCH YOU AGREE WITH THE
  FOLLOWING STATEMENT.
• B) COMPANIES USED TO CARE MORE ABOUT THEIR
  EMPLOYEES THAN THEY DO NOW

AGREE (NET) 81 81 87 75 STRONGLY
AGREE 58 58 67 56 SOMEWHAT
AGREE 23 23 20 19 DISAGREE
(NET) 17 16 13 23 SOMEWHAT
DISAGREE 9 9 6 14 STRONGLY
DISAGREE 8 8 6 10 NO
ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 2 2 1 2
Q52. WHICH IS CLOSER TO YOUR VIEW?
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE
FOR EXPANDING PROGRAMS TO HELP AMERICANS FEEL
MORE ECONOMICALLY SECURE 44 38 66
56 OTHER GROUPS, SUCH AS EMPLOYERS, SHOULD BE
PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING FOR
AMERICANS SO THEY FEEL MORE ECONOMICALLY SECURE
42 46 30 35 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW
14 16 5 8
35
Q53. DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THIS
STATEMENT? MORE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS SHOULD HELP
THOSE STRUGGLING UNDER THE CURRENT ECONOMIC
CONDITIONS.
AGREE (NET) 69 65 89 80 STRONGLY
AGREE 43 37 68 54 SOMEWHAT AGREE
27 28 20 26 DISAGREE (NET) 29
32 11 18 SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 12
15 6 7 STRONGLY DISAGREE 16
17 5 10 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 2
2 2

• Q54. PLEASE TELL ME WHETHER YOU FAVOR OR OPPOSE
  THE FOLLOWING. (SUMMARY OF FAVOR
• STRONGLY)
• BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)

LIMITING RATE INCREASES ON ADJUSTABLE RATE
MORTGAGES TO KEEP THEM MORE AFFORDABLE 55
51 74 65 INCREASING GOVERNMENT
PROGRAMS TO PROVIDE HEALTH CARE INSURANCE TO
THOSE WHO CANT AFFORD IT 54 49 74
67 INCREASING GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON THINGS
LIKE PUBLIC-WORKS PROJECTS TO HELP CREATE JOBS
52 48 70 65 CUTTING TAXES JUST
FOR LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME PEOPLE 46 45
65 51 RAISING TAXES ON CORPORATIONS 46
44 53 48 RAISING TAXES ON HIGHER
INCOME PEOPLE 41 41 49 45
36
Q54. PLEASE TELL ME WHETHER YOU FAVOR OR OPPOSE
THE FOLLOWING. (SUMMARY OF FAVOR STRONGLY) -
continued BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)
PROVIDE GOVERNMENT-FUNDED CHILD CARE TO ALL
PARENTS SO THEY CAN WORK 40 35 64
68 EXPANDING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND
PROVIDING ADDITIONAL WEEKS OF BENEFITS 39
32 62 50 PROVIDE MORE PAID LEAVE TO
EMPLOYEES FOR MATERNITY AND DEPENDENT CARE
OBLIGATIONS 38 32 66 54 GIVING
MORE TAX REBATES TO STIMULATE THE ECONOMY 34
31 55 56 HELPING PEOPLE WHO CANT
AFFORD THEIR MORTGAGES BY SUSPENDING
FORECLOSURES ON HOUSES UNTIL THE ECONOMY GETS
BETTER 30 26 58 54 CUTTING TAXES
FOR BUSINESS 24 23 25 23
Q54. PLEASE TELL ME WHETHER YOU FAVOR OR OPPOSE
THE FOLLOWING. (SUMMARY OF FAVOR STRONGLY/SOMEWHAT
) BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)
INCREASINGGOVERNMENT SPENDING ON THINGS LIKE
PUBLIC-WORKS PROJECTS TO HELP CREATE JOBS 82
80 93 87 LIMITING RATE INCREASES ON
ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES TO KEEP THEM MORE
AFFORDABLE 78 76 88
86 INCREASING GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS TO PROVIDE
HEALTHCARE INSURANCE TO THOSE WHO CANT AFFORD
IT 76 74 91 90
37
Q54. PLEASE TELL ME WHETHER YOU FAVOR OR OPPOSE
THE FOLLOWING. (SUMMARY OF FAVOR STRONGLY/SOMEWHAT
) - continued BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)
CUTTING TAXES JUST FOR LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME
PEOPLE 75 75 82 72 RAISING TAXES
ON CORPORATIONS 69 65 77
72 PROVIDE MORE PAID LEAVE TO EMPLOYEES FOR
MATERNITY AND DEPENDENT CARE OBLIGATIONS 68
64 84 82 EXPANDING UNEMPLOYMENT
BENEFITS AND PROVIDING ADDITIONAL WEEKS OF
BENEFITS 67 62 87 79 PROVIDE
GOVERNMENT-FUNDED CHILD CARE TO ALL PARENTS SO
THEY CAN WORK 66 61 86
89 RAISING TAXES ON HIGHER INCOME PEOPLE 64
63 71 68 GIVING MORE TAX REBATES TO
STIMULATE THE ECONOMY 61 55 79
78 HELPING PEOPLE WHO CANT AFFORD THEIR
MORTGAGES BY SUSPENDING FORECLOSURES ON HOUSES
UNTIL THE ECONOMY GETS BETTER 60 57 82
77 CUTTING TAXES FOR BUSINESS 51 51
50 54
38
Q54. PLEASE TELL ME WHETHER YOU FAVOR OR OPPOSE
THE FOLLOWING. (SUMMARY OF OPPOSE STRONGLY/SOMEWHA
T) - continued BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)
CUTTING TAXES FOR BUSINESS 43 44
47 40 HELPING PEOPLE WHO CANT AFFORD
THEIR MORTGAGES BY SUSPENDING FORECLOSURES ON
HOUSES UNTIL THE ECONOMY GETS BETTER 38 39
17 20 GIVING MORE TAX REBATES TO
STIMULATE THE ECONOMY 37 42 20
21 RAISING TAXES ON HIGHER INCOME PEOPLE 35
35 27 28 PROVIDE GOVERNMENT-FUNDED
CHILD CARE TO ALL PARENTS SO THEY CAN WORK 32
37 14 10 EXPANDING UNEMPLOYMENT
BENEFITS AND PROVIDING ADDITIONAL WEEKS OF
BENEFITS 30 35 12 18 PROVIDE MORE
PAID LEAVE TO EMPLOYEES FOR MATERNITY AND
DEPENDENT CARE OBLIGATIONS 29 33 13
17 RAISING TAXES ON CORPORATIONS
28 31 21 23 CUTTING TAXES JUST FOR
LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME PEOPLE 23 23 17
27 INCREASING GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS TO PROVIDE
HEALTH CARE INSURANCE TO THOSE WHO CANT AFFORD
IT 23 25 9 8 LIMITING RATE
INCREASES ON ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES TO KEEP
THEM MORE AFFORDABLE 18 21 10
11 INCREASING GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON THINGS
LIKE PUBLIC-WORKS PROJECTS TO HELP CREATE JOBS
17 19 7 12
39
Q55. HAVE YOU RECEIVED A TAX REBATE CHECK FROM
THE GOVERNMENT YET?
YES, RECEIVED 52 54 43 46 NO 47
44 57 53 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 1
1 1
Q56. HOW HELPFUL WAS THE REBATE CHECK TO YOU
PERSONALLY IN HELPING TO MAKES ENDS MEET? BASE
RECEIVED TAX REBATE CHECK
HELPFUL (NET) 64 63 65 72 VERY
HELPFUL 23 23 26 35 SOMEWHAT
HELPFUL 41 40 39 37 NOT HELPFUL
(NET) 34 34 33 28 NOT VERY
HELPFUL 12 12 15 12 NOT HELPFUL
AT ALL 22 22 18 16 NO
ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 2 3 2 -

• Q57. TO WHAT EXTENT, IF ANY, DO GOVERNMENT AND
  COMPANIES HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP
• WORKERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR JOBS BECAUSE OF CHEAP
  FOREIGN WAGES AND INCREASED
• COMPETITION?

GREAT DEAL/SOMEWHAT (NET) 82 81 91
85 GREAT DEAL OF RESPONSIBILITY 42 41
53 39 SOMEWHAT OF A RESPONSIBILITY 40
39 38 46 NOT MUCH/NONE (NET) 16
17 8 12 NOT MUCH OF A
RESPONSIBILITY 9 10 4 6 NO
RESPONSIBILITY AT ALL 6 7 4
6 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 3 2 1
2
40

• Q58. HOW WORRIED ARE YOU THAT YOU COULD LOSE YOUR
  JOB OR NOT GET A JOB YOU WANT BECAUSE
• OF OUTSOURCING TO A FOREIGN COUNTRY OR BECAUSE OF
  FOREIGN COMPETITION?
• BASE NOT RETIRED (TOTAL ASKED)

VERY/FAIRLY WORRIED (NET) 32 28 46
45 VERY WORRIED 21 18 29
34 FAIRLY WORRIED 11 10 17
11 SLIGHTLY/NOT AT ALL WORRIED (NET) 67
70 54 52 SLIGHTLY WORRIED 13
13 18 13 NOT WORRIED AT ALL 53
57 36 39 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 1
2 3
Q58A. HOW WORRIED ARE YOU THAT YOU COULD LOSE
YOUR JOB OR NOT GET A JOB YOU WANTED BECAUSE OF
COMPETITION FROM UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS? BASE
NOT RETIRED (TOTAL ASKED)
VERY/FAIRLY WORRIED(NET) 23 21 42
23 VERY WORRIED 17 15 34 18
FAIRLY WORRIED 6 6 8 4
SLIGHTLY/NOT AT ALL WORRIED (NET) 75 78
58 76 SLIGHTLY WORRIED 9 11 13
11 NOT WORRIED AT ALL 66 67 45
64 NO ANSWER/DON'T KNOW 2 2 -
2
41

• Q59. PLEASE TELL ME IF YOU FAVOR OR OPPOSE THE
  FOLLOWING PROPOSAL.
• (SUMMARY OF FAVOR STRONGLY)
• BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)

MAKE IT LESS PROFITABLE FOR COMPANIES TO
OUTSOURCE JOBS TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES 63 65
69 43 INCREASE REGULATION OF MORTGAGE
LENDERS 60 61 55 53 PROVIDE
HIGHER TAX INCENTIVES FOR USE OF ALTERNATIVE
ENERGY 60 60 45 58 SET HIGHER
AUTOMOBILE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS FOR NEW CARS
SOLD IN THE U.S. 59 61 51 55
INCREASE THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE TO KEEP UP
WITH THE COST OF LIVING 58 53 82 76
PUT STRICTER LIMITS ON THE AMOUNT OF POLLUTION
WE PUT INTO THE ATMOSPHERE 58 53 75
69 PLACING STRICTER LIMITS ON THE AMOUNT OF
POLLUTION 54 53 68 72 PROVIDING
QUALITY HEALTH CARE COVERAGE FOR EVERYONE,
REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY 51 47
71 65 A MODEST INCREASE TO THE PAYROLL
TAX DESIGNED TO GUARANTEE EVERY WORKER AT LEAST
70 OF THEIR PRE- RETIREMENT INCOME IN
RETIREMENT 37 34 63 51 PROVIDE
GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE 33 28
62 55 PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO
PEOPLE WHO HAVE FALLEN BEHIND ON THEIR
MORTGAGES 23 16 52 42
42

• Q59. PLEASE TELL ME IF YOU FAVOR OR OPPOSE THE
  FOLLOWING PROPOSAL.
• (SUMMARY OF FAVOR STRONGLY/SOMEWHAT)
• BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)

PROVIDE HIGHER TAX INCENTIVES FOR USE OF
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY 84 86 71
84 PUT STRICTER LIMITS ON THE AMOUNT OF
POLLUTION WE PUT INTO THE ATMOSPHERE 84
83 86 87 INCREASE REGULATION OF
MORTGAGE LENDERS 84 84 75
70 INCREASE THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE TO KEEP
UP WITH THE COST OF LIVING 83 80 95
90 PLACING STRICTER LIMITS ON THE AMOUNT OF
POLLUTION 80 80 85 87 MAKE IT
LESS PROFITABLE FOR COMPANIES TO OUTSOURCE JOBS
TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES 79 79 81
64 SET HIGHER AUTOMOBILE FUELECONOMY
STANDARDS FOR NEW CARS SOLDIN THE U.S. 79
81 68 70 PROVIDING QUALITY HEALTH CARE
COVERAGE FOR EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR
ABILITY TO PAY 75 73 90 84 A
MODEST INCREASE TO THE PAYROLL TAX DESIGNED TO
GUARANTEE EVERY WORKER AT LEAST 70 OF THEIR
PRE- RETIREMENT INCOME IN RETIREMENT 69
66 84 80 PROVIDE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED
CHILD CARE 65 58 88 84 PROVIDE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE FALLEN
BEHIND ON THEIR MORTGAGES 55 50 86
73
43

• Q59. PLEASE TELL ME IF YOU FAVOR OR OPPOSE THE
  FOLLOWING PROPOSAL.
• (SUMMARY OF OPPOSE STRONGLY/SOMEWHAT)
• BASE TOTAL ASKED (SPLIT SAMPLE)

PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE
FALLEN BEHIND ON THEIR MORTGAGES 41 46
14 25 PROVIDE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED CHILD
CARE 32 38 11 11 A MODEST
INCREASE TO THE PAYROLL TAX DESIGNED TO
GUARANTEE EVERY WORKER AT LEAST 70 OF THEIR
PRE- RETIREMENT INCOME IN RETIREMENT 24 27
13 19 PROVING QUALITY HEALTH CARE
COVERAGE FOR EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR
ABILITY TO PAY 23 26 8 16 MAKE
IT LESS PROFITABLE FOR COMPANIES TO OUTSOURCE
JOBS TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES 20 19 18
28 SET HIGHER AUTOMOBILE FUEL ECONOMY
STANDARDS FOR NEW CARS SOLD IN THE U.S. 18
16 30 25 PLACING STRICTER LIMITS ON
THE AMOUNT OF POLLUTION 17 16 12
11 INCREASE THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE TO KEEP
UP WITH THE COST OF LIVING 16 19 5
9 PROVIDE HIGHER TAX INCENTIVES FOR USE OF
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY 15 13 25 12
PUT STRICTER LIMITS ON THE AMOUNT OF POLLUTION
WE PUT INTO THE ATMOSPHERE 15 15 12
10 INCREASE REGULATION OF MORTGAGE LENDERS
13 13 22 26