Slip-Sliding Away: An Anxious Public Talks about Today's Economy and the American Dream

Scott Bittle and Jon Rochkind, with Amber N. Ott

Despite signs of recovery from the "Great Recession," significant numbers of Americans find themselves living lives of economic struggle, and worry about whether they'll keep a middle-class life in the long term.

Four in ten Americans (40 percent) say they're struggling "a lot" in the current economy, while fewer than 2 in 10 say they're not struggling at all – and those two groups live in different worlds, according to the telephone survey exploring the views of 1,004 adults, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

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The Buck Stops Where?: What D.C. Influencers Say About The National Debt

Scott Bittle and Jon Rochkind, with Samantha DuPont

"The Buck Stops Where? What D.C. Influencers And The Public Say About The National Debt," the November 2010 update of Public Agenda's public opinion surveys on this issue, is Part II in our series of reports designed to examine attitudes among Beltway "movers and shakers" on the nation's fiscal problems.

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Are We Beginning To See The Light?: Public And Parents Buy Into The Need To Ramp Up Math And Science Education But Most Still Think Their Local Schools Are Doing Fine

Jean Johnson, Jon Rochkind and Amber N. Ott

Americans are convinced that math and science skills are crucial for the future, according to "Are We Beginning To See The Light?", a Public Agenda survey which found strong majorities who say there will be more jobs and college opportunities for students with those skills.

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Compassion, Concern and Conflicted Feelings: New Yorkers on Homelessness and Housing

Ana Maria Arumi and Andrew L. Yarrow with Amber Ott and Jonathan Rochkind

Eight in 10 New Yorkers say homelessness is a major problem both locally and nationally. An overwhelming majority considers shelter to be a basic human right, and two-thirds say people are homeless because of circumstances beyond their control. Affordable housing is named as the chief concern facing New York City, and more than one-third say they feel personally vulnerable to becoming homeless.

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It's Time to Pay Our Bills: Americans' Perspectives on the National Debt

This report, part of the "Facing Up to the Nation's Finances" initiative, analyzes public thinking about the U.S. government's fiscal future and providing political leaders with six specific, publicly supported steps so that real federal budget reform could take place. The report is based on in-depth analyses of ongoing public opinion research that began last year.

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Facing Up to the Nation's Finances: Understanding Public Attitudes About the Federal Budget

Two public opinion research studies from the nonpartisan "Facing Up to the Nation's Finances" initiative conclude that the public has little difficulty understanding the magnitude of the fiscal challenge facing the nation and is willing to consider tough tradeoffs to address the growing national debt. But public support comes with one key condition: finding ways to increase trust that their leaders will spend their money responsibly.

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COMMENTS:

What a real shame to of (by Anonymous, on September 28, 2008)
What a real shame to of served this country during the Viet Nam War , Employed by the Federal Govt. for the past 30 plus years, been in the contracting field since the 70's and have watched many different managers NEVER but once just CUT OFF all the ability to use that famous "dump" that is always spent the last few days of the fiscal year... Wonder if someone could pull another little deed at the comptroller. and kill / stop the complete ability to have any additional funds. Come on all of you that must be in the Acquisition Work Force .... LOOK AT A BIGGER PICTURE.. than fixing up your office or redecorating your C.O's, Dept Head office.. or plant flowers .... Well I am certain with all the stuff going on in the Finance world.. Maybe you may just get it.. finally.... Turn those millions back in!!! Just a marine that really loves this country.

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A Few Bad Apples?: An Exploratory Look at What Typical Americans Think about Business Ethics Today

Steve Farkas, Ann Duffett and Jean Johnson with Beth Syat

In focus groups conducted in collaboration with The Kettering Foundation, Public Agenda found that citizens define business ethics more broadly than executives do. When typical citizens talk about business ethics, they cite executives who enrich themselves while driving their companies into the ground. Protecting employees' jobs, they say, should be a top ethical priority. When executives talk about ethics, they are concerned about the damage recent scandals have done to business' reputation and the need to restore public trust.

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Miles to Go: A Status Report on Americans' Plans for Retirement

Steve Farkas and Jean Johnson.

A follow-up to the 1994 study Promises to Keep, this new study explores how Americans view retirement; what they see as their own responsibilities; and what policies and programs might encourage them to better plan for retirement. Based on a national survey of not-retired individuals aged 22 to 61, this survey also explores current attitudes toward Social Security. 1997.

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The Values We Live By: What Americans Want From Welfare Reform

Steve Farkas with Jean Johnson.

This study examines public attitudes toward welfare reform: why the public is so frustrated with the system; what kind of change it is seeking. 1996.

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Attitudes Toward Welfare and Welfare Reform: A Focus Group Report

Steve Farkas.

Based on a series of focus groups in six cities, this study examines what citizens don't like about welfare and where they believe the system has gone wrong. 1995. For a free single copy call the Kaiser Foundation, 800-656-4533. Ask for Report #1094.

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Promises to Keep: How Leaders and the Public Respond to Saving and Retirement

Steve Farkas.

A comprehensive look at why many Americans have difficulty saving for retirement. The report details the major barriers to action, including cultural factors and personality traits. 1994. Technical Appendix: $20.00

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Putting the Work Ethic to Work:

Daniel Yankelovich and John Immerwahr.

A ground-breaking report on the state of the American work ethic and its relationship to America's economic vitality. The report is based on in-depth interviews with 845 working Americans and includes findings from comparative studies conducted in Great Britain, West Germany, Japan, Israel, and Sweden. 1983.

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