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Research Studies: Economy & Federal Budget

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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Let the People Speak: Report of the Citizen's Tax Assembly

Public Agenda worked with the citizen's group The New Jersey Coalition for the Public Good to prepare Choicework materials (video and print), as well as train organizers and moderators for a Citizen's Tax Assembly. This report provides the background, proceedings, and conclusions of the Assembly held in Trenton, New Jersey in 2003, and which brought together more than 90 diverse delegates from across the state to discuss the best direction and strategy for tax reform. The Citizen's Tax Assembly was supported by the Fund for New Jersey, the Geraldine R.
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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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