4/24: Majority View New York Economy as Steady State, Most Believe Cuomo Inherited Economic Conditions

A slim majority of New York State registered voters — 51% — thinks the state’s economy is staying about the same, but nearly three in ten — 29% — say it is getting worse.  21% think the economy is improving, a slight uptick from about two months ago.

Click Here for Complete April 24, 2013 The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll NYS Release and Tables

“Although New Yorkers still see a sluggish state economy, they don’t think Governor Cuomo is to blame,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “By more than four to one, voters believe the economic condition of the state is something the governor inherited not the result of his policies.  In fact, a majority think the state is headed in the right direction.”

When The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll last reported this question in early March, a majority — 53% — perceived the economy as status quo.  29% thought it was getting worse while 18% said it was getting better.

Voters believe the current economic conditions in New York are something that Governor Cuomo inherited and not a result of his own policies.  74% of registered voters statewide agree the state’s economic difficulties existed when Governor Cuomo assumed office, and only 17% believe the conditions are a result of his policies.  Nine percent are unsure.

The view that Cuomo inherited the economic conditions of the state extends across political party lines.  77% of Democrats, 72% of Republicans, and 75% of non-enrolled voters share this opinion.

A majority of voters — 53% — believes the state is moving in the right direction.  41% think it is moving in the wrong one, and 6% are unsure.  Nearly two months ago, 51% of registered voters statewide said the state was moving in the right direction, and 44% said it was going in the wrong one.  Four percent were unsure at that time.

Do New York voters think the Empire State is still in a recession?  Almost six in ten — 58% — do while 39% do not.  Three percent are unsure.

There has been a slight decrease in the proportion of voters who say the state is in a recession.  In March, 61% thought New York was in a recession while 35% did not characterize the state in this way.  Four percent, at that time, were unsure.  This is the lowest proportion of voters who believe the state’s economy is in a recession since before the spring of 2008.

Table: New York State Economy

Table: New York State Economy Over Time

Table: New York State Economic Conditions Inherited or Result of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Policies

Table: Direction of NYS

Table: Direction of NYS Over Time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table: NYS in a Recession?

Table: NYS in a Recession Over Time

 

Cuomo Approval Rating Holds Steady

A majority of registered voters in New York State — 54% — approve of the job Governor Cuomo is doing in office.  This includes 12% who think he is doing an excellent job and 42% who believe Cuomo is doing a good job as governor.  Another 27% give Mr. Cuomo a fair rating and 14% give him a poor one.  Five percent are unsure.

When The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll last reported this question, in early March, 12% of registered voters said Cuomo was doing an excellent job, and 44% said he was doing a good one.  At that time, 27% rated his job as fair, 13% thought his performance was poor, and 5% were unsure.

By region:

• Governor Cuomo’s approval rating is steady among upstate registered voters. Currently 48% approve of his job in office.  49% approved in March.
• His approval rating is also little changed in New York City.  58% currently approve of his job performance, and 60% of registered voters reported the same in March.
• In the city’s suburbs, 59% approve.  In March, 60% of registered voters approved of the job he was doing in office.

 By party:

• Governor Cuomo fails to impress the majority of Republicans.  37% currently rate his job performance as excellent or good, down from 46% in March.
• However, he is steady with non-enrolled voters.  46% give him high marks, the same proportion that did almost two months ago.
• Mr. Cuomo’s approval is 66% among registered Democrats, similar to 67% in March.

 New Yorkers have consistently expressed favorable views of Governor Cuomo.  Almost two-thirds of registered voters in New York State — 65% — have a positive opinion of the governor.  27% view him negatively, and 8% are unsure.

The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll reported similar numbers in early March.  At that time 66% viewed Governor Cuomo favorably, 25% viewed him negatively, and 9% were unsure.

Among Democrats, this rating is steady.  There has been some shifting among Republicans and non-enrolled voters.

By Party:

• 79% of Democrats view Governor Cuomo favorably, while 77% did so in March.
• Among non-enrolled voters, the governor’s favorability rating has risen from 55% in March to 62% now.
• Cuomo’s favorability among Republicans continues to slide.  Just under half of Republican voters statewide — 46% — view him favorably, whereas 60% did in March.

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Approval Rating

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Approval Rating Over Time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Favorability

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Favorability Over Time

Majority Approve of Cuomo’s Handling of the Budget

 54% of registered voters in New York State approve of how the governor is handling the state budget.  34% disapprove, and 12% are unsure.  These numbers are mostly unchanged since March when 55% of voters approved of Governor Cuomo’s budget handling, 36% disapproved, and 9% were unsure.

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Handling of the New York State Budget

Governor Cuomo’s Re-election Prospects

If Governor Cuomo runs for re-election in 2014, right now 47% of registered voters would cast their ballot for him.  25% think they would vote against the incumbent governor, and 15% say it depends on who runs against him.  13% are unsure.

“Should the governor seek re-election, he starts with a base of support of nearly half the electorate,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “That makes for an uphill fight for anyone looking to replace him next year.”

The governor’s support is strongest in New York City where a majority — 57% — would vote to re-elect him.  About half of voters in the city’s suburbs — 51% — would cast their ballot to give Governor Cuomo a second term.  The governor’s support is weakest upstate. There, 39% of voters say they are ready to re-elect the governor while 33% say they would vote against him.

Table: Re-elect Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2014

 Governor Cuomo’s image:

• Perceptions of the governor’s ideology have not changed since The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll last reported it.  Currently 34% of registered voters believe him to be liberal, 38% say that he is moderate, and 13% think of him as conservative.  15% are unsure.  In March, 35% said he was liberal.  37% placed him in the moderate category, and 14% thought he was conservative.  13%, at that time, were unsure.
• 67% of New York State voters think Cuomo is a good leader for the state.  28% disagree, and 5% are unsure.  This is little changed from about two months ago when 69% agreed that the governor is a good leader, 25% disagreed, and 6% were unsure.
• 64% of registered voters agree Governor Cuomo cares about the average person, while 30% do not share this view.  Six percent are unsure.  In March, 66% said that the governor cares, 28% disagreed, and 6% were unsure.
• Nearly six in ten voters — 58% — believe that Mr. Cuomo is changing the way things work in Albany for the better.  33% disagree, and 9% are unsure.  In March, 61% agreed that the governor was changing the State Capitol for the better, 32% disagreed, and 7% were unsure.
• As for whether the governor pays too much attention to national politics and not enough attention to New York State, registered voters statewide mostly disagree. 40% think he pays too much attention to national politics, but a slim majority — 51% — disagrees.  Nine percent are unsure.  This is little changed since March when 40% agreed that Cuomo’s attention is too fixed on the national scene, and 53% disagreed.  7%, then, were unsure.

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Ideology

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Ideology Over Time

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo as Leader

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo as Leader Over Time

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Cares About Average Person

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Impact on Albany

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Impact on Albany Over Time

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Attention to National Politics

Senate and Assembly Ratings Stagnant

 After seeing a bump in the legislative bodies’ ratings in a similar poll conducted in March, there has been little movement since then.

29% of registered voters statewide approve of the job the State Senate is doing.  Of these, 3% say the State Senate is doing an excellent job, and 26% say it is doing a good one.  41% rate its performance as fair while 26% give it a poor rating.  Four percent are unsure.

In March, 30% of registered voters approved of the job the State Senate was doing, including 3% who gave it an excellent rating and 27% who said it was doing a good job.  At that time, 39% said the legislative body was doing a fair job, and 25% rated it as poor.  6% were unsure.

27% of registered voters approve of the job the State Assembly is doing, including 3% who rate the Assembly’s performance as excellent and 24% who rate it as good.  42% say the legislative body is doing a fair job, and 24% believe it is doing a poor one.  Six percent are unsure.

Nearly two months ago, 30% of voters approved of the job the State Assembly was doing.  41% gave it a fair rating, and 24% believed it was doing a subpar job.  Five percent were unsure.

Table: New York State Senate Job Approval Rating

Table: New York State Senate Job Approval Rating (Over Time)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table: New York State Assembly Job Approval Rating

Table: New York State Assembly Job Approval Rating (Over Time)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nearly Half Approve of U.S. Senator Gillibrand

 Just under half of registered voters in New York State — 48% — approve of the job Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is doing in office.  This includes 13% of voters who think Gillibrand is doing an excellent job and 35% who believe she is doing a good one.  More than one in four voters — 27% — say Senator Gillibrand is doing a fair job in her post while 9% think she is performing poorly.  17% are unsure.

When The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll last reported this question almost two months ago, Senator Gillibrand’s approval rating was 50%.  24%, then, thought she was doing a fair job while 12% believed she fell short.  14% were unsure.

Table: Gillibrand Approval Rating

Table: Gillibrand Approval Rating (Over Time)

 Schumer Approval Rating Improves

 Senator Chuck Schumer enjoys a job approval rating of 58%.  Included here are 19% who think the senator is doing an excellent job and 39% who believe he is doing a good one.  24% rate his performance as fair while 13% say he is performing poorly.  Six percent are unsure.

In The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll in March, 54% gave Schumer a thumbs-up.  26% thought he was doing an average job while 13% believed he fell short.  Seven percent were unsure.

Table: Schumer Approval Rating

Table: Schumer Approval Rating (Over Time)

Majority in New York State Approves of Obama’s Job Performance

 Among registered voters in New York State, just over half — 52% — approve of the job President Barack Obama is doing in office.  This includes 19% who think he is doing an excellent job and 33% who say he is doing a good one.  22% give Obama fair marks while 26% say his performance is poor.  One percent is unsure.

When The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll last reported this question in March, 50% approved of Mr. Obama’s job performance.  22% thought he was doing an average job, and 27% thought his performance fell short.  Less than 1% was unsure.

Table: Obama Approval Rating

Table: Obama Approval Rating Over Time

 

 

How the Survey was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

 

 

3/8: More View NYS Economy as Getting Worse, Fewer See It Improving

Although a majority of New York State voters — 53% — think the state’s economy is staying about the same as it has been, there has been an uptick in the proportion of voters who think it is getting worse and a drop in the proportion who believe it is getting better.  Nearly three in ten — 29% — say the state’s economy is getting worse, and 18% report it is getting better.

Click Here for Complete March 8, 2013 NYS Marist Poll Release and Tables

“The sluggish economy continues to impact New Yorkers,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “In fact, the proportion of voters who think the economy is getting better and not worse has flipped since last spring.”

When Marist last reported this question in April, nearly half — 49% — perceived the economy as status quo.  27% thought it was getting better while 23% said it was getting worse.

Among Republicans — 40% — and non-enrolled voters — 35%, there has been an increase in the proportions of those who view the state’s economy as worsening.  In April, 33% of Republicans and 23% of non-enrolled voters statewide shared this view.  Among Democrats, there has been little change in the proportion of those who perceive the economy as getting worse.  21% have this view now while 18% did so last spring.  However, there has been an increase in the proportion of Democrats who believe the economy is about the same as it has been.  57% of Democrats currently have this view compared with 45% in April.

By region, the largest shift has occurred in the suburbs of New York City.  While 35% of these voters thought the state’s economy was on an upswing last spring, 15% have this impression now.  However, nearly six in ten in this region — 58% — say the economy is status quo compared with 44% in April.  Upstate, 16% of registered voters think the state’s economy is getting better compared with 22% in April.  A third of these voters — 33% — perceive the economy as worsening while 27% had this view last spring.

But, do New York voters think the Empire State is in a recession?  More than six in ten — 61% — do while 35% do not.  Four percent are unsure.

There has been a modest decrease in the proportion of voters who say the state is in a recession.  In April, 67% thought New York was in a recession while 30% did not characterize the state in this way.  Three percent, at that time, were unsure.

Table: New York State Economy

Table: New York State Economy Over Time

Table: NYS in a Recession?

Majority Perceives Family Finances as Steady

When it comes to their own personal family finances, a majority of registered voters statewide — 56% — think their family finances will remain about the same in the coming year.  One in four — 25% — say they will get better while 19% believe their financial situation will get worse.

In April, 53% of voters did not expect any change in their family finances, 31% believed they would get better while 16% said they would get worse.

Table: Family Finances in the Coming Year

Table: Family Finances in the Coming Year Over Time

Gas Prices Stretch Family Finances

Almost three in four New Yorkers who have gas expenses — 74% — experience some amount of financial strain on family finances due to the price of gas.  This includes 31% who feel a great deal of financial strain and 43% who have a moderate amount of stress because of this expense.  15%, however, do not feel much economic strain while 11% feel none at all.

When Marist last reported this question in April, 78% felt, at least, a moderate amount pain at the pump.  12% didn’t experience much financial strain due to the price of gas while 10% underwent none at all.

But, are drivers adjusting their transportation choices because of the high price of gas?  A slim majority — 51% — say they are.  49% are not.  In April, 58% of drivers reported they changed their driving habits because of gas prices while 42% said they did not.

Table: Amount of Financial Strain Caused by Higher Gas Prices

Table: Impact of Gas Prices on Driving Habits

 

How the Survey was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

 

 

12/14: More than One in Ten Holiday Shoppers Spending More this Holiday Season

While 51% of Americans who spend money on holiday shopping say they expect to dish out about the same amount of money as they did last year, there has been both an uptick in those who expect to spend more this holiday season and a decline in the proportion who say they will spend less.  12% of holiday shoppers plan to spend more money this year which is the highest in more than a decade.  Last year, only 7% of holiday shoppers were poised to increase their spending.  There has also been a slight decrease in the proportion of those who plan to spend less.  37% say they will decrease their expenditures on holiday shopping this year.  In 2011, 42% of holiday shoppers planned to cut back on their holiday spending.  At that time, 50% said they would spend about the same as they had the previous year.

Click Here for Complete December 14, 2012 USA Marist Poll Release and Tables

Are holiday shoppers turning to the Internet to make their purchases?  44% say they don’t expect to buy any of their presents online.  56%, however, will surf the web for holiday gifts, including 42% who will buy some of their holiday presents electronically and 14% who plan to do all or most of their shopping in cyberspace.

In December of 2010, 47% said they would not buy any holiday presents online.  53% reported they would shop online, including 42% who said some of their purchases would be done in this way and 11% who reported they would buy all or most of their gifts on the Internet.

Table: Holiday Spending Habits

Table: Holiday Spending Habits (Over Time)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table: Online Holiday Shopping

Table: Online Holiday Shopping (Over Time)

Ho, Ho, Holiday Headaches: Crowds Top the List

Which aspect of the holiday season do Americans dislike most?  33% do not like the crowds.  18% are not fans of credit card debt.  Finding the right gift is the biggest hassle for 15% while packing on the extra pounds is the hardest part for 12% of Americans.  Eight percent most dislike being in the company of certain relatives, and traveling is the most unpleasant aspect of the season for 5%.  Eight percent are unsure.

Regardless of region, income, age, or gender, crowds are the biggest hassle of the holiday season.

Table: Most Disliked Part of the Holiday Season

How the Survey was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

4/19: Nearly Eight in Ten New York Drivers Feel Pinch at the Pump

The higher cost of gasoline has created increased financial strain for New York State drivers.  According to this NY1/YNN-Marist Poll, 78% of New Yorkers with gasoline expenses report the increased cost has put, at least, a moderate amount of strain on their family budget.  This includes 36% who say it has added a great deal of strain and 42% who feel a moderate amount of financial stress.  12% report gas prices have not added very much strain to their personal finances while 10% say it has added no stress at all.

Click Here for Complete Thursday, April 19, 2012 NYS NY1/YNN-Marist Poll Release and Tables

These results are comparable to those found nationally.  In a recent McClatchy-Marist Poll, 77% of adults nationally reported they have experienced, at least, a moderate amount of strain due to increased gas prices, 12% said they haven’t undergone very much financial stress, and 10% reported they did not have any strain at all.

“People are experiencing significant pain at the pump,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, “Many are changing their driving habits, and a notable number expect to change their vacation plans.”

Not surprisingly, income is a factor.  Half of those who earn less than $50,000 annually — 50% — say they have experienced a great deal of financial strain as a result of higher gas prices.  This compares with 33% who make $50,000 to just under $100,000 and 19% of those who earn $100,000 or more.

Table: Amount of Financial Strain Caused by Higher Gas Prices

U-Turn for NYS Drivers… More Than One-Third of New Yorkers to Change Travel Plans

Nearly six in ten drivers in New York State — 58% — have changed their driving habits because of high gas prices.  42%, however, have not.

Regionally, gas prices have had a greater impact on upstate drivers.  63% of those living in the region say they have altered their driving habits.  54% of New York City drivers and the same proportion of those in the city’s suburbs — 54% — report the same.

There are gender differences on this question.  63% of women compared with 53% of men have changed their driving practices thanks to high gas costs.

And, 35% of New York State adults believe they are likely to change their vacation plans because of high gas prices.  64% say it is not very likely they will adjust their plans, and 1% is unsure.

Income plays a role.  43% of those who earn less than $50,000 a year say it is likely they will re-think their vacation plans.  34% of those who make $50,000 to just under $100,000 and 20% who bring in $100,000 or more believe it’s likely they will change their vacation plans.

Table: Impact of Gas Prices on Driving Habits

Table: Impact of Gas Prices on Vacation Plans

How the Survey Was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

4/18: Guarded Optimism about NYS Economy Remains

Has the New York State economy turned the economic corner?  A slim majority of registered voters in New York — 51% — believe the worst of the state’s economic conditions are over.  44% say the worst is still to come, and 5% are unsure.

Click Here for Complete April 18, 2012 NYS NY1/YNN-Marist Poll Release and Tables

There has been little change on this question since NY1/YNN-Marist’s January survey when 52% of voters reported the worst of New York’s tough economic times were behind us, 44% thought there was more bad economic news ahead, and 5% were unsure.

“Although New Yorkers are somewhat optimistic about the economy, their faith in the recovery remains fragile,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.

When it comes to the state of New York’s economy, a plurality of voters report it’s steady.  Nearly half — 49% — believe the economy is about the same as it has been.  More than one in four — 27% — says it is getting better while 23% think it is getting worse.

Here, too, similar proportions shared these views in January.  At that time, the same proportion — 49% — said the New York economy was status quo, 26% reported it was improving, and 25% believed it was getting worse.

Is New York in a recession?  About two-thirds of voters — 67% — think so while 30% believe the recession is over.  Three percent are unsure.

When NY1/YNN-Marist last reported this question in January, 72% of voters believed New York to be in a recession while 26% did not.  Three percent, at the time, were unsure.

Table: NYS Economy — Will It Get Worse?

Table: NYS Economy — Will It Get Worse? (Over Time)

Table: New York State Economy

Table: New York State Economy Over Time

Table: NYS in a Recession?

Steady State for Family Finances, Says Majority

When it comes to their personal family finances, a majority of New York State voters expect little change in the next year.  53% believe their personal financial picture will remain about the same while 31% think it will get better.  16% report it will get worse.

These proportions are little changed from January when 55% expected their financial situation to stay the course.  30% thought an improvement was on the horizon while 15% anticipated their family finances would get worse.

Table: Family Finances in the Coming Year

Table: Family Finances in the Coming Year Over Time

More Than Seven in Ten New Yorkers Support Increasing the Minimum Wage

72% of adults in New York State believe raising the minimum wage is a good idea because it adds to income during difficult times.  25%, however, say it is a bad idea because in difficult times, small businesses will hire fewer people who need jobs.  Three percent are unsure.

These proportions are nearly identical to those reported in NY1/YNN-Marist’s January survey.  At that time, 69% thought increasing the minimum wage was a good idea while 27% believed it was a bad idea.  Four percent, then, were unsure.

Table: Is Raising the Minimum Wage a Good or Bad Idea?

How the Survey was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

4/13: Forget the Mattress! More than One in Four Americans “Freeze” Their Assets

With the clock ticking down to Tax Day, money is on the minds of many Americans.  When it comes to the “mad” money they keep in their homes, where do they like to stash it?  More than one in four Americans — 27% — reports they hide their money in the freezer.  19% of residents “sock” their green away while 11% sleep well at night with their cash stuffed under their mattress.  One in ten — 10% — buries their dough in the cookie jar while 9% leave their loot in some other household location.  17% say there is no good place in the home to hide their money, and 7% are unsure.

Click Here for Complete Friday, April 13, 2012 USA Marist Poll Release and Tables

Looking at age, Americans 45 and older — 21% — are more than two times as likely than younger Americans — 10% — to report there is no good place in the home to hide money.

For both women — 28% — and men — 25%, the freezer is the most popular place in the home to keep their money safe.

Table: Location in Home to Hide Money

How the Survey was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

 

3/28: Despite Increased Economic Optimism, Americans Still Feel Pinch…Gas Prices a Factor

More Americans have a brighter outlook about the future of the U.S. economy.  According to this national McClatchy-Marist Poll, 49% of U.S. residents say the worst of the country’s economic woes are behind us while 45% report there is more bad news ahead.  Six percent are unsure.  The proportion of residents who believe the nation’s tough economic times are over is the highest since January of 2011 when a majority — 54% — thought the country had turned the economic corner.

Click Here for Complete March 28, 2012 USA McClatchy-Marist Poll Release and Tables

These latest findings are in contrast to McClatchy-Marist’s November survey when 53% of Americans reported that, when thinking about the future of the U.S. economy, the worst was still to come.  41%, at that time, said the worst was behind us, and 5% were unsure.

“A growing number of Americans believe the economy is back on track,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “But, continued pain at the pump threatens to derail this optimism.”

And, while many Americans still view the nation as in a recession, fewer have this perception.  In fact, the proportion who currently reports the country is in a recession — 66% — is the lowest in four years.  Three in ten U.S. adults — 30% — now believe the nation is not in a recession, and 4% are unsure.

When McClatchy-Marist last reported this question in November, 73% of residents said America was in a recession, 25% believed the opposite was true, and 3%, at that time, were unsure.

Table: U.S. Economy — Will It Get Worse?

Table: U.S. Economy — Will It Get Worse? (Over Time)

Table: U.S. in a Recession

Table: U.S. in a Recession Over Time

Rising Gas Prices Strap Americans…Plenty of Blame to Go Around

What is the overall impact of the higher cost of gas on Americans’ wallets?  77% of U.S. adults say rising gas prices have put at least a moderate  amount of strain on their family’s budget.  Included here are 37% who say they have experienced a great deal of strain and 40% who have felt a moderate pinch at the pump.  12% report the increased cost has not had much of a strain on their family finances, and 10% say the prices have had no strain at all.

When Marist last reported this question in April of 2008, 56% of Americans said higher gas prices put a great deal of strain on their finances while 26% thought it added a moderate amount of stress on their family budgets.

As gas prices rise, there’s little consensus about the cause of the hike.  34% point a finger at the turmoil in the Middle East followed closely by 31% who blame the U.S. oil companies.  17% say President Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress are responsible while just 7% put the onus on the Republicans in Congress.  Four percent report state and local taxes are at fault, and 7% are unsure.

When McClatchy-Marist last reported this question in April 2011, 36% blamed the upset in the Middle East, 34% said the oil companies were at the root of the problem, and 11% thought the president and Congressional Democrats were at fault.  Seven percent pointed a finger at the Republicans in Congress, and 3% reported state and local taxes were responsible.  10%, at the time, were unsure.

Higher gas prices impact Americans’ daily routine.  A majority — 53% — say they have changed their driving habits due to the price of gas while 46% have not, and 1% is unsure.

And, U.S. residents see no relief in sight.  In fact, Americans expect the cost of a gallon of gas in their neighborhood to average $4.38 a gallon by Memorial Day.

The higher cost of gas isn’t the only factor which has prompted Americans to tighten their belts.

• Higher food costs have caused a great deal of strain for 20% of Americans.  47% have felt a moderate amount of financial burden while 18% have experienced little strain.  15% have undergone no added financial difficulty.  In 2008, 25% reported a substantial strain due to rising food costs while 43% experienced a moderate deal of strain.
• Affording health care has also been problematic for many.  The increased cost has created a great deal of financial burden for 19% while an additional 40% have felt a moderate amount of burden.  14%, though, have not experienced a lot of strain, and 27% have undergone no financial stress at all.  In 2008, 23% of Americans experienced a great deal of financial stress due to increased health care costs while 29% had a moderate amount of additional strain.
• When it comes to the added financial burden caused by the higher cost of a mortgage or rent, 12% have experienced a great deal of financial strain, 28% have felt moderate stress while 17% and 43%, respectively, have undergone very little or none at all.  Four years ago, 15% of U.S. residents said increased mortgage or rent payments added a lot to their financial strain while 23% reported it caused some concern.

There has been an increase in the proportion of Americans who believe their overall, personal financial picture in the next year will improve.  32% have this view while 14% say it will get worse.  A majority — 55% — reports there will be no difference in their family finances.

In McClatchy-Marist’s November survey, 22% thought their money matters would improve, 19% reported they would get worse, and 59% said their finances would remain about the same.

Table: Amount of Financial Strain Caused by Higher Gas Prices

Table: Cause of High Gas Prices

Table: Cause of High Gas Prices (Over Time)

Table: Impact of Gas Prices on Driving Habits

Table: Cost of Gas per Gallon by Memorial Day

Table: Cost of Gas per Gallon by Memorial Day (Over Time)

Table: Amount of Financial Strain Caused by Higher Food Prices

Table: Amount of Financial Strain Caused by Health Care Prices

Table: Amount of Financial Strain Caused by Higher Mortgage or Rent Prices

Table: Amount of Financial Strain Summary (Over Time)

Table: Your Personal Family Finances – Better, Worse, or the Same?

Table: Your Personal Family Finances – Better, Worse, or the Same? (Over Time)

How the Survey was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

3/27: McClatchy-Marist Poll

Is the recession over?  Are Americans feeling the pinch from higher gas prices?

Find out in the latest national McClatchy-Marist Poll.  To read the full McClatchy article, click here.

1/26: Brighter Financial Days Ahead, Says Majority in NY

New York State voters see a light at the end of the financial tunnel.  A majority of registered voters statewide — 52% — believe the worst of the state’s economic woes are behind them.  44% think the worst is yet to come, and 5% are unsure.

Click Here for Complete January 26^th, 2012 NYS NY1/YNN-Marist Poll Release and Tables

This is in stark contrast with voters’ views from November.  In that NY1/YNN-Marist Poll, a majority — 54% — thought there were more tumultuous economic times on the horizon while 42% said the worst was over.  Four percent, at the time, were unsure.

“More New York voters are beginning to see an improved economic picture,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “It’s not exactly rosy but the gloom is lifting.”

Key points:

• Perceptions of the economy’s future have improved among both Democrats and Republicans.  59% of Democrats and 44% of Republicans now report the worst is over.  This compares with 47% and 32%, respectively, in November.  46% of non-enrolled voters share this view compared with 42% in the previous poll.
• Regionally, the greatest change has occurred in New York City.  A majority of voters in this region — 55% — see a clearer economic picture ahead while only 39% held this view in November.  Upstate voters are also more positive.  Half — 50% — of voters, compared with 38% two months ago, think better days are ahead.  In the suburbs of New York City, 51% have this view, little changed from 52% in November.

Not only do voters think the worst of the state’s economic problems are over, they believe the state’s economy is on an upswing.  More than one in four voters — 26% — report New York’s economy is getting better; double the proportion — 13% — who shared this opinion in November.  One in four voters — 25% — still say the state’s economy is getting worse, but 36% felt this way in the last poll.  Almost half — 49% — report it is about the same, relatively unchanged from the 51% in NY1/YNN-Marist’s previous survey.

Key points:

• Looking at party, about one in three Democratic voters — 33% — say the economy is improving, a 17 percentage point increase from 16% in November.  Among non-enrolled voters, 21% see the economy as getting better compared with 11% previously.  19% of Republicans share this view while 10% did so in November.

While more than seven in ten voters in New York say the state is still in a recession, there has been a slight decrease in the proportion who thinks this to be so.  72% think New York is in a recession while 26% believe it is not, and 3% are unsure.  In November, 78% thought the statewide economy to be in this condition, 20% reported it was not, and 2% were unsure.

Table: NYS Economy — Will It Get Worse?

Table: NYS Economy — Will It Get Worse? (Over Time)

Table: New York State Economy

Table: New York State Economy Over Time

 

Table: NYS in a Recession?

Voters More Upbeat About Personal Finances

On the home front, there has been an increase in the proportion of voters who perceive their family finances to be improving.  Three in ten — 30% — have this impression while 15% think their money matters are getting worse.  A majority — 55% — see their finances as status quo.

When NY1/YNN-Marist last reported this question in November, 23% said their family finances were getting better, 22% thought they were getting worse, and 55% believed they were about the same.

Key points:

• While voters across the state are more positive about their financial picture, those in New York City are the most optimistic.  41% of these voters say their finances are improving compared with 28% in the city’s suburbs and 24% of upstate voters.  In November, those proportions stood at 28%, 23%, and 20%, respectively.

Table: Family Finances in the Coming Year

Table: Family Finances in the Coming Year Over Time

Up the Minimum Wage?  Nearly Seven in Ten Adults Think So

69% of New York State adults believe raising the minimum wage is a good idea because it adds money to people’s income during difficult times.  27%, however, say it is a bad idea because small businesses will hire fewer people who need jobs when times are tough.  Four percent are unsure.

Key points:

• Across each region, more than six in ten adults support the idea of increasing the minimum wage in the state.  However, more residents in New York City — 75% — say the idea is a good one compared with 68% of those in the city’s suburbs and 64% of upstate residents.

Table: Is Raising the Minimum Wage a Good or Bad Idea?

How the Survey Was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

11/22: Optimism Grows About Future of the Economy, But Many Still View U.S. as in Recession

Although a majority of adults nationally say, when thinking about the future of the U.S. economy, the worst is still ahead, there has been a decrease in the proportion of residents who have this view.  53% of Americans believe there is more bad economic news ahead while 41% report the worst is behind us.  Five percent are unsure.

Click Here for Complete November 22, 2011 USA McClatchy-Marist Poll Release and Tables

In McClatchy-Marist’s September survey, more than six in ten U.S. residents — 61% — thought the worst of the nation’s economic conditions were ahead while 35% said the worst was over.  Three percent, at the time, were unsure.

Similar proportions of registered voters share these views.  A majority of voters — 53% — report the worst is ahead, 41% say it is over, and 6% are unsure.  Regardless of party, there has been a slight increase in optimism about the future of the U.S. economy.

However, 73% of residents believe the country is in a recession while 25% say it is not.  Three percent are unsure.

Little has changed on this question since September.  At that time, 75% thought the economy was in a recession, 22% said it was not, and 3% were unsure.

When it comes to family finances, overall, 59% think their financial picture will remain about the same in the coming year.  More than one in five — 22% — believe their finances will get better, and 19% report they will get worse.

In Marist’s October survey, 55% thought their personal money matters would stay about the same, 28% said they would improve, and 17% reported they would get worse.

Table: U.S. Economy — Will It Get Worse?

Table: U.S. Economy — Will It Get Worse? (Over Time)

Table: U.S. in a Recession

Table: U.S. in a Recession Over Time

Table: Your Personal Family Finances – Better, Worse, or the Same?

Table: Your Personal Family Finances – Better, Worse, or the Same? (Over Time)

Obama Avoids Blame for Economy…Half See Good in Obama Jobs Plan

Politically speaking, many registered voters nationally do not blame President Barack Obama for the nation’s current economic conditions.  In fact, six in ten voters — 60% — believe the president inherited the country’s financial situation.  32%, however, think the nation’s economy is a result of the president’s own policies, and 8% are unsure.

Little has changed on this question.  In September, 60% reported Mr. Obama was handed the country’s economic conditions while 34% believed the president’s policies caused them.  Six percent, at the time, were unsure.

When it comes to the president’s jobs plan, half of adults nationally — 50% — think his proposal will do more good than harm.  40%, however, think the plan will have the opposite impact, and 2% say it will make no difference.  Nine percent are unsure.

A couple of months ago, 51% thought there was more good than harm in the president’s plan while 38% said it was more harmful than helpful.  Only 1% reported it would have no impact on the jobs picture, and 11%, at the time, were unsure.

Who do Americans trust more to create jobs?  Residents divide.  46% have more faith in President Obama while 42% trust the Republicans in Congress to create more jobs.  12% are unsure.

Similar proportions had these views in September.  At that time, 45% put more trust in President Obama to create jobs while 41% had more confidence in Congressional Republicans.  14%, then, were unsure.

Table: Current Economic Conditions Inherited

Table: Current Economic Conditions Inherited Over Time

Table: Impact of President Obama’s Proposal to Create Jobs

Table: Who Do You Trust More to Create Jobs, President Obama or the Republicans in Congress?

McClatchy-Marist Poll Methodology

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