Poll: Helping the Working Poor Should Be Top Government Priority
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Poll: Helping the Working Poor Should Be Top Government Priority
Results Defy Political Wisdom that Only the “Middle Class” Matters to Voters
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Eric Sapp: 703-863-6403,
Washington, DC.— A sizable majority of likely voters are concerned about the plight of the working poor in America and are more likely to vote for candidates who support government programs to help them, according to a new nationwide survey by The Prime Group polling firm. This survey comes at a time when many candidates have avoided talking about the challenges facing low income families to instead focus almost exclusively on the economic needs of the “middle class.”
The poll shows that focusing solely on the middle class is a mistake. Not only do Americans respond more favorably to messaging around the poor based on how hard they work, but they find these messages more compelling than the best arguments for cutting government programs that help lower income Americans. When asked to choose between the best argument in support of government programs to help struggling families and the best argument for cutting those programs, 58% of respondents found the new messages supporting government poverty programs more convincing.
“It’s hard work being poor in America and it’s important that politicians communicate that,” says Jim Wallis, President and CEO of Sojourners. “People of faith have a moral obligation to speak out for those who are struggling during tough times. This poll shows that your average American is compassionate and cares about their neighbor, when candidates speak to those values it’s good politics and good for us all.”
Not only did respondents prefer the new messages about the working poor, they found hypothetical candidates using them more authentic and principled than those who focused only on the middle class. Respondents were also more sympathetic to addressing economic issues facing low income individuals when they were defined by their actions and efforts (such as “working poor” or “struggling families”) rather than in terms of their vulnerability, need, or lack of privilege.
“As a country, we value hard work and opportunity, and that has been at the core of our identity. But in recent years, hard work and long hours haven’t been enough. More Americans are falling below the poverty line, no matter how hard we work,” says Jeffrey Buchanan, Oxfam America’s senior domestic policy advisor. “Speaking up for the working poor is not only vital, but it’s a winning argument that resonates with a majority of Americans who want to find viable solutions.”
The survey found that 87 percent of likely voters believe that helping the working poor should be a top or important priority of government. It also found that more than two-thirds of those surveyed (69 percent) say that poor people in the United States do work but cannot earn a decent living, rather than that the poor are largely unwilling to work (31 percent).
“Many of the working poor rely on government safety net programs—many of which continue to face budget cuts,” said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. “Our elected officials must create a circle of protection around vital programs that help the working poor and struggling families lift themselves out of poverty.”
In a related initiative, Sojourners, Bread for the World, and Oxfam America collaborated to release a new documentary called The Line. The film from Emmy Award-winning producer Linda Midgett, profiles hard-working Americans living below the poverty line. Since opening October 2, The Line has already had over 2,000 scheduled screenings, further evidence for the broad-based concern by Americans for the working poor, the effectiveness of these new frames, and why our leaders should prioritize this community.
The online survey of n=1,005 respondents was conducted using a nationwide, double opt-in research panel. The sample was drawn and weighted to be census representative on age, gender, and race. The margin of error for the sample is +/-3.0 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The poll was commissioned by American Values Network and released in collaboration with Oxfam, Sojourners, and Bread for the World. More detailed results from the poll can be found by clicking here. To find a screening or find out more about The Line visit TheLineMovie.com.
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