Constituencies for Education Funding Poll of 1 067
- Slides: 9
Constituencies for Education Funding Poll of 1, 067 adults nationwide conducted December 1 -3, 2012
3 in 4 want MORE for EDUCATION Even though Americans overestimate the percentage of the Federal budget spent on education by a lot… What percent of the federal budget do you think is currently spent on education? Public estimates: 15% of Federal budget spent on education Actual spending: 2% of Federal spending devoted to education in reality Do you believe that is too much, too little, or about right? 24 Too much 32 Too little 43 About right …most think Federal spending on education is too little, few think it’s too much. 2
43% of Households Have Students What level of education are you or your children currently enrolled in? Pre-k/Elementary school High school Technical/vocational 2 -year college 4 -year college Graduate school In school Not in school 22 15 3 4 10 4 43% 57% 3
Majority Favor Raising Taxes for the Wealthy over Spending Cuts As you may know, on January 2, 2013 most Federal programs face automatic across-the-board spending cuts of 8%-9%, called sequestration. In addition, Federal income taxes will increase for almost all Americans in January. Generally speaking, if you had to choose one or the other, do you think it is better to reduce the federal budget deficit by: Cutting Spending Increasing taxes 42 58 4
Most Favor Cuts in Defense Spending Rather Than in Education As Congress tries to come to an agreement, if it comes down to either cuts in defense spending, OR cuts in education programs, which would you favor? Education programs cuts Defense spending cuts 43 57 5
Majority Supports Protecting Education From Cuts Which of these programs do you consider it very important for Congress to protect from automatic cuts in spending or increases in taxes? Figures show percentage who saying it is very important to protect from automatic cuts Medicare 69% Low-income tax credits 58% Education 55% Defense 39% Science Research 34% Tax cuts above $250, 000 21% Corporate tax cuts 13%
Two-thirds Want To Protect Education From The Sequester Don’t cut education at all 45% Cut Education the same as other programs 34% Cut Education, but less than other programs 21%
Investing in Education Is… Do you agree or disagree with the following reasons to increase investments in education. Please indicate whether you strongly agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree. Figures show percentages who Strongly Agree or Somewhat Agree with each statement, and total in agreement 54 Important to our future economic growth 32 86 Helps move people into the middle class 39 38 77 Helps more students attend college 38 38 76 Prepares students to be productive citizens Will help students get good paying jobs Will improve our global competitiveness with countries like China Helps close academic achievement gaps among groups of students 42 33 38 36 42 34 75 74 32 33 73 68 8
For more information on research, please contact: Thomas Riehle You. Gov thomas. riehle@yougov. com (202) 544 2550
