Say Government Should Do More for the Needy

Attitudes toward social welfare programs in this country have undergone a major change since 1994, when the Republicans won control of Congress; in particular, 54% of U.S. adults now say the government should help more needy people, even if it adds to the nation’s debt, an increase from just 41% in 1994. All party groups are now more supportive of government aid to the poor, though Republicans remain much less supportive than Democrats or independents if it means adding to the deficit. Despite these favorable shifts in support for more government help for the poor, 69% agree that “poor people have become too dependent on government assistance programs.” Still, the number taking that view has declined over the past decade. Read More