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44% See More Government Hiring of Unemployed As Bad, 38% Say Good

The national unemployment rate dipped slightly in March but mostly because more Americans stopped looking for work. A survey conducted prior to the government jobs report shows that roughly a quarter of Americans still support long-term federal support for the chronic unemployed.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 16% believe the government should hire unemployed people who can’t find work for an extended period of time, while 11% favor extending unemployment benefits indefinitely. This combined 27% support for ongoing federal aid for the unemployed is up slightly from February’s low of 23% but is more similar to previous findings over the past year.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on April 1-2, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Still Think Government Employees Work Less, Earn More

A majority of adults nationwide continues to believe that those who work for the government have it easier than those in the private sector and get paid more for it.

Sixty-six percent (66%) of American Adults believe private sector workers work harder than government workers, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just eight percent (8%) say government employees are the harder workers, but another 25% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on April 1-2, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

48% Know Someone Who Has Given Up Looking for Work

After holding steady for the past year, the number of Americans who know someone who’s given up looking for a job out of frustration with the current market is up to 48%.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 43% of Adults don’t know someone in this situation. But the number of Americans who know someone who has given up on the job market is up from 43% in February and ties the highest result measured in regular tracking since 2010. This finding hovered around 40% for most of 2011. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).   Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on April 1-2, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Are More Skeptical Than Ever About Fairness of Tax System

Americans remain unhappy with the tax system in this country and believe more strongly than ever that others do not pay their fair share.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 12% of American Adults think the United States has the best tax system in the world. Sixty-one percent (61%) disagree, and another 27% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on March 30-31, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

35% Still Haven’t Filed Their Taxes

One-third of Americans still have not filed their income taxes with two weeks to go until the April 15 filing deadline.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of Adults now have filed their taxes, up from 43% in mid-March. But 35% have yet to file. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on March 30-31, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

63% Say Shale Oil Development Possible Without Hurting the Environment

Opposition to the hydraulic “fracking” process for developing shale oil reserves is based primarily on environmental concerns, but Americans strongly believe these reserves can be developed without hurting the environment. 

Only 14% of American Adults believe it is impossible to develop shale oil reserves in the United States while still protecting the environment. But a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 63% believe it is possible to develop these energy reserves without doing environmental damage. Nearly one-in-four (23%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on March 22-23, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

48% Say Feds Should Drop Gas Tax Until Prices Come Down

What can your country do for you? A plurality (48%) of Americans thinks the federal government should eliminate the federal gas tax until gas prices come down.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% don’t think that’s such a good idea, but 12% more aren’t sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on March 24-25, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

57% Favor Use of ‘Fracking’ To Find More U.S. Oil and Gas

Despite challenges by the Obama administration and environmental groups, most Americans favor use of the so-called “fracking” process to produce more domestic oil and natural gas.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of American Adults favor the use of hydraulic fracturing to drill for oil and natural gas in shale oil reserves. Just 22% oppose the process, while nearly as many (21%) are unsure about it. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on March 22-23, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

62% Think Offshore Drilling Likely To Lower Gas Prices

Voters continue to believe the United States is not doing enough to develop its gas and oil resources and strongly support offshore drilling. Most also still think going ahead with offshore drilling is likely to bring down the price of gasoline at the pump.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 20% of Likely U.S. Voters feel this country is doing enough to develop its own gas and oil resources. Seventy percent (70%) disagree and 10% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

There is a huge gap between the Political Class and Mainstream voters on this question. Fifty-four percent (54%) of those in the Political Class think the United States already does enough to develop its own gas and oil resources; 77% of Mainstream voters disagree.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on March 21-22, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

51% Favor Candidate Who Promises To Raise Taxes Only On Rich

Most voters support a candidate who promises to raise taxes only on the wealthiest Americans.  At the same time, the number who feels increases in government spending will help the economy is at a new high.  

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of Likely Voters favor a candidate who would raise taxes only on the rich.  Thirty-eight percent (38%) would rather support a candidate who promises to oppose all tax increases, while 11% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 15-16, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

69% Say Those Struggling With Mortgage Should Sell, Buy Cheaper Home

While most Americans agree now is not the best time to sell a home, they feel stronger than ever that those struggling to pay their mortgage should sell their home and buy a cheaper one rather than receive help from the government.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that just 19% believe the government should assist those struggling homeowners in making their mortgage payments. Sixty-nine percent (69%) think someone who can’t afford to make increased mortgage payments should sell their home and find a less expensive one. That’s up three points from January and the highest finding in nearly two years of regular tracking. Thirteen percent (13%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 18-19, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Housing Confidence Stalls After Early 2012 Gains

Confidence among homeowners in housing values has fallen back slightly after several months of steady gains.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of U.S. Homeowners shows that 50% now say their home is worth more than what they still owe on their mortgage. That’s down from a recent high of 57% last month and more like results measured during much of 2011. Thirty-six percent (36%) now owe more than what their house is worth, also more similar to last year’s findings. Fourteen percent (14%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 731 Adult Homeowners was conducted on March 18-19, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

26% Willing to Pay Higher Taxes To Reduce Federal Deficit

Most voters believe Americans are already overtaxed, but adults are slightly more willing to pay higher taxes to reduce the federal budget deficit.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 26% would be willing to pay higher taxes to help reduce the federal budget deficit. Most (64%) are not willing to pay more in taxes to reduce the deficit. (To see survey question wording, click here).

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 12-13, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

New High: 47% Confident Fed Can Control Inflation

While voters remain overwhelmingly concerned about inflation and expect to pay more at the grocery store, they have more confidence than ever that the Federal Reserve Board can keep inflation under control.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 47% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident the Fed will be able to keep inflation under control and interest rates down.  That’s up from 41% in early February and the highest level measured since regular tracking began in late July 2009.  Prior to this survey, the number who felt this way has remained in the low to mid 30s for most of 2011 but rose to 40% in December and has remained in the low 40s since.

Forty-eight percent (48%) still lack confidence in the Fed, but that's the first time this finding has fallen believe 50% in nearly three years. The new findings include 11% who are Very Confident in the Fed and 16% who are Not At All Confident.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on March 10-11, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

58% Favor Taxing All At The Same Percentage Rate

Most Americans continue to think the middle class pays more than its share in taxes and favor a system where everyone pays the same percentage of their income.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of American Adults now support an across-the-board income tax percentage. Support for a simplified system like this has been growing from 44% in April 2009 to 55% this time last year. Thirty-one percent (31%) oppose a system where everyone pays the same percentage in taxes. Eleven percent (11%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on March 12-13, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

54% Still Haven’t Filed Their Income Taxes

The pace of filing has slowed a bit, and a lot more taxpayers are thinking about getting an extension beyond the April 15 deadline.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Americans now say they’ve filed their income taxes this year, up 10 points from three weeks ago. However,  51% had filed by this time last year.

Most taxpayers (54%) have not filed yet this year. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on March 12-13, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

46% Are Confident in Stability of U.S. Banking System

Confidence in the nation's banks remains well below where it was before the Wall Street meltdown in the fall of 2008, but most Americans still consider them a safe place to keep their money.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry, but that includes just six percent (6%) who are Very Confident. Most adults (51%) continue to lack confidence in America's banks, with 16% who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on March 10-11, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

76% Favor Maximum Tax Payment of 20%

Nearly half of U.S. voters still think the average person in this country pays 30% or more of their income in taxes, and instead they believe overwhelmingly that the ceiling for those taxes should be 20% at the most.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 30%% of Likely U.S. Voters believe that the average American pays 30% of their income for federal, state and local taxes. That is a fairly good estimate. According to www.taxfoundation.org, Americans pay approximately 28% of their total income in taxes.

Fifteen percent (15%) overestimate how much the average American pays and believe the actual tax paid is 40% or more.

Three times as many, 47%, underestimate the tax burden and believe the average American pays 20% or less of their income in taxes. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 7-8, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

33% Think Employers Have Right to Fire Those Who Post Inappropriate Facebook Content

Some companies and colleges are requiring applicants to provide full access to their Facebook pages, and most Americans don’t like the idea. However, one-in-three think it's okay for employers to fire workers who post inappropriate content on the social networking site.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that only 19% believe it would be appropriate for a potential employer to ask for access to their Facebook page as part of the hiring process. Most (69%) don’t believe this is appropriate, while 12% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 8-9, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

52% Worry Government Will Do Too Much Trying To Help Economy

Amidst signs the economy is reviving at least slightly, most voters now fear the government may mess things up by getting too involved.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters now worry the federal government will do too much in reacting to the nation’s current economic problems. Thirty-six percent (36%) are more concerned that the government will not do enough. Twelve percent (12%) now are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on March 9-10, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.