Pew Financial Reform Project National Poll: Major Findings

Pew Financial Reform Project National Poll: Major Findings

A poll of 1,000 likely 2010 general election voters was conducted on March 4-8, 2010 by the bipartisan polling team of The Mellman Group and Ayres, McHenry & Associates. The poll has a margin of error of ± 3%. Here are some key results.  

The Financial Crisis Affected an Exceptional Number Of Americans

  • 46% have either lost their job, or had a family member or close friend lose a job due to the financial crisis; 53% have lost some, most or all of their savings.

Financial Reform Is a High National Priority

  • 74% of voters believe that the chances are 50-50 or better that the U.S. will experience another financial crisis in the next three years.
  • Most Americans believe that reforming the financial sector is a top priority for the nation, even in the face of other pressing issues such as health care, education and immigration reform, and the war in Afghanistan. 
  • 59% of voters felt Congress and the administration should support financial reform now, over other priorities.

Inaction Will Hurt Incumbents

  • 50% of voters say they would view their member of Congress more favorably if reform is enacted this year, while only 18% would view them less favorably.

All Key Elements of Reform Matter

  • Each of these major elements of reform was supported by over 80% of voters: An early warning system to address signs of trouble in the system; Ending "Too Big to Fail" and bailouts; Increasing market transparency to protect investors and families; Giving consumers better information about business practices.

After Hearing the Arguments For and Against the Proposed Reforms, Voter Support for Legislation Increased

  • At the start of the survey, 29% opposed reform, and 40% supported it.
  • After details were explained and arguments for and against reform described, opposition stayed at 29% but support rose to over 60%.

America’s Overdose Crisis
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Quick View

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Article

37 Scientists Pioneering the Future of Biomedical Research

Quick View
Article

Biomedical researchers are at the heart of nearly every medical advancement. From cutting-edge cancer treatments to breakthrough discoveries about emerging viruses, these scientists use creativity and ingenuity to explore new horizons in human health and medicine. And for nearly 40 years, The Pew Charitable Trusts has supported more than 1,000 early-career researchers committed to this work.

Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics

Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?