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New poll reveals Americans are blaming government spending for the high cost of living

May 3, 2022 by AFP

True Cost of Washington Tour logo that reads, "Pay More, Get Less" - a reference to Washington's failed policies that are driving inflation, gas prices, and the high cost of living in 2022.

A new poll has found what Americans blame for rising gas prices and record inflation that are driving the increasingly high cost of living this year.

The culprit? Government spending.

  • 73 percent of respondents said that the massive increase in government spending over the past two years has been a “major cause” of higher prices.
  • 61 percent blamed President Biden and his agenda specifically for high inflation.

61% of Americans blame inflation on President Biden and his policies

Americans recognize wasteful government spending as the answer to the question, “Why is inflation so high?”

The poll, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies on behalf of Americans for Prosperity for its True Cost of Washington Tour, revealed that survey participants believed federal government policies were causing inflation and higher costs across the board:

  • 80 percent connected these policies to higher gas prices
  • 76 percent blamed them for larger grocery bills
  • 74 percent felt they were responsible for more expensive health care
  • 73 percent said they were at fault for more costly home energy bills

What’s more, 74 percent predicted that these costs would only get more expensive if Washington fails to mend its ways and rein in spending.

It’s clear from these results that Americans recognize historic inflation and our current economic problems as Washington’s price hike.

But those surveyed were not without ideas to fix the situation.

73% of Americans believe that, because of inflation and the high cost of living, that the country is on the wrong track

What respondents thought about various solutions to lower government spending and the high cost of living in 2022

When asked about solutions that would be effective at reducing today’s high level of inflation:

  • 88 percent agreed with making it easier to develop and produce American energy.
  • 82 percent agreed with getting spending under control by reducing federal debt and deficits.
  • 78 percent agreed with ending regulations that stop us from modernizing our ports and speeding up the supply chain.
  • 67 percent said Congress should focus on cutting the federal budget deficit to stop rising prices.
  • 65 percent agreed with ending government policies that restrict the supply of affordable housing

The Keystone Pipeline is another example where respondents felt government activity was out of step with the country’s best interest.

63 percent said reversing President Biden’s decision to cancel the pipeline and allow construction to be completed would make it easier to develop and produce American oil and gas.

Commenting on the results, Americans for Prosperity Vice President Akash Chougule said,

Americans clearly understand the role out-of-control government spending has played in driving prices higher, and they want something done about it. There is no justification for Washington to continue spending as if we were in the middle of a crisis. While the president blames higher prices on Vladimir Putin, Americans rightly blame him and his policies. It’s time for the administration to change course by tackling wasteful Washington spending and truly unleashing energy abundance.

Infographic detailing what Americans blame for inflation - the largest answer being government spending as the reason for why inflation is increasing. 61% blamed President Joe Biden and his policies for the high cost of living in 2022.

If you’re interested, you can read the poll results here.

Agree with the 73 percent of Americans who feel massive government spending is to blame for the high cost of living this year?

Landing page for AFP's True Cost of Washington Tour to lower the cost of gas in 2022 and connect people to how Washington's failed policies are causing inflation and high grocery bills. Join the True Cost of Washington Tour today.

Join the True Cost of Washington Tour today to combat reckless government spending and lower the cost of living in America. 

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