PA

Pennsylvania Swing Six Surveys

In Pennsylvania Bipartisan Majorities Favor Federal Government Actions
To Make Housing More Affordable

As housing affordability has become a major issue for many Americans, a new survey in Pennsylvania, five other swing states and nationally finds majority support – bipartisan in most cases – for the Federal government taking a variety of actions to make housing more affordable, especially for low and middle-income households. These include:

  • providing billions in grants and tax incentives for building and repairing affordable homes
  • providing down payment assistance to first-time buyers
  • reducing large corporate ownership of houses
  • incentivizing local governments to reduce single-family zoning restrictions
  • increasing the number of public Housing Vouchers

Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, ”In the swing states, bipartisan majorities want the Federal government to pursue an active and multi-pronged approach to deal with the high cost of housing.”

This survey is the tenth, and last, in a series – the
Swing Six Issue Surveys
–
being conducted in the run-up to the November election in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, as well as nationally, on major policy issues. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy proposal. All Americans are invited to go through the same
policymaking simulation
as the survey sample.
[More Detailed Report]

New Federal Spending and Tax Incentives for Affordable Housing
Respondents were informed that the Federal government currently provides some funding and tax incentives for building more affordable homes, mostly for low-income households. They were told that housing is considered affordable when it costs the household no more than 30% of their income to live there.

They then evaluated a series of proposals for the Federal government to do more to increase the supply of affordable homes. Each one is favored by bipartisan majorities in Pennsylvania, the other five swing states and nationally.

  • $40 billion to build or repair housing affordable to
    very low and low-income households, through 1) grants to cities and states, and 2) support for more low-interest loans to home builders, is favored by 71% in Pennsylvania, including majorities of Republicans (62%) and Democrats (83%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally support is 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 86%).
    [BAR GRAPH]
  • $25 billion to build or repair housing affordable to
    low and middle-income households, through grants to cities and states, is favored by 72% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 60%, Democrats 86%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-73%, and nationally it is 71% (Republicans 57%, Democrats 88%).
    [BAR GRAPH]
  • A tax credit for building or repairing housing
    to be rented, on the condition that 60% of them are affordable to
    middle-income households, is favored by 72% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 64%, Democrats 82%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally it is 73% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 85%).
    [BAR GRAPH]
  • A tax incentive for building or repairing housing that is affordable for
    low and middle-income
    people
    to purchase–specifically in low-income, non-urban areas–is favored by 65% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 59%, Democrats 73%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 64-68%, and nationally it is 67% (Republicans 59%, Democrats 77%).
    [BAR GRAPH]

$25,000 Down Payment Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers
Providing assistance–up to $25,000–to help first-time homebuyers cover the down payment on a home, with more assistance for people whose parents never owned a home, is favored by 64% in Pennsylvania, including 81% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (47% favor, 53% oppose). Across all swing states, support ranges from 63-68%, including majorities of Democrats (81-87%), but mixed views among Republicans. Nationally, 67% are in favor, including 84% of Democrats, and a bare majority (52%) of Republicans.
[BAR GRAPH]

Reducing Large Corporate Ownership of Houses
Respondents were informed that some experts believe the increase in large corporations purchasing houses accounts for some of the rise in home sale prices, while other experts do not. Two proposals for reducing large corporate ownership are favored by bipartisan majorities in Pennsylvania:

  • Requiring corporations with more than $50 million in assets to sell all their single-family houses, townhouses and duplexes within the next ten years, and prohibit them from buying any more, with substantial financial penalties for non-compliance, is favored by 67% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 58%, Democrats 77%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-71%, including majorities of Republicans in each state except Wisconsin. Nationally, support is 67% (Republicans 55%, Democrats 81%).
    [BAR GRAPH]
  • Denying corporations that own more than 50 single-family houses, townhouses or duplexes any Federal tax deductions related to their ownership of those houses (e.g. for mortgage interest or depreciation), is favored by 68% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 58%, Democrats 79%). Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities of 67-71% are in favor. Nationally, 71% are in favor (Republicans 61%, Democrats 82%).
    [BAR GRAPH]

Federal Incentives for Cities to Reduce Single-Family Zoning, and Allow More Dense Housing
Respondents were informed that, according to experts, one reason that housing has become less affordable is that local governments restrict building dense and mixed-use housing. They were told that the Federal government – when distributing funding for infrastructure repair – has started giving priority to local governments that allow more dense and mixed-use housing.

Asked whether they favor the Federal government continuing that policy, a majority of 56% in Pennsylvania are in favor, including 72% of Democrats, but just 42% of Republicans (with 58% opposed). Across all swing states, support ranges from 55-61%, with varying levels of support among Republicans. Nationally it is 64%, including 80% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (51% favor, 49% oppose).

Asked whether they would favor their own local government allowing for the construction of more dense and mixed-use housing, a bipartisan majority of 65% in Pennsylvania are in favor (Republicans 54%, Democrats 79%). Across all swing states, 61-70% are in favor, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 68% (Republicans 54%, Democrats 84%).
[BAR GRAPH]

Additional $24 Billion In Public Housing Vouchers
Respondents were informed that the government provides people who qualify for public housing – very low-income, disabled or elderly people – with Housing Vouchers that help cover rent in the private housing market. A bipartisan majority of 72% in Pennsylvania favor increasing the number of people who can receive Housing Vouchers by spending an additional $24 billion for that purpose, including 60% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support is 69-72%, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 87%).
[BAR GRAPH]

About the Survey
The Pennsylvania survey was fielded October 4-14, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 624 adults in Pennsylvania by the
Program for Public Consultation
at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Sample was obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. The sample was pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro status, and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval is +/- 4.5%.

In Pennsylvania Majorities Favor Path to Citizenship
over Mass Deportation, While Strengthening the Border

Favor Deterring Illegal Border Crossings by Mandating E-Verify for Employers, While Also Increasing Number of Work Visas

As the issue of immigration figures prominently in campaigns across the country, a new survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) in Pennsylvania, five other six swing states and nationally finds numerous policies on which majorities of Americans agree, including, in most cases, majorities of both Republicans and Democrats.

To deal with the millions of undocumented immigrants who have been living in the US, a majority in Pennsylvania, every other swing state and nationally prefer offering them a path to citizenship, provided they meet several requirements, over mass deportation.

To deter illegal border crossings, swing state and national majorities favor strengthening the border and making it harder for illegal immigrants to get employment by requiring that employers use the E-Verify system. At the same time, majorities favor increasing the number of work visas to meet the demand for workers through legal channels.

Director of the Program for Public Consultation, Steven Kull, comments, “Majorities favor reforms that would reduce the number of undocumented immigrants, not via mass deportation, but by creating more legal pathways for people who want to live and work here, and by strengthening the border to make it more difficult for people to enter the country illegally.”

This survey is the ninth in a series – the
Swing Six Issue Surveys
–
being conducted in the run-up to the November election in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, as well as nationally, on major policy issues. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides to ensure accuracy and balance. All Americans are invited to go through the same
policymaking simulation
as the survey sample.

Path to Citizenship vs Mass Deportation
Respondents were told that there are about 11 million people who have been living in the US without legal status, most for over a decade. They evaluated two significantly different proposals for dealing with this population – a path to citizenship and mass deportation – including strong arguments for and against each. Finally, they were asked to choose one of the proposals or neither.

Overall, a modest majority in Pennsylvania prefers the path to citizenship (55%), summarized as follows:

Create a new type of visa that would be available to undocumented immigrants who have been living in the US for some years and have not committed a serious crime. They would pay a penalty and any taxes they owe. After several years, they would be allowed to apply for citizenship. Those who do not apply or qualify for the visa would be subject to deportation.

Just 28% in Pennsylvania prefer mass deportation, which was summarized as follows:

Undertake a program of mass deportation throughout the country, with the goal of finding, detaining and deporting most or all of the 11 million people who have been living in the US without legal status. States would be asked to use their local law enforcement or National Guard, and the Federal government may use the military. Large facilities would be built to hold people who have been detained. The cost would be $100 billion or more.

Among Democrats in Pennsylvania, a majority of 71% prefer a path to citizenship, while Republicans are divided with 42% preferring a path to citizenship and 42% mass deportation.

Across all the swing states, 55-65% prefer the path to citizenship, and just 24-30% prefer mass deportation. Among Democrats across the swing states, majorities prefer a path to citizenship (67-77%). Among Republicans, more favor a path to citizenship than mass deportation in every swing state except Pennsylvania, where they are divided.

Nationally, 58% prefer a path to citizenship and 26% mass deportation. More Republicans prefer a path to citizenship (45%) than prefer mass deportation (40%). Among Democrats, 75% prefer a path to citizenship.

Neither option is chosen by 15% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 14%, Democrats 11%). Across all swing states, it ranges from 9-15%, and nationally it is 15%.

Strengthening the Border
A legislative proposal to increase the number of Border Patrol agents from about 20,000 to 22,000, and to provide more funding for surveillance, is favored by a bipartisan majority of 76% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 77%, Democrats 79%). Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities of 71-77% are in favor. Nationally, 70% are in favor (Republicans 74%, Democrats 71%).
[BAR GRAPH]

Building more walls along the southern border, by replacing existing fencing with walls and building walls where no barriers currently exist, which is estimated to cost around $25 billion is favored by 61% in Pennsylvania, including 77% of Republicans, while a modest majority of Democrats are opposed (53%).

Across all swing states, majorities of 57-64% are in favor, including majorities of Republicans in every state, while majorities of Democrats are opposed in every state but Georgia.

Nationally, a modest majority of 55% are in favor, including 72% of Republicans, while 57% of Democrats are opposed.
[BAR GRAPH]

Deterring Illegal Entry While Increasing Work Visas

Americans show support for steps that would deter illegal border crossings by making it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to get employment while also increasing the availability of work visas.

One proposal is to require employers to verify that all new hires are legally allowed to work in the US by using the E-Verify system. This proposal is favored by a bipartisan majority in Pennsylvania (70%), including 66% of Republicans and 75% of Democrats.

Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities of 67-73% are in favor. Nationally, 68% are in favor (Republicans 64%, Democrats 74%).
[BAR GRAPH]

Respondents also evaluated a proposal to increase the number of migrant workers who enter the US legally by increasing the number of work visas available, provided there is a demand for such workers. Respondents were informed that: work visas are only granted if the employer has tried and failed to fill the position with an American worker; that employers must pay migrant workers the same wages they would to American workers; and that currently offering more visas would substantially increase the number of legal migrant workers.

This proposal was supported by a majority of 67% in Pennsylvania, including 84% of Democrats, with Republicans divided (51% favor to 49% oppose).

Across all swing states, majorities of 65-71% are in favor, including majorities of Democrats in every state (79-84%), and majorities of Republicans in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Wisconsin (58-64%), but just half of Republicans in Michigan and Pennsylvania (51%). Nationally, 67% are in favor (Republicans 53%, Democrats 84%).
[BAR GRAPH]

Support is higher when requiring E-Verify and more work visas are combined as a package. Respondents who favored only one proposal were asked whether they would support both proposals as a package. Combining those who favored both proposals on their own, with those who favored both proposals only as a package, support in Pennsylvania rises to a bipartisan majority of 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 85%).
[BAR GRAPH]

Across all swing states, support rises to 72-79%, including 63-78% of Republicans and 81-86% of Democrats. Nationally, support rises to a bipartisan majority of 74% (Republicans 67%, Democrats 85%).

This follow-on question was asked because support for one of the above proposals may depend on whether the other is passed into law. For example, a person may only want to increase the number of work visas if it will also be harder for employers to hire undocumented workers.

Hiring More Judges for Asylum Cases

Respondents were informed that there is a record-high backlog of asylum cases, and that as a result, asylum seekers are now waiting in the US for an average of four years before their cases are heard.

A proposal to hire several hundred more immigration judges, in order to speed up the processing of asylum cases, is favored by 58% in Pennsylvania, including 73% of Democrats, while a majority of Republicans are opposed (54%).

Across all swing states, support is 58-68%, including majorities of Democrats in every state (73-77%), but majorities of Republicans only in Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada. Nationally, 58% are in favor, including a majority of Democrats (74%), while a majority of Republicans are opposed (54%).
[BAR GRAPH]

About the Survey
The survey was fielded September 23rd through October 1st, 2024 with 601 adults in Pennsylvania by the
Program for Public Consultation
at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, home ownership, and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population in Pennsylvania. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Pennsylvania sample is +/- 4.5%.

In Pennsylvania Majorities of Rs and Ds Oppose
Raising Tariffs on All Imports to 10-20 Percent

Prefer Keeping Low Tariffs With Countries that Abide by Trade Rules, While Keeping High Tariffs on China

As major proposals to change US international trade policy have come into the discourse, a new public consultation survey finds bipartisan majorities of Americans in Pennsylvania, five other swing states, and nationally, support the US continuing to have low tariffs with other countries on a mutual basis so long as they abide by agreed-upon rules, rather than raising all tariffs to 10-20 percent. At the same time, a bipartisan majority approves of the increased tariffs that have been imposed on China in response to their alleged violations of international trade rules.

This survey is the eighth in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, and nationally, on major policy issues by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland. Unlike standard polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides to ensure accuracy and balance. All Americans are invited to go through the same
policymaking simulation
as the survey sample.

Director of the Program for Public Consultation, Steven Kull, comments, “While Americans do support the tariff increases targeted at China, bipartisan majorities oppose a tariff increase on imports from all countries. Large bipartisan majorities support the US continuing to be part of the international agreements for low tariffs within a rules-based system.”
[More Detailed Report]

Support for Continuing International Trade System of Low Tariffs
Respondents were informed that, since World War II, the US has been actively working to promote international trade through a system in which countries negotiate to lower their tariffs on a mutual basis, provided each country abides by agreed-upon rules. The US has such trade arrangements with almost all countries – through free trade agreements and the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs. As a result, average tariffs globally have decreased from about 22% in the 1940’s to about 2% today.

A bipartisan majority in Pennsylvania approves of the US working with other countries to continue this system (81%), including 73% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats. Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities of 80-85% approve, as does a bipartisan majority nationally (81%, Republicans 74%, Democrats 88%).
[BAR GRAPH]

Opposition to Across-the-Board Tariffs of 10-20 Percent
Respondents evaluated a proposal to impose tariffs of 10-20 percent on imports from all countries, including arguments that these higher tariffs would: generate substantial government revenue and thus allow for reductions in taxes; and stimulate US manufacturing and lead to better-paying jobs. They also evaluated arguments against, that raising all tariffs would: violate US trade agreements and likely cause the US’ biggest trading partners to retaliate with tariff increases; and raise consumer prices for everyone. Arguments on both sides were found convincing by bipartisan majorities.

Finally, asked which policy they prefer, less than half in Pennsylvania support the US raising tariffs on imports from all countries to 10-20 percent (33%), including 41% of Republicans and 27% of Democrats. Instead, a large majority prefers the US continuing to have low tariffs on a mutual basis with other countries, provided they abide by agreed-upon rules (65%), including 57% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats. Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities support that policy (64-71%), as does a bipartisan majority nationally (68%, Republicans 60%, Democrats 77%).

Support for High Tariffs on China
Respondents were informed that starting in 2018, in response to alleged violations of international trade rules by China, the US increased tariffs on Chinese products to an average of about 20 percent, and that China retaliated with similarly high tariffs on the US. A bipartisan majority in Pennsylvania favors the US continuing to impose such tariffs on Chinese imports (78%), including 76% of Republicans and 82% of Democrats. Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities are in favor (69-78%), as are 71% nationally (Republicans 73%, Democrats 72%).

Support for Labor and Environmental Standards in US Trade Deals
The US in its trade deal negotiations has been increasingly pushing for the inclusion of enforceable labor and environmental standards. Respondents evaluated arguments that such standards ensure that trade partners cannot get a competitive advantage by having significantly lower standards than the US. They also evaluated arguments against, including that the US imposing standards on other countries and including too many provisions in trade deals will slow down international trade, which would hurt everyone.

Asked whether the US should actively work to make agreements that include enforceable labor standards – including a prohibition on child labor and the right of workers to collectively bargain – a bipartisan majority in Pennsylvania are in favor (87%), including 85% of Republicans and 91% of Democrats. Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities are in favor (81-87%), as are 82% nationally (Republicans 77%, Democrats 90%).
[BAR GRAPH]

Asked whether the US should actively work to make agreements that include enforceable environmental standards – which require countries to abide by environmental agreements they have signed, and not lower their standards to get a competitive edge – a bipartisan majority in Pennsylvania are in favor (82%), including 75% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats. Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities are in favor (76-82%), as are 78% nationally (Republicans 72%, Democrats 86%).
[BAR GRAPH]

About the Survey
The Pennsylvania survey was fielded September 9-22, 2024 with 612 adults in Pennsylvania by the
Program for Public Consultation
at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. The sample was pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, and home ownership to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Pennsylvania sample is +/- 4.5%.

In Pennsylvania Majorities of Democrats and Republicans Favor Major Federal Actions to Help Families

Support for Higher Child Tax Credit, Universal Preschool, Subsidized Childcare, Paid Leave

September 18, 2024 – As many costs for families, especially those with children, continue to rise faster than wages, a new public consultation survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) in Pennsylvania, five other swing states and nationally, finds bipartisan majorities support the Federal government:

  • reinstating the higher pandemic-era Child Tax Credit
  • providing funding for free universal preschool
  • subsidizing childcare for low- and middle-income families
  • creating a national 12-week paid family and medical leave program for all workers

Director of the Program for Public Consultation, Steven Kull, comments, “There is strong bipartisan support for the Federal government taking a more active role in strengthening the support system for families, especially those with children.”
[Full Report]

This survey is the seventh in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states on major policy issues. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides to ensure accuracy and balance. All Americans are invited to go through the same policymaking simulation as the survey sample.

Reinstating Higher Child Tax Credit
The annual tax credit provided to parents with children under the age of 18 - the Child Tax Credit – was temporarily increased by Congress during the Covid pandemic, from a maximum credit of $2,000 per child to a maximum of $3,600 per child. The higher tax credit was also made fully refundable, so parents who did not pay income taxes still got the full
benefit. Those changes expired in 2022. A bipartisan majority in Pennsylvania favors reinstating this pandemic-era Child Tax Credit (71%), including majorities of Republicans (62%) and Democrats (81%). Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities are in favor (69-77%). Nationally, 74% are in favor, including 64% of Republicans and 83% of Democrats.

Respondents were informed in advance that the pandemic-era tax credit both reduced child poverty by about a third and significantly reduced federal revenues and would likely have the same effects if reinstated.

In addition, a majority of 58% in Pennsylvania supports providing a $6,000 tax credit per child to parents of children under age one, including 69% % of Democrats. Republicans in Pennsylvania are statistically divided, with 47% in favor and 53% opposed. Across all swing states, support is 57% to 71%. Nationally, 65% are in favor, including a modest majority of Republicans (55%), and a large majority of Democrats (75%).
[BAR GRAPH]

Federal Funding to Support Free Universal Preschool
A proposal for the Federal government to provide $25 billion to help states or local governments that want to set up or expand free preschool programs, available to all 3-4 year-olds, is favored by 76% in Pennsylvania, including majorities of Republicans (63%) and Democrats (90%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 76% to 83%. Nationally, a bipartisan majority of 82% is in favor (Republicans 74%, Democrats 92%).
[BAR GRAPH]

Subsidizing Childcare for Low- and Middle-Income Families
A bipartisan majority of 76% in Pennsylvania favor the Federal government providing funds to states that want it, to subsidize childcare programs for young children so they are free for low-income parents, and middle-income parents pay no more than 7% of their income. This includes 63% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support ranges from 74% to 80%. Nationally, 76% are in favor (Republicans 66%, Democrats 88%).
[BAR GRAPH]

Paid Family and Medical Leave for All Workers
A bipartisan majority of 68% in Pennsylvania favor creating a national paid family and medical leave program that would:

  • require employers to allow all workers to take up to 12 weeks of leave
  • provide workers on leave with two-thirds of their wages (up to $4,000 a month), with funds from a new 0.2% payroll tax on both employees and employers

In Pennsylvania, this proposal is favored by 81% of Democrats and a modest majority of Republicans (55%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 68% to 75%. Nationally, 72% are in favor, including majorities of Republicans (61%) and Democrats (85%).

In advance, respondents were informed that current Federal law requires most employers to allow most workers to take up to 12 weeks of family or medical leave, but this law does not apply to workers who are in small companies, are new to their job, or work part-time. In addition, current law does not mandate that workers receive any pay while on leave. They were informed that, while not required, some employers provide paid family and medical leave to their workers. But currently, less than half of workers have access to such paid leave.

About the Survey
The survey was fielded Aug 17-29, 2024 with 612 adults in Pennsylvania by the
Program for
Public Consultation
at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Sample was obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. The sample was pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, and home ownership to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Pennsylvania sample is 4.5%.

In Pennsylvania Majorities of Republicans and Democrats Agree on Measures to Eliminate Most of Social Security Shortfall

Favor Raising Taxes and Reducing Benefits for High-Income Earners, While Raising COLAs, Benefits for Low Income and Age 85+

September 12, 2024 - A new public consultation survey in Pennsylvania, five other swing states and nationally, finds significant bipartisan support for major proposals–including revenue increases and benefit cuts–that would reduce Social Security’s long-term shortfall by 78% and extend the program’s longevity for decades. [Full Report]

Without any reforms to revenues or benefits, the Social Security Trust Fund will be depleted by 2033, and benefits will be cut for all retirees.

This survey by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the sixth in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally. Unlike standard polling, respondents went through an interactive online ‘policymaking simulation’ in which they were briefed and evaluated pro and con arguments for proposed reforms. The survey content was reviewed by experts on different sides of the debate. All Americans are invited to go through the same policymaking simulation as the survey sample.

Revenue Increases
Overwhelming majorities of Democrats and Republicans in Pennsylvania support two proposals to increase revenues, which would cover three-quarters of the Social Security shortfall:

  • Making Wages Over $400k Subject to the Payroll Tax: Currently, wages subject to the payroll tax are capped at $169,000. A proposal to make all wages over $400,000 subject to the payroll tax, which would eliminate 60% of the shortfall, is supported by 88% in Pennsylvania, including 86% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats. Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (86-89%), as well as nationally (87%).
    [GRAPH]
  • Increasing the Payroll Tax: Respondents were given the option of gradually increasing the payroll tax over several years from 6.2 percent to 6.5 percent by 2030, 6.9 percent by 2038, or to 7.2 percent by 2044, or not raise it. Increasing the payroll tax to at least 6.5 percent, which would eliminate 15% of the shortfall, is supported by 85% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 86%, Democrats 85%). Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (83-88%), as well as nationally (86%).
    [GRAPH]

Benefit Reductions
Two benefit reductions, which would cover a quarter of the Social Security shortfall,
also have robust bipartisan support:

  • Reducing Benefits for High-Income Earners: Respondents were given the options of reducing benefits for the top 20 percent of earners, the top 40 percent, or the top 50 percent, or they could not choose any of those options. Reducing benefits for the top 20 percent of income earners, which would eliminate 11% of the shortfall, is supported by 91% in Pennsylvania, with no difference between Republicans and Democrats (91%). Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (91-94%), as well as nationally (92%).
    [GRAPH]
  • Raising the Retirement Age: Respondents were given options to gradually raise the full retirement age, which is currently set at 67 years old: raise it to 68 by 2033, to 69 by 2041, or to 70 by 2064, or they could not choose any of those options. Raising the retirement age to at least 68, which would eliminate 15% of the shortfall, is supported by 89% in Pennsylvania, with no difference between Republicans and Democrats (89%). Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (88-91%), as well as nationally (89%).
    [GRAPH]

“While some of these proposals–such as raising the retirement age or raising payroll taxes–are not popular in themselves, when Americans consider the full picture, large bipartisan majorities support taking tough steps to secure the Social Security program,” commented Steven Kull, director of PPC. Kull adds, “We were struck by how similar the Republicans and Democrats are on all these questions.”

Raising Benefits
The four reforms endorsed by majorities–to increase revenues and reduce certain benefits– would eliminate 101% of the shortfall. However, majorities also favor benefit increases which increase the shortfall by 23%. Combined, all of these proposals would reduce the shortfall by 78%.

  • Raising the Minimum Benefit: Increasing the minimum monthly benefit for someone who worked 30 years from $1,066 to $1,570 which would increase the shortfall by 7%, is supported by 72% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 72%, Democrats 74%). Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (70-73%), as well as nationally (71%). The minimum benefit would rise with inflation, and always be set at 125% of the federal poverty line.
    [GRAPH]
  • Increasing Benefits for 85+: Raising benefits for those 85 and over by about $100 a month, which would increase the shortfall by 4%, is supported by 65% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 67%, Democrats 65%). Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (64-67%), as well as nationally (68%).
    [GRAPH]
  • Increasing Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs): Changing the way COLAs are calculated by focusing on the goods and services that older adults tend to buy, which would increase the shortfall by 12%, is supported by 66% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 68%, Democrats 66%). Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (65-68%), as well as nationally (68%).
    [GRAPH]

About the Survey
Respondents were initially briefed on and evaluated each proposal separately. At the end of the survey, they were presented all options on the same page, with information about the potential impact of each on the Social Security shortfall. They were told they need not select any of the options. As they made selections, they could see the total impact of their choices on the shortfall. Estimates of shortfall effects came from the Social Security Administration.

The Pennsylvania survey was fielded August 2-17, 2024 with 614 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Sample was obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, and home ownership to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Pennsylvania sample is +/-4.5%.

In Pennsylvania, Majorities of Republicans and Democrats Oppose Criminalizing Abortion Before Fetal Viability

Favor Ensuring Access to Birth Control

September 4, 2024 - While policymakers argue over whether abortion should be a right or a crime, the public has a clear policy stance on the matter. A new survey in Pennsylvania, the five other swing states, and nationally, finds that majorities of Republicans and Democrats oppose criminalizing abortion before fetal viability. Bipartisan majorities favor reducing unintended pregnancies and abortions through policies ensuring access to birth control.

This survey by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the fifth in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides of the issues to ensure accuracy and balance.

Criminalizing Abortion
A large bipartisan majority of 80% in Pennsylvania do not want abortion to be criminalized before fetal viability. This includes 70% of Republicans and 91% of Democrats. Support for this position across all the swing states ranges from 73% to 80%. Nationally, 77% take this position (Republicans 61%, Democrats 90%).Before making their decision, respondents were informed that criminalizing abortion means prison time or fines for the doctor or the woman. After evaluating strong arguments for and against criminalizing abortion, respondents could choose to: make abortion a crime 1) at all stages of pregnancy, 2) only after 15 weeks, 3) only after fetal viability (22-24 weeks), or 4) not make abortion a crime at any stage of pregnancy.

A smaller but still robust majority of 66% in Pennsylvania goes further and opposes criminalizing abortion at any stage of pregnancy, including 84% of Democrats and just under half of Republicans (48%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 61% to 70%. Nationally, two-thirds take this position, including eight-in-ten Democrats, and half of Republicans.

Support for criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy is just 9% in Pennsylvania, including 14% of Republicans and just 4% of Democrats. Across all swing states, just 7% to 13% support that policy, as do just 11% nationally (Republicans 19%, Democrats 5%).

Public Overestimation of Support for Criminalizing All Abortions
Respondents were asked to estimate what percent of Americans support criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy. In all states and nationally the majority estimated 40% or more. The actual level of support for that policy is just 11% nationally.

Making Abortion Law Federal or Leaving Up to States
After choosing which abortion law they favor, respondents were asked whether they want their preferred abortion law to be a federal law that applies nationwide, or only the law in their own state with every other state able to have their own law. A bipartisan majority of 69% of Pennsylvanians favor having a federal abortion law, including 58% of Republicans and 79% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support for a federal abortion law ranges from 68% to 73%. Nationally, 70% take this position (Republicans 56%, Democrats 82%). [GRAPH]

Majorities nationally support a federal law irrespective of their preference for what the law should be. This includes the full range from those who want to criminalize abortion at any stage of pregnancy to those who oppose any criminalization.

Ensuring Access to Birth Control
Policies that seek to reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions through access to birth control receive large majority support among Republicans and Democrats in every swing state, and nationally.

  • Requiring all public schools to provide education about birth control is supported by 82% in Pennsylvania, including 79% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats. Support for this policy in all the swing states ranges from 80% to 84%, and is 80% nationally. [GRAPH]
  • Ensuring nationwide access to birth control, by prohibiting state governments from restricting or banning birth control, is supported by 81% in Pennsylvania, including 72% of Republicans and 91% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 80% to 85%, and is 81% nationally. [GRAPH]
  • Continuing the Affordable Care Act mandate that most insurance plans cover long-term birth control, such as the pill and IUDs, is supported by 89% in Pennsylvania, including 84% of Republicans and 95% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 85% to 90%, and is 85% nationally. [GRAPH]
  • Increasing funding for health care clinics so they can provide long-term birth control for free or at a low cost is supported by 79% in Pennsylvania, including 69% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 78% to 80%, as well as 76% nationally. [GRAPH]

Steven Kull comments, “Large bipartisan majorities want to greatly limit the role of government when it comes to abortion, but they do want the government to actively ensure access to birth control.”

Trying to Reduce Abortions Through Mandatory Ultrasounds and Waiting Periods
Respondents were asked about methods for trying to reduce abortions by putting more requirements on the process of getting an abortion, as has been done in several states.

  • Requiring doctors to show an ultrasound of the fetus to the woman before providing the abortion, is favored by 46% in Pennsylvania and opposed by 53%. A majority of Republicans are in favor (58%), but just a third of Democrats (34%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 44% to 57%. Nationally, 48% favor this requirement while 52% oppose it. [GRAPH]
  • Requiring women to have a waiting period of 1-3 days before receiving an abortion is favored by 45% in Pennsylvania and opposed by 53%. A majority of Republicans are in favor (58%), but just three-in-ten Democrats (31%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 43% to 54%. Nationally, 44% are in favor and 54% oppose. [GRAPH]

About the Survey
The Pennsylvania survey was fielded June 18th through July 3rd, 2024 with 624 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Pennsylvania sample is +/-4.5%.

In Pennsylvania, Democrats and Republicans Agree
the US Should Continue Military Aid to Ukraine

Strong Bipartisan Support for Maintaining US Membership in NATO

August 28, 2024 - Amid debates about US international engagement, a new public consultation survey in Pennsylvania, five other swing states, and nationwide by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation (PPC) finds bipartisan majority support for the US continuing to provide military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Majorities of both Republicans and Democrats support the US upholding the principle of collective security by helping to protect nations that are under attack; continuing to be a member of NATO; and continuing to abide by the longstanding international ban on nuclear testing. [Full Report]

This survey is the fourth in the Swing Six Issue Surveys series being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states on major policy issues. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides to ensure accuracy and balance.

Director of the Program for Public Consultation, Steven Kull, commented, “Surveys have consistently shown that, while Americans don’t want the US to be the world policeman, they do want the US to work with other countries to uphold the international order and help protect nations from aggressors.”

Continue Military and Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine
The US continuing to provide military aid to Ukraine – including weapons, ammunition, training and intelligence – is favored by a bipartisan majority of 67% in Pennsylvania, including 57% of Republicans and 78% of Democrats. Across all the swing states, support ranges from 64% to 71%, and is 67% nationwide.

Before coming to their conclusion, respondents were informed in the briefing that the US has already provided Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars worth of military aid and that the European countries have provided an equivalent amount. Presented two arguments against providing aid– that European nations are responsible for taking care of this war, and that the US engagement risks escalation to nuclear war – both were found convincing by small majorities of under six-in-ten. But the two arguments in favor – that US engagement is necessary to prevent Russia from further aggression, and to uphold the international order based on national sovereignty – were both found convincing by larger majorities of over eight-in-ten.

The US continuing to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine – including food, shelter, and assistance to repair infrastructure – is favored by 74% in Pennsylvania, including 65% of Republicans and 83% of Democrats. Across all the swing states, support ranges from 71% to 75%, and is 74% nationwide. [BAR GRAPH]

Uphold Collective Security Should Be a High Priority
A bipartisan majority of 80% in Pennsylvania say it should be a high priority for the US to uphold the principle of collective security, which says that
when a country comes under attack, other countries should join together to help defend it, through military force and/or economic sanctions. This includes 73% of Republicans and 87% of Democrats.
Across all swing states, support ranges from 75% to 81% in all the swing states, and is 80% nationwide.
[BAR GRAPH]

Maintain US Membership in NATO
Respondents were given a briefing on the Western military alliance NATO and how it includes “a key section, called Article 5, which says that NATO members regard an attack on any member as an attack on all and that all members will defend any member that is attacked.” The US continuing to be part of NATO is favored by 80% of Pennsylvanians, including 73% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats. Across all the swing states, support ranges from
76% to 81%, and is 78% nationwide.

Continue Moratorium on Nuclear Testing
Recently, the debate over nuclear weapons testing has been reignited by calls for the US military to restart testing. The US, Russia, China, France and the UK have all had moratoriums on testing for three decades, as part of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
In Pennsylvania, 78% say the US should continue its moratorium on nuclear testing, including 73% of Republicans and 83% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support ranges from 73% to 78%, and is 75% nationwide. [BAR GRAPH]

About the Survey
The Pennsylvania survey was fielded July 19 to August 2, 2024 with 593 adults by the
Program for Public Consultation
at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. The sample was pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status and home ownership to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Pennsylvania sample is +/-4.6%.

About the Program for Public Consultation
The Program for Public Consultation
(PPC) at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, develops and conducts public consultation surveys, seeking to improve democratic governance by consulting representative samples of citizens on key public policy issues. It shares its findings with officials in government, the media, other academics, and the general public.

Majorities of Republicans and Democrats in Pennsylvania Support Keeping Tax Credits for EVs and Clean Energy, Limits on Offshore Drilling

COLLEGE PARK, MD – Amid much discussion about whether to roll back current laws and regulations that aim to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses and to expand offshore drilling, a new survey in Pennsylvania, the five other swing states and nationally, finds that bipartisan majorities support keeping:

  • tax credits for electric vehicles and charging stations
  • current limits on offshore drilling
  • tax credits for clean energy and energy efficiency,
  • mandates to gradually raise fuel efficiency in cars and light trucks

This survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the third in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides of the issues to ensure accuracy and balance.

Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, “Bipartisan majorities favor keeping recently-enacted policies to reduce carbon emissions and to limit offshore drilling. On the other hand, there is also little support for going further.”

Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

Given the options to increase, maintain or repeal a list of tax credits, bipartisan majorities in Pennsylvania, as well as in the other swing states and nationally, favor maintaining or increasing tax credits for electric vehicles and public charging stations.

  • For buying a new EV, a tax credit up to $7,500 for people earning under $150,000, support is 73% in Pennsylvania, including 60% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats.
  • For buying a used EV, a tax credit up to $4,000 for people earning under $75,000, support is 78%, including 64% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats.
  • For installing a public charging station, a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of installation, support is 79%, including 66% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats.

These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Support for repealing the EV tax credits ranged from just 21% to 26% in Pennsylvania, including just 33% to 40% of Republicans and 11% to 15% of Democrats, as well as 19% to 26% in all swing states. At the same time, support for increasing such tax credits ranged from just 28% to 33% in Pennsylvania, and 28% to 37% in all swing states.

Offshore Drilling

Respondents were asked whether the government should seek to maintain, increase or decrease offshore drilling for oil and gas. In Pennsylvania, 69% favor maintaining or decreasing the levels of drilling, including 52% of Republicans and 81% of Democrats, as well as 52% to 63% in all swing states.

Increasing drilling is favored by just 29% in Pennsylvania, including 47% of Republicans and 17% of Democrats, as well as just 23% to 30% in the swing states. At the same time, only 27% of Pennsylvanians favor decreasing the amount of offshore drilling, as do 24% to 30% in all swing states.

Tax Credits for Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency

Keeping tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements is supported by bipartisan majorities in Pennsylvania (80% to 89%), including 72% to 81% of Republicans and 87% to 95% of Democrats. Respondents were presented a list of eight tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements, and informed that these tax credits reduce federal revenues by about $100 billion a year. In all six swing states, support ranges from 76% to 91%. These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Just 10% to 20% of Pennsylvanians favor repealing each tax credit, including 18% to 28% of Republicans and 4% to 13% of Democrats, as well as 9% to 24% in all six swing states. At the same time, increasing them is favored by just 24% to 39% of Pennsylvanians, and 21% to 41% in all swing states.

A Pennsylvania respondent elaborated on their support for these tax credits, writing that “the amounts of money that is being paid out to build back after hurricanes, wildfires and other climate related disasters far outpaces the money spent as tax credits.”

Fuel Efficiency Requirements for New Cars

Respondents were asked about the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation requiring new cars and light trucks to get 20-30% more miles per gallon by 2027 and told that this increases the price of new cars, but saves new car owners money in the long run. This regulation is favored by 70% in Pennsylvania, including 63% of Republicans and 78% of Democrats, as well as 66% to 71% in all swing states.

About the Survey

The Pennsylvania survey was fielded July 10-19, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 603 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, home ownership, and partisan affiliation. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Pennsylvania sample is +/- 4.5%.



Pennsylvania Democrats and Republicans Agree Congress, SCOTUS, POTUS and VP Should Not Trade Stocks

Overwhelming bipartisan majorities of Pennsylvania residents support a prohibition on stock trading by Congress, the Supreme Court, President and Vice President, a new public consultation survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) finds.

This survey is the second in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides to ensure accuracy and balance.

Legislation to prohibit any stock trading in individual companies among Members of Congress was first introduced in 2022, and has been reintroduced every year since, as has legislation prohibiting stock trading by Supreme Court Justices, the President and Vice President. Under the proposals, officials would still be able to buy and sell shares in large portfolios, like mutual funds, and retain their existing stocks if put in an independently managed fund, known as a blind trust. The ban would also apply to live-in family members.

Prohibiting Members of Congress and their live-in family from trading individual stocks is favored by 74% in Pennsylvania, including 70% of Republicans and 77% of Democrats. Support in the six swing states ranges from 71% to 76%, with national support at 72%.

Prohibiting Supreme Court Justices, the President and Vice President, and their live-in family, from trading individual stocks is favored by 74% in Pennsylvania, including 72% of Republicans and 79% of Democrats. Support in the six swing states ranges from 72% to 77%, with national support at 74%.

Director of the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation, Steven Kull, noted, “Americans of all political stripes have great concerns about potential conflicts of interest and self-serving decisions on the part of policymakers.”

Presented pro and con arguments, the most popular argument was that there are, “too many potential conflicts of interest when Members of Congress can hold and trade stocks in individual companies,” with 85% of residents finding it convincing in Pennsylvania.

The con arguments did not do as well, with just 48% in Pennsylvania finding convincing the argument that this new law is not necessary, since “we already have laws against insider trading, and Members of Congress can be investigated and charged just like anyone else.”

A Pennsylvania respondent elaborated on their views, “Money is influential in a person's decision-making process. We do not need government officials basing their decisions on how it might impact their wealth and income.”

About the Survey
The Pennsylvania survey was fielded July 10-19, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 603 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, home ownership, and partisan affiliation. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval is +/- 4.5%.


Pennsylvania Democrats and Republicans Agree on How to Lower Health Care Costs

July 25, 2024 - As the price of health care continues to rise faster than wages, a new public consultation survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) at the University of Maryland finds large bipartisan majorities of Pennsylvania residents support a number of policy proposals for lowering health care costs.

This survey is the first in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys - being conducted on major policy issues in the run-up to the November 2024 election in six battleground states on major policy proposals. In addition to Pennsylvania, survey states include Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides to ensure accuracy and balance.

Capping Drug Prices
Placing a federal government capping on the price of all drugs to what is charged in other developed countries is favored by 79% in Pennsylvania, including 86% of Democrats and 72% of Republicans. Support in the six swing states ranges from 77% to 81%, with national support at 78%.
In the briefing, respondents were informed that drugs in the US generally cost twice as much as in other developed countries and that this proposal would result in fewer new drugs being developed, per a Congressional Budget Office study.

Making Higher ACA Subsidies Permanent
Legislation making permanent the pandemic-era law that temporarily increased Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for lower and middle-income households, is favored by 68% in Pennsylvania, including 76% of Democrats and 62% of Republicans. Support in the six swing states ranges from 62% to 68%, with national support at 67%.
Revoking Patents for Unaffordable Drugs Developed with Federal Aid
A proposal to allowing the Executive Branch to revoke patents for drugs developed with federal aid, if they are priced so high that they are unaffordable for most who need them, is favored by 76% in Pennsylvania, including 82% of Democrats and 70% of Republicans. Support in the six swing states ranges from 74% to 77%, with national support at 73%.
Prohibiting Deals that Delay the Release of Generic Drugs
Legislation to prohibit “pay-to-delay” – in which brand-name drug companies preserve their ability to charge high prices by paying generic drug companies to delay bringing their generic version to market – is favored by 73% in Pennsylvania, including 77% of Democrats and 69% of Republicans. Support in the six swing states ranges from 72% to 77%, with national support at 71%.
Requiring Price Transparency for Health Care Costs
Price transparency mandates – requiring that health and insurance providers make prices publicly available as a means of promoting competition and lowering costs – have been enacted by both the Trump and Biden administrations through executive orders. Making price transparency requirements permanent through legislation is favored by 80% in Pennsylvania, including 83% of Democrats and 78% of Republicans. Support in the six swing states ranges from 75% to 84%, with national support at 77%.
Funding Substance Abuse Treatment
Providing $13 billion in additional federal funding to help make treatment for substance use disorder low-cost or free to nearly everyone who needs and wants it is supported by 74% in Pennsylvania, including 80% of Democrats and 67% of Republicans. Support in the six swing states ranges from 65% to 79%, with national support at 80%.

PPC Director, Steven Kull, noted, “Even with the airwaves filled with divisive messages, when people focused on possible approaches to lowering health care costs, we found tremendous bipartisan common ground in Pennsylvania and the other swing states.”

A Pennsylvania respondent elaborated on their views, “I have MS and my prescription is unnecessarily high priced. Most people I know cannot afford their medication. I feel the government doesn't care about us common people who need medication to live a healthy lifestyle.”

About the Survey
The survey was fielded June 28th to July 8th, 2024 with 607 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of PPC. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, home ownership, and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for Wisconsin and the other state samples is +/-4.5% and +/-2.3% to 3.9% for the national sample.

ABOUT THE SWING SIX SURVEYS


OTHER SWING SIX RELEASES

Families & Children

Social Security

Abortion & Birth Control

International Security, US Support for Ukraine & Nuclear Weapons Policy

Health Care

Stock Trading

Energy & the Environment


COMING SOON

Affordable Housing

STATE SURVEYS

Arizona
Georgia
Michigan
Nevada
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin