Poll reveals: Americans believe small businesses and the American worker will feel the impact of new regulations
MEMORANDUM
DATE: MARCH 30, 2011
TO: PUBLIC NOTICE
FROM: THE TARRANCE GROUP
RE: NATIONAL SURVEY ON REGULATION
The Tarrance Group is pleased to present Public Notice with the key findings from a survey of N=800 registered “likely” voters across the country. Interviews were conducted March 27-29, 2011. In 95 out of 100 cases, the margin of error on a sample of this type is +/- 3.5%.
KEY FINDINGS
- Support is low for more environmental regulations on businesses. Only 40% says there should be more, while a majority (53%) says the level of regulations should remain where it is now (28%) or there should be less (25%).
- Americans believe small businesses will feel the impact of new regulations, with 73% agreeing that “government regulations hit small businesses much harder than big corporations.”
- The American worker is also seen as receiving a hit from more regulation, with 59% agreeing that “additional federal regulation on businesses put the average American worker at risk of job loss.” Also, a majority (56%) agree that “additional environmental regulation has a negative impact on local communities through tax increases and job loss.”
- There is a perceived impact on jobs from increased regulation, as three quarters (75%) agree that “if regulations make it too expensive to keep jobs in America, businesses will continue to move overseas where there are much lower labor and environmental standards.” Also, a majority (53%) agree that “additional environmental regulation makes American companies less competitive than foreign companies.”
- Americans also believe regulations have an impact on their pocketbook. Nearly three quarters (72%) agree that “additional environmental regulation increases the price of energy for things like gasoline and electricity.” Another 68% agree that “more environmental regulation increases the price of everyday items like food and clothing.”
- Voters prefer new regulation be enacted through Congress, as 64% agree that “no new expensive regulation of business should be allowed without first getting approval from Congress.”
- Voters throughout the country remain focused on jobs and the economy, with 34% saying this is the issue Congress should be focused on right now. Another 17% say government spending is the most important issue, while only 2% say “climate change and the environment” is the top issue.
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