May 22, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) May 22, 2003 - Americans remain uneasy about financial matters, but believe the tax cuts proposed by United States president George W. Bush will be helpful, according to a poll by CBS News and the New York Times. 41 per cent of respondents say the package will be positive for the national economy.

(CPOD) May 22, 2003 - Americans remain uneasy about financial matters, but believe the tax cuts proposed by United States president George W. Bush will be helpful, according to a poll by CBS News and the New York Times. 41 per cent of respondents say the package will be positive for the national economy.

The U.S. Congress is expected to pass Bush's $350 billion U.S. package, which includes provisions to give states $20 billion U.S. in federal aid. The president's original proposal called for a $726 billion U.S. tax cut.

Financial matters and unemployment are the most pressing concerns for Americans, followed by the war on terrorism. 58 per cent of respondents say the overall economic situation in the country is worse than two years ago, during Bush's first months in office.

Polling Data

What effect will the White House proposed tax cuts have in the economy?

Good	41%
Bad	19%
No effect	33%

Compared to two years ago, is the economy better, worse or the same?

Better	13%
Worse	58%
The same	28%

What is the most pressing problem facing the country?

Economy, unemployment	40%
War, terrorism	15%
Education	4%
Family values	3%
Health care	3%
Poverty	3%

Source: CBS News / New York Times
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 910 American adults, conducted from May 9 to May 12, 2003. Margin of error is 3 per cent.