Rutgers-Eagleton is out with a new poll examining the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act and whether New Jerseyans support it or believe it will impact their strained wallets.

The survey found that while two-thirds support the IRA, nearly the same number do not think the legislation will be helpful to them personally.

Overall, 41% say they strongly support the IRA, while 24% somewhat support it. Meanwhile 8% somewhat oppose it, and 22% strongly oppose it.

Despite the strong support, most New Jerseyans do not believe the IRA will help them and their families’ finances and spending: About 10% feel it will help them a lot, 24% said some, 22% a little, and 38% not at all.

“There is a bit of a disconnect between support for the Inflation Reduction Act and how much New Jerseyans actually think they will be impacted, with even the law’s strongest supporters divided on how much it will help them personally,” said Ashley Koning, an assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling (ECPIP) at Rutgers University – New Brunswick. “The fact that voters do not perceive a significant personal benefit from major legislation by the Biden Administration during difficult economic times is a troubling sign for Democratic candidates across the country with a consequential election just weeks ago.”

And to that end, unsurprisingly, the views are starkly divided along party lines.

Most Democrats support the legislation (69% strongly support, 21% somewhat support), while most Republicans oppose it (16% somewhat oppose, 65% strongly oppose). The poll found that Independents are mostly supportive, but not as much as Democrats, with 30% strongly supporting the IRA and 32% somewhat in favor.

The poll also found that because of inflation, New Jerseyans reported cutting back on spending in order to afford necessities with 28% saying they cut back on spending a lot, 33% said they cut back on some spending, 19% a little, and another 19% saying not at all.

“Reports of cutting back on spending come as no surprise, given that New Jerseyans cite economic issues as the top reason why they will vote in the upcoming midterm elections,” said Jessica Roman, a research associate at ECPIP. “Voters are looking at their wallets and hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel amidst the soaring cost of living.”

By: Matthew Fazelpoor
October 25, 2022 1:00 pm