A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Tuesday shows that most Americans think the economic stimulus was at least useful in preventing the financial crisis from getting worse, but that they haven’t seen benefits in their day-to-day lives.
Twelve percent believe that the stimulus has improved the economy, and another 46% say it stabilized conditions. Twenty-two percent said the stimulus has had no effect and 19% think it has made the economy worse.
The numbers look different when people assessed the stimulus as it affected their own lives. CNN Polling Director Keating Holland said that “nearly half” of responders say the stimulus has not affected them at all, and 21% believe it has hurt them directly.
“Just 7 percent believe that the stimulus bill has helped [them personally],” Holland said.
According to CNN, 54% of Americans supported the stimulus last March, just weeks after President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law.
