Americans Want to Reduce Spending, Just Not on Entitlements
December 20, 2024.png)
Key Takeaways
- Worries about the economy, government spending, and national debt have yet to weaken support for entitlements.
- A majority of Americans oppose entitlement reforms, with only 30% advocating for cutting back on spending in this area.
- Bipartisan support for the Social Security Fairness Act reinforces public feelings about entitlements, creating tension between debt fears and a refusal to cut expenditures.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
10,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
7 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
Public opinion on entitlements like Social Security and Medicare is complicated and Americans are grappling with the future of these programs. Democrats prioritize expansion and equity, framing entitlements as a moral imperative. Republicans, particularly anti-establishment and MAGA voters want fiscal sustainability and reforms to reduce dependency. While many criticize the inefficiency of these programs, there is limited support for reforming or eliminating them.
Interesting thread https://t.co/G50cntLkVG
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 3, 2024
The Core Divide on Entitlements
Americans mostly value entitlement programs, but their perspectives on reform differ.
- 45% of voters strongly advocate for protecting entitlement programs, particularly Social Security and Medicare, viewing them as essential safety nets that reduce inequality and protect vulnerable populations like the elderly.
- 25% voice strong opposition to entitlement reform proposals that could lead to cuts, citing fears of worsening inequality and economic hardship.
- Around 30% of voters link entitlement spending to concerns about the unsustainable national debt, advocating for reforms.
.png)
Democrats
Democrats widely view Social Security and Medicare as essential programs, emphasizing their moral and economic importance.
- They see entitlements as rights earned through contributions, not government handouts.
- They advocate for the Social Security Fairness Act, which seeks to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) to reduce harm to public servants.
- They want to expand programs, citing their role in stimulating economic growth and reducing poverty.
Republicans
MAGA Republicans approach entitlements with skepticism, viewing them as costly programs that foster dependency.
- They say entitlements must be reformed to ensure fiscal sustainability.
- Some propose raising eligibility ages, recalibrating benefits, and targeting funds to those most in need.
- Many say unchecked spending on entitlements contributes to the national debt and undermines economic freedom.
Social Security Fairness Act
The Social Security Fairness Act has recently become a focal point in discussions around entitlement reform. In November, it passed the House and now moves to the Senate. The act, H.R.82, aims to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset.
Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)
- What it does: The WEP reduces Social Security benefits for individuals with pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security, such as state and local government positions.
- Why it matters: Public servants like teachers, police officers, and firefighters often see their Social Security benefits significantly reduced, even if they contributed to the system through other jobs. Critics argue this penalizes workers unfairly for earning pensions outside the Social Security framework.
Government Pension Offset (GPO)
- What it does: The GPO reduces or eliminates Social Security spousal or survivor benefits for individuals receiving a government pension from work not covered by Social Security.
- Why it matters: This provision disproportionately affects surviving spouses of public servants, leaving them with little to no financial support, even if their deceased partner paid into Social Security for decades.
What People Say
- Supporters of repeal: Advocates argue the WEP and GPO unfairly target public employees, depriving them of benefits they earned and creating financial hardship for retirees and their families.
- Opponents of repeal: Critics claim the provisions prevent "double-dipping" into Social Security benefits and pensions and increase expenditures.
The Act has garnered bipartisan support, reflecting a general consensus that entitlements are not up for discussion when it comes to cuts. Demand to repeal is high, with public pressure mounting for the Senate to vote for H.R.82.
.png)
Recession Anxiety
Fears about an impending recession or even a depression cause fear in public discussion. While Americans express anxiety over inflation and rising costs, many remain unwilling to relinquish benefits tied to Social Security and Medicare, even as the national debt grows.
Key Concerns
- Americans cite inflation as a primary driver of economic instability, with rising prices disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations like seniors.
- Stories of elderly people resorting to extreme measures—like eating pet food—highlight the dire financial strain and calls to protect entitlements.
Contradictions in Public Opinion
- Many Americans demand fiscal responsibility and reforms to avoid economic collapse but resist significant cuts to entitlement programs.
- This tension causes difficulty for representatives attempting to reconcile public expectations with the fiscal realities of sustaining Social Security and Medicare amid mounting debt.
Broader Context
- Public frustration with government spending on foreign aid and perceived corporate welfare intensifies calls to prioritize domestic needs like entitlements.
- The Biden administration’s economic policies also drawn criticism, further fueling recession fears and skepticism about the country's future.
Public Frustration with Leadership
Disillusionment with political leadership haunts both parties.
- Delays in legislative action on the Social Security Fairness Act provoke frustration, particularly among public service workers who feel shortchanged.
- Criticism for things like Hunter Biden’s pardon exacerbates public cynicism regarding government accountability and priorities.
- MAGA voters distrust “RINOs,” saying they do not trust them to make progress on the debt issue, perceiving them as weak and self-interested.
Immigration and Entitlements
Entitlements and immigration policy also intertwine in public discussion.
- MAGA voters worry about social programs and funding for illegal immigrants, framing this as an unfair burden on taxpayers.
- Democrats counter with arguments that migrants contribute to the economy and should rightfully access benefits.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)