Comeback America Poll: Most Americans Have a Low Fiscal IQ

BRIDGEPORT, Conn., Dec. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Three quarters of the American people believe we must both decrease spending and increase revenue to put the nation on a more prudent and sustainable financial path. This was one of the major findings of the National Fiscal IQ poll -- the first of its kind -- released today by The Comeback America Initiative (CAI).

CAI is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit founded by former U.S. Comptroller General Dave Walker.

The poll surveyed a representative sample of 1,000 Americans by phone to measure how much the public knows about the facts regarding our nation's financial condition, as well as the public's views on the types of steps that will be necessary to restore fiscal sanity.

Some of the poll's other highlights include:

• The average Fiscal IQ was 61 out of 100. That number is comprised of an average fiscal knowledge score of 49 and an average fiscal wisdom score of 72.  (Fiscal knowledge is a measure of the test taker's understanding of fiscal facts, while fiscal wisdom gauges whether their views about potential solutions are realistic as compared to those of objective federal budget experts).
• The average Fiscal IQ scores for Republicans, Independents and Democrats were 62, 60, and 60, respectively (with a margin of error of 3.1%).
• 88 percent of Americans felt that the federal government's projected deficits and debt represent a real threat to America's future, 88 percent felt that elected officials should reach across the political aisle to get things done, and 87 percent believe elected officials should do the right thing for the country even if it reduces their chances of re-election.  

Walker said that he was encouraged by the fact that 88 percent of Americans understand the threat the country faces because of its projected deficits and mounting debt. "This national poll serves to demonstrate the need for a meaningful national citizen education and engagement campaign on the federal government's finances in order to prepare the way for tough choices," Walker said. "It also serves to confirm that Americans value progress over partisanship, intelligence over ideology and results over rhetoric. The solution to our fiscal challenge lies in principle-based compromise."

To see the full poll results please visit http://tcaii.org/

ONLINE FISCAL IQ QUIZ:

The National Fiscal IQ Poll asked the same questions as CAI's Fiscal IQ Quiz, which allows anyone to test their knowledge of fiscal facts and assess their views as compared to a consensus of objective budget experts.

The average Fiscal IQ for online participants is much higher than the national survey. Specifically, the average Fiscal IQ is 81 out of 100, comprised of an average fiscal knowledge score of 72 and an average fiscal wisdom score of 90.

To date, more than 12,000 people from all 50 states, most U.S. territories, and over 60 countries have taken the Fiscal IQ Quiz online at www.fiscaliq.net. Respondents include elected officials and concerned citizens.

"Shockingly, elected officials consistently score far below average in connection with most key fiscal knowledge and wisdom questions," Walker said. "All current and prospective federal elected officials should take the Fiscal IQ Quiz. They owe it to their country and their constituents to do so."

Contact Information:

Sarah Small
Comeback America Initiative
[email protected] or 203-382-1000

or

Bill Beaman
OnPoint Strategies, LLC
[email protected] or (301) 767-7807

ABOUT CAI:

CAI is a non-profit organization that promotes fiscal responsibility and sustainability by engaging the public and assisting key policymakers on a non-partisan basis in order to achieve solutions to America's fiscal imbalances. Additional information can be found at www.tcaii.org.

SOURCE Comeback America Initiative