A lot of Americans really do get it. They understand that the disastrous spending habits of the federal government must come to an end, even if it involves pain. From Rasmussen comes what should be bad news for California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, although these days, congressional Democrats have no problem thwarting the will of the majority.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows just 27% of voters nationwide believe the federal government should provide bailout funding for California. Fifty-five percent (55%) think the federal government should let the state go bankrupt instead. Seventeen percent (17%) are not sure.
No matter how you frame the choice for voters, bailing out California is unpopular.
Schwarzenegger himself has said that California may seek $8 billion in federal funding assistance. When we ask about that request without mentioning the trade-off of filing bankruptcy, only 16% of voters nationally favor the bailout. Sixty-eight percent (68%) oppose an $8-billion bailout for California, with another 16% undecided.
Without the federal bailout, Schwarzenegger has said California will have to cut back the state’s main welfare program and reduce health care services for the disabled and elderly. He also says a 14% cut in pay for state workers may be necessary.
