TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 1, 2022) – Researchers at the University of South Florida have released results from a statewide survey that measures public opinion on the impact of inflation and attitudes toward government responses to the rising costs of goods and services.
Among the findings:
How inflation ranks heading into the Nov. 8 midterms: When asked to identify the issues that will impact their votes this fall, inflation ranked at the top.
- Inflation 52%
- Economy/Jobs 48%
- Immigration 32%
- Abortion 28%
- Gun Violence/Crime 27%
Impact of inflation over the past year:
- 89% say that inflation has impacted their grocery spending.
- 88% say that inflation has impacted their discretionary spending.
- 68% say that inflation has impacted their travel plans.
- 67% say that inflation has forced them to draw down their savings.
- 65% say that inflation has impacted their ability to pay essential bills.
Floridians’ wages as they relate to inflation: Among income earners, 80% say that their wages have not kept up with the rising cost of goods and services over the past year.
Inflation’s impact on financial security over the past year:
- Just over 67% of Floridians say that they have less money available for a personal emergency than they did 12 months ago.
- Only 7% say that they have more money available for a personal emergency than they did 12 months ago.
How Floridians feel about what is responsible for inflation:
- More than a third of Floridians (35%) say that the Biden administration’s policies are primarily responsible for the rising costs of goods and services.
- 19% attribute inflation primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 11% attribute inflation primarily to the war in Ukraine.
- More than three-quarters (77%) say that they are either “somewhat” or “very dissatisfied” with the federal government’s response to the rising cost of goods and services.
The survey included a representative sample of 600 Floridians, fielded Oct. 14 – 23, 2022. Results are reported with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error +/-4 %.
The complete survey results can be found here.
To view this story on the USF Newsroom website, click here.
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About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida, a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success, generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report’s national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state’s 12 public universities. USF has earned widespread national recognition for its success graduating under-represented minority and limited-income students at rates equal to or higher than white and higher income students. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.