The Marketplace-Edison Research Poll found that while the U.S. economy is rebounding, everyday Americans are still worried about their wallets. In fact, 63 percent of the more than 1,000 respondents said they are sometimes or frequently anxious about their financial situation, while 27 percent said they are not financially secure.Much of the fear is focused on not being able to pay the bills or having enough money for future needs, according to the poll:
Americans also report “a lot” of fear about paying monthly bills. More than 10 percent fear being unable to make a car payment, more than 10 percent fear being unable to make a mortgage payment, more than 25 percent fear being unable to pay rent and more than 33 percent fear not being able to make a student loan payment.
More than 30 percent have “a lot” of fear over not having enough saved for retirement, nearly a quarter fear facing an unexpected medical bill and more than 20 percent fear not being able to afford college for their children.Undoubtedly, these issues are already beginning to play themselves out in advance of the 2016 presidential election. Large swaths of workers aren't happy with the economic status quo, and they are letting the candidates know it.
The Teamsters have been listening and know a new plan is needed. But it is one that needs a buy-in from both sides of the political aisle. That's why the "Let's Get America Working" platform was crafted.
Hardworking Americans deserve some peace of mind. They toil long hours to put food on the table and keep a roof over their head. But due to bad trade deals pushing good-paying jobs overseas, their margins are thinner than ever before. They need help.
Investing in America by improving infrastructure would go a long way to help the economy. And it would help settle the fears of many who have been on the wrong side of the income divide in recent years.
