Americans’ view on economy rises after coronavirus relief law: poll

Americans’ view of the economy has improved since the passage of the coronavirus relief law, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs poll.

The poll, released Wednesday, found that 46 percent of respondents believe the economy is good, an increase from the 37 percent who gave the same outlook in March.

The findings were split along party lines, with 35 percent of Republican respondents classifying the economy as good, while 58 percent of Democrats looked favorably at the economy. 

The findings come in the weeks since President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion relief package, which included $1,400 direct payments to individuals in an effort to stimulate the economy after the pandemic disrupted businesses worldwide. It also included increased funding to administer vaccines.

The AP-NORC poll found that 54 percent of Americans surveyed approved of the stimulus package while 25 percent disapproved of the legislation. 

The survey also found Biden at a 61 percent approval rating for the way he is handling his job as president, with 73 percent of those polled saying they approve of the way he has handled the pandemic.

But on immigration, Biden’s approval fell to 42 percent as the administration struggles to deal with an influx of migrants coming from the Mexican border, including thousands of unaccompanied minors.

The poll surveyed 1,166 adults between March 26-29. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.