Article

Public Calls for More Help for Homeowners

The public wants measures to help homeowners, which are critical to reach the root of the issue, to be included in the congressional relief package.

Part of a Series

As Congress debates proposals to help solve the financial crisis, one thing is very clear: The public wants these proposals to pay serious attention to the financial problems of American homeowners. In a Pew poll taken just before and right after the rejection of the first bailout proposal by the House, an overwhelming 81 percent of the public said they were concerned (54 percent “very” and 27 percent “somewhat”) that government intervention won’t do enough for homeowners in financial trouble.
Chart One

A CBS News poll taken around the same time found that the public strongly endorses the idea the federal government should provide financial help to those homeowners who are having trouble repaying their mortgages because of rising rates. Three-fifths supported this approach, compared to just 35 percent who thought the federal government should stay away from such action.
Chart Two

The politics of the financial rescue packages being discussed by Congress are complex and difficult. But one critical part is the extent to which the public believes homeowners are being provided with the help they need. The more the public believes this, the easier it should be for legislators to craft and pass appropriate financial stabilization measures.

For more information and solutions on the financial crisis, see:

The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. A full list of supporters is available here. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.

Authors

Ruy Teixeira

Former Senior Fellow

Explore The Series

Previous
Next