WASHINGTON—Americans are concerned about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on all aspects of the economy, and 90% support Congress passing another economic stimulus bill to help distressed small businesses and employees, according to a new survey of registered voters conducted by Morning Consult and commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). 89% agree that Congress should remain in session until reaching an agreement on an economic stimulus package.
“Millions of Americans are out of work, and thousands of small businesses are dying,” said Chip Rogers, president/CEO, AHLA. “It is well past time for our leaders in Washington to pass a stimulus bill to help these employees and businesses in the hardest-hit industries, including and especially, ours. It is unacceptable for Congress to adjourn without passing a bill.”
There is widespread concern about the effects of COVID-19 on all elements of the economy, including small businesses (93% very/somewhat concerned), unemployment rates (90%), and Americans’ own personal/family financial situation (75%). As Congress considers how to respond to the ongoing pandemic, voters agree on the importance of helping families (74% very important) and small businesses (68%) that are struggling.
The survey of 1,994 registered voters was conducted Oct. 7-9, 2020 by Morning Consult on behalf of AHLA. Key findings of the survey:
- Travel and tourism most affected industry: Voters believe the travel and tourism industry was the most affected by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 (50% selected travel and tourism as a top-two most affected industry). Other highly affected industries include food and beverage (34% selected), education (26%), retail (19%) and health care (18%).
- Strong support for a stimulus bill: Nine in 10 voters (90%) support Congress passing an economic stimulus bill to provide aid to small businesses and protect jobs that have been impacted by the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 92% of Democrats, 87% of independents, and 89% of Republicans support another economic stimulus bill.
- No recess without relief: Nearly nine in 10 voters (89%) agree that Congress should remain in session until reaching an agreement on an economic stimulus package. Agreement is high among Republicans (88% agree), Democrats (91% agree), and independents alike (86% agree).
- COVID>SCOTUS: 48% of voters say the COVID-19 pandemic is the most important issue for Congress to focus on right now, while 23% say the economy and jobs should be the priority. Just 5% name the Supreme Court vacancy as the top priority.
