The poll results showed government and politicians as the biggest problems Pennsylvanians find to be facing the state.
Pennsylvania’s state budget is officially over 100 days late. Lawmakers in Harrisburg are continuing to engage in tense negotiations that have left the Commonwealth without funding in place. Residents are feeling the impact.
A recent poll conducted by Franklin & Marshall College revealed that Pennsylvanians believe that politicians and the government are the largest problem facing the state.
The poll results showed nearly 1 in 4 respondents think the government is the most important problem. This amounts to 23%, up from 10% just last year. In October of 2024, 30% of people polled said the economy and finances were the largest problem for Pennsylvania. Only 12% were in that category this time the poll was administered.
When asked if they were better or worse off financially than they were a year ago, 36% of respondents said they were worse off. Only 16% said they were better off, with 48% saying their financial situation was about the same.
Since a survey conducted by Franklin & Marshall College in April of 2022, the 36% of people that said they were worse off financially than they were a year ago is the lowest percentage that has been polled.
Up by double from last year’s poll, 27% of respondents said they expect to be worse off financially a year from now. A total of 24% said they expect to be better off.
The poll also asked respondents how they view the performance of certain politicians in office.
When asked about President Donald Trump, 24% of respondents said he is doing an excellent job as president. An additional 17% said he is doing a good job. Fifty percent of those polled said he is doing a poor job, and 8% said he is doing a fair job.
Governor Josh Shapiro received 24% of respondents giving him an excellent review and 27% saying he is doing a good job in office. He received 15% for a poor job and 25% saying he is doing a fair job as governor.
When polled on President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, 51% voiced opposition to the spending package and 40% somewhat or strongly favor it. When asked how the bill will impact Americans, 50% of respondents believe it will make life worse for people and 39% say it will improve life for them.
On how the bill will impact respondents individually, 35% expect no change, 23% believe it will make their family better off, and 31% think it will make life worse for their family.
The poll also addressed the upcoming Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention elections. Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht will be up for retention. Most respondents answered that they do not know how they will cast their vote in the election.
