The AARP Bulletin commissioned a nationwide survey in December 2008 on expectations for the new administration and Congress. The findings show that the largest percentage of respondents feel that creating a jobs program should be the top priority of Congress in 2009, followed by reforming health care.

Key Findings

• 25% of respondents said that the financing of a jobs program should be the top priority for Congress and the new administration. Of this group, 76% believed it was at least “somewhat likely” that Congress would act in 2009 to finance a jobs program.
• Among the 50+ population, the financing of a jobs program was seen as a top priority by a greater percentage of AARP members (27%) than non-members (17%).
• 18% of respondents said health care reform should be the top priority for Congress and the new administration, with about two-thirds (67%) believing it was at least “somewhat likely” that Congress would act on this issue in 2009.
• More respondents over age 50 than those between 18 and 49 believe that Congress will address their priority issues in 2009 (65% vs 61%).
• Among the 50+ population, more AARP members than non-members believe that Congress will address their priority issues in 2009 (69% vs 61%).

This study was conducted for AARP by International Communications Research, an independent research company. Telephone interviews were conducted from December 4 to December 8, 2008, among a nationally representative sample of 1,020 respondents age 18 or older. For more information, contact Gerard Rainville at 202-434-6295. (9 pages)