53% oppose congressional health care plans, income a factor

A survey conducted by Rasmussen Reports and released on Wednesday shows that the majority of Americans oppose the congressional health care plan and that support or opposition may be determined by annual income.

According to a Rasmussen Reports survey released on Wednesday, 53 percent of Americans oppose the government takeover of health care bill that is circulating through Congress. The trends in the study reflect a drop in support for the legislation, and there is evidence that support or opposition is determined by annual income. The 44 percent support for the plan is down from 46 percent two weeks ago - and 50 percent in late June. The Rasmussen data reflects a troubling trend from Democratic lawmakers: as Americans become more familiar with the health care bill, their support continues to falter. "There is a huge partisan divide on the health care plan. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of Democrats favor it. However, the plan is opposed by 80% of Republicans and 60% of those not affiliated with either major party," according to Rasmussen. Support for the legislation also appeared strongest among Americans earning $40,000 annually or less. "Most voters who earn less than $40,000 annually favor the legislation. Most who earn more than that amount are opposed," Rasmussen reported.