A new Gallup poll finds fewer Americans now cite the Coronavirus as the most important problem in the United States than any point previously. Today, only 8% say COVID-19 is the most important U.S. problem. In April, that number was 20% and in February, 26%. Last year at this same time, that number ranged between 30-35%. It was at its high point in April 2020 at 45%. This latest poll is the first time COVID-19 wasn’t the #1 or #2 top issue in Gallup’s tracking of top problems since the pandemic hit.
With vaccinations available and restrictions lifted, this isn’t surprising. Now leaders in states and Washington, D.C. must address the effects of COVID-19 on the economy and education. Gallup now consistently cites the economy as one of America’s top problems. As businesses try to restart and rebuild, economic policies that boost growth and create pro-business environments will be at the top of many voters’ minds. Additionally, after families had their children home from school for months, parents are more attuned than ever to questions of curriculum, standards and efforts that address not just the “lost school year,” but how quickly students catch up and what they’re being taught.
As candidates lay out messages for 2021 and beyond, it’d be wise to turn the page and emphasize human stories about the effects of tax cuts, deal with cost of living concerns, and promote pro-growth policies and education policies that put parents – not unions – in charge.
