Poll: Voters More Optimistic About Personal Finances Than Economy

A new poll from The Hill shows that likely voters are pessimistic about the economy but optimistic about their own finances.

Only 32 percent of respondents say they are more confident about the economy than they were at the beginning of the year, while 39 percent are less confident, and 28 percent feel about the same.

When it comes to their personal finances, 52 percent of likely voters say they expect them to improve over the next year, while 44 percent say they foresee a turn for the worse.

Those on the left are most optimistic about the economy, with 75 percent of Democrats and almost 80 percent of liberals expecting improvement over the next year.

Meanwhile, those on the right are most pessimistic about their own finances, with 54 percent of Republicans and 63 percent of conservatives predicting their personal finances will worsen during the next year.

As Tax Day looms Tuesday, 45 percent of respondents say their tax burden has increased over the past year, while 35 percent said it has remained the same, and 12 percent say it has shrunk.

When it comes to tax rates, 50 percent of voters say they would support an increase in the top tax rate back to the 39.6 percent rate prevailing during the Clinton administration, while 42 percent are opposed. President Barack Obama has proposed a return to that rate.