Poll shows that voters remain concerns about the nation’s debt

Voters remain concerned about the future of the nation’s finances and want Congress and the White House to work together on reducing long-term debt.

A new fiscal confidence index fell to 45 in February from 52 in January, according to the latest poll released Tuesday by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. 

{mosads}Any values below 100 reflect negative sentiment.

Overall, 82 percent of those asked want President Obama and Congress to spend more time addressing the national debt.

The same percentage said the fiscal situation should be one of the top three priorities for elected officials, including 55 percent who agree strongly.

Also, 70 percent say their level of concern about the nation’s fiscal outlook has increased in the last few years.

“Voters understand that we need to address our long-term fiscal challenges in order to secure a growing and prosperous economy,” said Michael Peterson, president and COO of the Peterson Foundation.

“As our economy gains strength, voters are looking to Washington for leadership to put our nation’s fiscal house in order.”

Overall, voters expressed strong concerns about the nation’s debt.

The index looks at three components to reach the overall outlook level.

The index score for concern about the debt is 42, the gauge for making it a priority is 22 and the expectations about progress is 72.

The nationwide poll included 1,000 registered voters, surveyed by telephone between Feb. 16-19. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.