How well do Americans think President Trump has done relating to the financial and social problems of average Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Each week, our Benzinga data team releases nationally sampled consumer sentiment survey data related to the impact coronavirus has had on consumer sentiment and the national economy. We asked over 1,000 American adults if they believe the Trump administration was sufficiently prepared for the pandemic and what Americans face in July 2020.
This week, our Benzinga data team also delved deep into the states where the tax code is most and least conducive to business.
The following are the highlights from this week’s study.
Key Findings from the Study
Data for this week’s rankings are courtesy of Intuit and Washington D.C.-based think tank The Tax Foundation. Our Benzinga data team reviewed and evaluated state-by-state business tax guidance to find the states with the best and worst overall business taxes.
What are the differentiating factors between a state with a business-friendly tax code and one without? The index utilized by The Tax Foundation says the lower the individual income taxes, unemployment insurance tax, low state corporate taxes, applicable property taxes, the more tax-friendly a state is for businesses small and large.
This week we discovered Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, Florida and Nevada are the 5 states featuring the most friendly tax rates for businesses.
On the flip side New Jersey, New York, California, Vermont and Minnesota highlight the 5 states possessing the least friendly tax rates for businesses for 2020.
States with the Least Expensive Business Taxes
- 1. Wyoming
- 2. South Dakota
- 3. Alaska
- 4. Florida
- 5. Nevada
- 6. Montana
- 7. New Hampshire
- 8. Indiana
- 9. Utah
- 10. Oregon
States with the Most Expensive Business Taxes
- 41. Louisiana
- 42. Maryland
- 43. Connecticut
- 44. Rhode Island
- 45. Ohio
- 46. Minnesota
- 47. Vermont
- 48. California
- 49. New York
- 50. New Jersey
Risk Perception of COVID-19
| How well do you think President Trump has related to problems faced by average Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic? | 33.5% told us Very Well. | 8.7% told us Somewhat Well. | 53.5% told us Not Well. | 4.3% told us they’re Unsure. |
One in 2 Americans believes that Donald Trump has done a poor job understanding what average Americans have faced during the pandemic. On the flip side, 1 in 3 told us the President has done very well relating to the problems faced by average Americans.
Timetable for a Vaccine
| Do you believe the Trump administration was sufficiently prepared to handle the COVID-19 pandemic? | 32.2% told us Yes. | 58.8% told us No. | 9% told us they’re Unsure. |
A majority of Americans, 59%, said they believe the Trump administration was not sufficiently prepared to handle the economic and social fallouts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Based on our surveying, we can also report 32% of Americans believe the Trump administration was indeed ready and prepared to take on the onset of the pandemic earlier this year.
Survey Methodology
This study was conducted by Benzinga between July 13 and 14 and included the responses of a diverse population of American adults 18 or older. The study reflects the results from over 1,000 American adults on their thoughts and views pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic.
The United States population estimates base is courtesy of Census.gov. Data for this week’s rankings are courtesy of Intuit and Washington D.C.-based think tank the Tax Foundation.
Please contact henrykhederian@benzinga.com with questions or to schedule a phone or video interview with our team.