In brief
A new poll indicates that nearly half of Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian adults prioritize governmental action on the rising cost of living, with health care issues also surfacing as a major concern. The survey shows these communities feeling less confident in the government's ability to address these challenges, reflecting a broader trend of economic anxiety amidst persistent inflation and affordability struggles.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Anxiety about costs and affordability is particularly high among Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians, reflecting broader economic stress, according to a recent poll.
Approximately half of Asian American and Pacific Islander adults expressed a desire for the government to focus on tackling the high cost of living and inflation, as shown in a survey conducted by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research in early December. This focus stands in contrast to a December AP-NORC poll where about one-third of all U.S. adults identified inflation and financial concerns as significant issues.
The growing concern signals that this fast-growing demographic remains skeptical of attempts by political leaders to mitigate inflation worries. Regardless of political leanings, AAPI adults—whether Democrats, Independents, or Republicans—express heightened anxiety about inflation compared to their counterparts.
Like the general population, AAPI adults have also become increasingly concerned with health care issues over the past year. Many in this demographic are reassessing financial plans due to rising living costs, as illustrated by Jayakumar Natarajan, a tech manager in the Bay Area, rethinking retirement plans.
AAPI Adults Are Worrying About Rising Costs
Inflation, alongside affordability, dominates concerns for AAPI adults, with about 20% identifying housing costs and employment as government priorities—aligning with overall national sentiments. Families in high-cost living areas face unique challenges; for example, Kevin Tu from Washington balances new home ownership and expectant parenthood amid financial strain.
Black, Hispanic, and AAPI adults prioritize unemployment and housing costs more than white adults, mirroring broader economic challenges within these communities.
Health Care Also Emerges as a Priority
Sixty-seven percent of AAPI adults want government action on health care, driving concern around affordability following a year of health cuts. Some community members are even seeking medical care abroad, highlighting affordability challenges in the U.S.
Falling Confidence in Government's Ability to Address Concerns
Overall, AAPI adults are losing confidence in the government’s effectiveness, with 70% expressing doubts about progress on vital issues post-2024 elections.
The poll covering 1,029 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander adults underscores the need for ongoing dialogue on these pressing issues, with implications for policy directions in the near future.
