According to the Economist, 63% of adults favor doing something now to address the budget deficit; 8% oppose doing something now; and 29% neither favor nor oppose.

According to Resurgent Republic, when asked how much of federal government spending is wasted, 4% of registered voters say less than 5%; 7% say between 6% and 10%; 16% say 11%-20%; 18% say between 21%-30%; 14% say between 31% and 40%; 11% say between 41% and 50%; and 22% say more than 50%.

According to Rasmussen, 61% of adults believe cuts in government spending would do more to improve the economic and financial situation in France and Greece than increases. 20% thought more government spending is the better way to go.

According to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, 90% of registered voters agree the current tax system is unfair and too complex and needs to be reformed. 9% disagree.

According to Resurgent Republic, when given two choices, 64% of registered voters say if the federal government were to raise taxes the new revenue would go to increased spending. 28% think the revenues would go to reducing the budget deficit.

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North Carolina received some mixed news yesterday as it slides from the number two spot on the list of Best/Worst States for Businesses according to Chief Executive. While its GDP is up 0.12 percent, unemployment remains above the national average at 9.9 percent.  However, the state’s ranking is still considered high as a result of its taxation and regulation policies, workforce quality, and living environment all receiving 4-5 stars.  Additionally, the state still projects to run a budget surplus this year and plans to use the 1 percent surplus of its $19.7 billion budget to close a shortfall in Medicaid this year.

SpaceX, a private contractor for NASA, is currently preparing for a May 7^th launch in Cape Canaveral Florida, after multiple delays have pushed the project back. While normal contracts would allow for those expenses to be passed on to NASA, the contract with SpaceX will not. NASA used a fixed-price contract when hiring the private firm, which meant that costs associated with new designs, reworkings and delays are taken by the vendor. At the moment, Elon Musk, SpaceX’s founder is said to have put nearly $100 million of his own money into the project. Still, the project’s ambitious goals of space exploration and eventually reaching Mars are sure to provide ample opportunity in the Cape Canaveral area, as well at their headquarters in California.BA

Roll Call says the Senate budget committee will mark up a budget resolution next week.

President Obama will travel to Florida today to discuss the Administration’s proposed “Buffett rule.” Bloomberg, CNN, The Hill, Reuters,Roll Call, The Wall Street Journal have the details. Politico says the White House believes instituting the “Buffett Rule” is about instilling “fairness” in the tax code, not reducing the budget deficit. The National Journal says Democrats are divided on the approach.

Bloomberg looks at fairness in the tax code while CNN looks at the “Buffett rule” specifically.

Politico reports the House Oversight Committee will look into GSA spending. Meanwhile, The Associated Press reports another GSA employee has been placed on administrative leave.

The Washington Post says a new report shows the 2010 health care law will add $340 billion to deficits over the next 10 years.

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According to ARG, 48% of adults think the U.S. is in a recession while 26% do not think it is in a recession.

According to the Economist, 73% of adults think the gap between rich and poor is larger than it was 30 years ago; 3% think it is smaller; and 23% think it’s about the same.

According to Rasmussen, only 26% of adults would be willing to pay higher taxes to help reduce the federal budget deficit. 64% would not.

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Bloomberg and NBC say the budget deficit this year will be higher than originally anticipated.

According to USA Today, the recently-enacted payroll tax cut will add to this year’s budget deficit.

The Associated Press reports there will be a hearing today on Capitol Hill on a bill to cut off Members of Congress’s pay if they do not pass a budget.

Fox News looks at tax laws that are going to expire this year.

The Washington Times says the Federal Reserve is more optimistic about future U.S. economic growth.

According to The Wall Street Journal, unemployment rates are down in some “key states.”

On the editorial page: The Wall Street Journal calls out Senators for their support of subsidies while Eduardo Porter says the U.S. gives too many tax credits and exemptions.

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Fox News and The Washington Times report that, in February, the federal government recorded its highest monthly deficit on record.

The Hill has details of the Senate Tea Party Caucus’s plan to cut the budget deficit.

On Thursday, the House passed legislation aimed at helping U.S. small businesses. The New York Times, Politico and The Washington Post have the details.

Reuters says companies that have little to do with manufacturing are taking a tax credit meant for the manufacturing industry.

The Washington Post looks at new efforts President Obama announced to help revive the housing market.

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The Associated Press and Politico say some Republicans want to cast aside the budget deal from last year and lower spending caps even further. The Hill reports some GOP leaders will hold a closed-door meeting on the issue today.

According to USA Today, two senators are looking for ways to recoup unpaid back taxes from government contractors that are delinquent on their tax payments.

Fox News reports that a Detroit stimulus program that was estimated to help 400 people has only aided two. Meanwhile, USA Today says lawmakers asked the Energy Department to speed up loans to companies in their districts and states.

Politico looks at changes that will soon occur on the Senate Finance Committee due to a series of lawmaker retirements.

On the opinion pages: The Washington Post says subsidies for natural gas benefit billionaires.

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According to Bloomberg, President Obama says the U.S. needs to take “modest” measures to cut the budget deficit.

The New York Times says the economy was the top issue in Tuesday’s primary races.

According to The Hill, the White House and the Republican House have agreed to a package of bills aimed at helping small businesses.

In remarks to the Business Roundtable yesterday, President Obama said it is time to reform the tax code. The Associated Press and Politico have the details.

Also Tuesday, President Obama announced another new plan to help homeowners refinance. The New York Times and The Washington Post have the details of that proposal. According to CNBC, a former Republican Treasury secretary agrees.

Politico examines continuing Republican negotiations over the highway spending bill that will likely be voted on this spring.

According to the Los Angeles Times, gas prices will continue to rise. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Free Beacon reports that pay for young Americans entering the job market is down.

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According to Quinnipiac, 66% of registered voters think the economy is in recession. 30% say it is not in recession.

According to Pew, 40% of adults think regulations on businesses are necessary to protect the public interest while 52% say regulations of business usually does more harm than good.

According to the Economist, 12% of adults think people like them can affect what the government does a great amount; 15% say a lot; 25% say a moderate amount; 28% say a little; and 20% say not at all.

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The New York Times examines President Obama’s efforts to cut the budget deficit. The Associated Press says the Administration is making efforts to curb improper Medicare payments.

Bloomberg looks at the Democrats’ plan for taxes. Meanwhile, The Hill has a new poll out on taxes.

Bloomberg says the nation’s governors don’t have many solutions for cities that are facing bankruptcy.

The Associated Press reports economists are more optimistic about the coming year. However, Bloomberg says energy prices will continue to be a drag.

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