While the U.S. unemployment rate inched up in July, more Americans than ever think it will hurt the nation’s economy if the federal government hires more people to compensate. At the same time, the number of adults who feel unemployment benefits should be extended indefinitely is at an all-time low.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of American Adults now think if the federal government hires more people, it will be bad for the economy, up from 43% in early June and the highest level measured since regular tracking began in late October 2010. Thirty-three percent (33%) say it will be a good economic move if the government hires more people, while 12% believe it will have no impact.

Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC.

Rasmussen Reports is a media company specializing in the collection, publication and distribution of public opinion information.  Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports, has been an independent pollster for more than a decade.  For more information, please visit http://www.rasmussenreports.com.