Rasmussen Reports: At a time when most Americans believe there is more poverty in the United States, many question the effectiveness of government anti-poverty programs and believe they cause more of the problem they're supposed to lessen. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 45% of American Adults think current government anti-poverty programs actually increase poverty in America. Only 18% say these programs decrease poverty, while 24% say they have no impact. Another 14% are undecided.