Shortly after Hurricane Katrina, OMB Watch launched an online survey seeking feedback and reaction to the possibility of launching an investment agenda, not just for the affected states, but for the entire country. The response was tremendous, as over 800 respondents from nearly every state completed the survey and contributed a multitude of thoughtful, in-depth comments. The overwhelming consensus among respondents held not only that now is the time for a comprehensive, long-term investment agenda for the country, but that such an initiative is long overdue. OMB Watch released a summary of respondent comments and a statistical overview of the reactions we received to our proposed outline for an investment agenda. The results of this survey mirror what has been shown in polls and focus groups from the past three months: Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction and are ready for a fundamental change. The survey was conducted between Sept. 21 and Oct. 7 and sought reaction on a preliminary five-part agenda that encompassed investments in communities, the economy, people, the environment, and infrastructure. While respondents strongly supported the idea of an investment agenda, with many suggested elements of such an agenda scoring very high, the substantial body of comments provided a more nuanced understanding of respondents' beliefs about such an agenda. A review of these comments captures not only the frustration and disillusionment people experienced in the aftermath of a horrible natural and human disaster, but also broader themes important to informing the investment agenda that must be defined post-Katrina and Rita. Particularly troubling to and consistently lamented by respondents were themes of corporate influence over government, cronyism and incompetence within the government, and politicians working for the benefit of the few instead of the many. These concerns' ubiquity points to the need for a realignment of our national priorities and a renewed commitment to shared sacrifice, unity, and citizen engagement. While respondents overwhelmingly support an investment agenda, they were cautious about its utility if these broader concerns are not addressed. "Survey respondents were also emphatically clear that it is time to end the 'starve the beast' mindset that has become so pervasive among our elected officials," explained survey author Adam Hughes, senior policy analyst with OMB Watch. "Hurricanes Katrina and Rita illustrated in stark terms the importance of a strong, vital and responsive government, as well as the consequences of underfunding government services." A summary of the comments and statistical analysis are available at www.ombwatch.org/KatrinaSurveyReport.pdf. For additional analysis and updates on Hurricane Katrina's aftermath in relation to OMB Watch's work, visit our Katrina blog.