In his book "Welfare for the Wealthy," Christopher Faricy, associate professor of political science, points out the federal government is hardly generous with the poor alone and the same pattern holds in health care and education.

"There’s resistance to change in procedures when there is a vested interest in the way things are being done," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.

Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute, says Democrats have benefited so far from positive press coverage but that it could be harder to attack the bill if taxpayers start to see some benefits in their paychecks.