Gov. Rick Snyder's job approval ratings continue to languish as Michigan's unemployment rate rises and discontent with politics in general grows.

According to the August survey by the Lansing firm EPIC-MRA, 62 percent disapproved of the job Snyder is performing as governor, the highest since taking office in January and up from 57 percent in July.

According to the survey of 600 voters Aug. 13-16 released today, 33 percent approved of the job he was doing. Both the positive and negative numbers in EPIC's poll have been fairly consistent dating to early May as his budget and tax overhaul was being approved in the Legislature. Since then, voters remain unconvinced it was the right thing to do.

When those plans were introduced in February, 32 percent approved of the job he was doing, but only 37 percent disapproved.

A greater percentage of those surveyed, however, like Snyder personally as 42 percent regarded him favorably. An equal percentage regarded him unfavorably. In January, his favorable to unfavorable spread was 59 percent to 8 percent.

About 69 percent of Democrats surveyed don't like Snyder and 19 percent do. Among Republicans it's the opposite - 69 percent like him, 14 percent don't. Self-described independents are evenly split.

EPIC pollster Bernie Porn said voters are skeptical that business tax cuts will improve the state's economy and don't care for either the 2012 cuts in state aid to education or the increased taxes on retirement income that take effect Jan. 1.

Unless there is swift and sure job creation that can justify those unpopular changes, Porn said Snyder's numbers are unlikely to climb. "He's captive to what's happening in the economy."

When asked about his poll numbers, Snyder says that personal meetings with residents suggests the public is more supportive than the surveys say.

Contact Peter Luke at (517) 487-8888 ext. 235 or e-mail him at pluke@boothmichigan.com.