Washington D.C — Due to the ongoing Republican-led government shutdown, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will be delaying its monthly inflation report scheduled to come out today. With Americans left in the dark about how much more they’re paying for everyday essentials, Unrig Our Economy is stepping in to fill the gap with the release of the new “People’s Price Index” report.
The People’s Price Index report highlights how President Trump and Republicans in Congress have made life unaffordable for millions of Americans — raising costs on everything from groceries to health care to housing while giving massive tax breaks to the ultra-rich. Through implementing tariffs and jacking up the cost of health care, Republicans are directly responsible for the economic pain working families are feeling.
Here are some of the key findings from the People’s Price Index report:
Republicans’ Health Care Cuts Will Increase Costs for Everyone:
- If Republicans allow key health care tax credits to expire, monthly premiums will double on average for people who get insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace — with some people seeing their premiums go up by nearly $2,000 per month.
- 15 million Americans are expected to lose health care under the Republican Tax Law, pushing up costs for everyone else as hospitals and providers absorb costs for unpaid care.
- Seniors on Medicare could face $8,340 in additional costs per year for coverage.
- The Republican Tax Law could push 5.4 million more families into medical debt and raise mortgage costs by $18,000 on a 30-year home loan.
Trump and Republicans’ Tariffs Are Raising Prices on Everyday Goods:
- Beef prices went up 14% from January to August.
- Coffee prices are up 21% year-over-year.
- Vegetables surged 38.9% from June to July of this year.
- Tariffs have added $60,000 to the cost of a new home in some markets and made a typical kitchen remodel 50% more expensive.
Real People Across The Country Are Already Feeling The Pain:
- “Life is getting more expensive for all of us,” said Molly from Scranton, PA. “I’ve seen people struggle to afford basic needs like food or rent.”
- “These tariffs are hurting small businesses like mine,” said Kate, a small business owner from Eau Claire, WI. “Families are paying more for everything, and it’s crushing our economy.”
- “Health care is too expensive, and Republicans in Washington don’t care,” said Heather from Tehachapi, CA.
“While the government shutdown delays the release of the official inflation numbers, the truth is clear: Republican policies are the reason Americans are paying more for nearly everything,” said Unrig Our Economy Campaign Director Leor Tal. “Trump and Republicans in Congress have chosen to protect billionaire donors and corporate profits over helping working people provide for their families and make ends meet. The People’s Price Index report sheds light on the truth: Republicans are the inflation party, and working families are the ones paying the price.”
To learn more about the campaign, visit UnrigOurEconomy.com or contact press@unrigoureconomy.com
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About Unrig Our Economy
Unrig Our Economy is a national campaign to fix the rules of our economy to make it work for working people. We know that when the middle class does well, all of us do well — which is why we’re fighting on behalf of working Americans and holding corporations, their wealthy executives, and the politicians who enable them accountable.