Washington D.C — Today’s delayed inflation report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that costs continue to skyrocket for Americans. Everyday goods and services that working families rely on are now 25% more expensive than they were prior to the pandemic. Republican tariffs – which are continuing despite the government shutdown – are pushing up the prices of essential items like food, clothing, and furniture. While costs continue to grow for working-class Americans, Republicans in Congress are keeping the government shut down rather than extending cost-saving health care tax credits that help millions of Americans afford health care.
The Trump administration has already said that next month’s inflation report is unlikely to be released, and they are not releasing a monthly jobs report until they end the government shutdown – leaving Americans in the dark on the state of the economy. Earlier this month, Unrig Our Economy stepped in to fill the gap with the “People’s Price Index” report. This report outlines how Republican policies – from tariffs to health care cuts – have devastated workers and families, and the shutdown is only making things worse.
“Getting by as costs keep rising has been hard enough – let alone doing so while taking care of two young kids with special needs,” said Basking Ridge, NJ resident, Theresa. “Programs like Medicaid help, but, even then, we struggle to make ends meet and give them the care we need. I’ve had to quit six jobs in the past – not because I didn’t want to work – but because I needed to take care of my kids. With costs rising so fast, we need members of Congress to fight for working-class families like mine, not try to make health care more expensive.”
“Like so many people in Northeast Pennsylvania, I’m doing everything I can to stay afloat while the cost of living keeps climbing,” said Scranton, PA resident, Molly. “Groceries are more expensive than ever, and even basic car repairs are now a huge financial burden. Every dollar matters to working families like mine, yet Republicans in Congress keep siding with the ultra-wealthy while leaving the rest of us to scramble for the crumbs.”
“Today’s inflation report is yet another reminder: Republicans in Congress are the party of higher costs for working-class Americans and tax breaks for billionaires and the ultra-wealthy,” said Unrig Our Economy Campaign Director Leor Tal. “Republican tariffs are already increasing prices on everyday goods. Now, Republicans in Congress continue to keep the government closed and refuse to extend cost-saving health care tax credits. We need our representatives to fight to lower costs for working-class families, not just the super rich.”
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.