Article Summary –
Stephanie Kappeler, a resident of the Lehigh Valley, highlights the financial struggles Americans face due to rising costs of groceries, healthcare, and gasoline, exacerbated by policies such as Medicaid funding cuts and increased import tariffs. She participated in a town hall organized by Affordable Pennsylvania to call for policy reversals from U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, who supported measures like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and President Trump’s tariffs, contributing to financial strain on average households. Rachele Fortier, executive director of Affordable Pennsylvania, calls for restoring Medicaid and SNAP cuts and enhanced premium tax credits, as well as reversing tariffs and ending foreign conflicts that inflate consumer costs.
Stephanie Kappeler of Walnutport, Lehigh Valley, wants policymakers to know: America is struggling. She’s struggling. Many are under constant stress trying to afford groceries, healthcare, and gas.
Weeks ago, her 6-year-old son had an accident, striking his head on a toilet. Kappeler panicked about affording the hospital bill along with groceries.
“Costs are suffocating—healthcare for emergencies doesn’t cover everything,” Kappeler said. “You pay for follow-ups, groceries, just to get to the store. It’s untenable.”
Kappeler spoke at an Aug. 18 town hall by Affordable Pennsylvania. “The People’s Raft-Up,” an SOS-themed affordability crisis event, gathered Lehigh Valley residents urging U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie to reverse his supported policies.
Mackenzie, seeking reelection in November, backed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, cutting Medicaid funds, food assistance, and taxes for the wealthy. He also supported Trump’s tariffs on imports, raising prices on groceries, school supplies, and energy globally due to the Iran conflict. He didn’t support extending ACA premium tax credits, causing 191,000 Pennsylvanians to lose coverage, according to state ACA marketplace.
A June fact sheet by Democrats showed Pennsylvania households spent $3,900 more on goods under Trump, including $842 on housing, $395 on gas, and $210 on electricity.
“People want leaders to fight for them,” said Affordable Pennsylvania director Rachele Fortier. “They want Medicaid and SNAP cuts reversed, ACA tax credits restored, the Iran conflict ended, and tariffs reversed.”
Rising costs heavily impact Kappeler. Two years ago, she quit her job due to childcare costs and lost health insurance. Now, she’s launching a nonprofit, Sunshine Soul Squad, to boost children’s confidence.
Driving 37 minutes to the town hall cost $70 in gas. Kappeler and her daughter discussed their hopes for a world where everyone thrives, eats, and sleeps well.
“Leaders are disconnected from us,” she said. “They make policies for their gain, leaving us to struggle together.”
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