Article Summary –
The Defend America Action report highlights an affordability crisis in Pennsylvania, attributing rising costs in health care, groceries, and energy to economic policies implemented by President Trump and congressional Republicans, with Democratic representatives criticizing these policies for harming Pennsylvanians’ economic security. The report argues that the failure to renew the Affordable Care Act tax credits and Trump’s tariffs have exacerbated financial strains on residents and small businesses, leading to increased health insurance premiums and grocery prices. Additionally, the report underscores a broader dissatisfaction among Pennsylvanians, with a significant portion of the population feeling financially worse off and expressing concerns over the state’s economic issues, which have contributed to a decline in Trump’s favorability ratings in the state.
Pennsylvania’s affordability crisis is worsening as costs for health care, groceries, and energy rise under economic policies linked to President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans. This is according to new research from Defend America Action, a group challenging federal power abuses.
The report reviewed by the Pennsylvania Independent criticizes Trump’s policies and features backing from Democratic Reps. Tina Davis and Mike Schlossberg, among others, illustrating the adverse impacts on Pennsylvanians.
The report, titled “Affordability Crisis,” states: “Trump and Republicans are dismantling economic security, harming working families for the benefit of the wealthy.” The report urges state leaders to combat these policies threatening Pennsylvania’s economy.
‘Like the worst corruption and decadence of Roman emperors’
Rep. Arvind Venkat, representing Pittsburgh’s 30th House District, highlights the damage to Pennsylvanians from GOP policies, including unrenewed Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits and tariff-induced price hikes.
Venkat stated, “Our affordability crisis stems from lapsing ACA tax credits, unilateral tariffs, and reduced food and Medicaid aid. Meanwhile, Trump prioritizes tax cuts for billionaires and lavish personal projects.”
The ACA tax credits, essential during the COVID pandemic, were extended through the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act. As these credits near expiration, Democrats advocate for their renewal against Republican resistance.
Failure to extend ACA tax credits could raise premiums or result in lost coverage for 22 million Americans, as per the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. In Pennsylvania, higher ACA premiums are approved for 2026, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.
The report notes that neglecting the tax credits particularly strains small businesses. A survey indicates 87% of small business owners support extending these credits, vital for many Pennsylvanians’ health coverage.
Food and energy prices increase
Apart from health care, Pennsylvanians are grappling with rising grocery and energy bills. A Washington Post-Ipsos poll shows 71% of Americans spend more on groceries. Federal data highlights a 2.7% increase in grocery prices since last year, influenced by Trump’s tariffs.
Following Republican electoral defeats, Trump exempted some food items from tariffs, impacting pricing. Yet, energy costs continue to climb, with Pennsylvanians facing an additional $170 in electricity expenses this year.
Struggling Pennsylvanians
A Franklin & Marshall College poll shows 36% of Pennsylvanians feel financially worse off than last year, with economic issues ranking high among state concerns. Trump’s approval rating is slipping as Pennsylvanians increasingly cite economic struggles and political dissatisfaction.
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