Erie County Times

Today, a hearing was held in McKean Township by Rep. Jake Banta and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Rep. Josh Kail, to discuss the effects of inflation on Pennsylvania communities. This was the second hearing in a series focusing on how inflation impacts local businesses and households.

The session, titled "Relief is Possible: Combatting the Crisis of Cost," included testimonies from Ken Fisher of Great Lakes Automation, Logan Therasse from Agresti Real Estate, and Kurt Couchman from Americans for Prosperity. The speakers highlighted that all segments of Pennsylvania's population are affected by rising prices. Small businesses face increased costs and labor shortages while households struggle with housing, energy, childcare, and grocery expenses.

According to data from Pennsylvania’s Joint Economic Committee State Inflation Tracker, the average household is spending $984 more per month compared to January 2021 for similar goods and services. Additionally, there has been an increase of $140 monthly on food expenses alone since January 2021.

Rep. Banta expressed concern over these financial strains: “With the increased prices of gas, groceries, and other goods and services, Pennsylvanians are struggling to make ends meet. My constituents should not have to decide between paying the electric bills or purchasing medicine.” He emphasized the importance of understanding these challenges to find solutions without hindering economic growth.

Rep. Kail also commented on the urgency of addressing inflation: “Inflation is out of control, making life unaffordable for the people of Pennsylvania. We must foster an environment that encourages economic growth and prosperity for the people of Pennsylvania before more lives are negatively impacted by this economic devastation.”

For those interested in viewing the entire discussion from today's hearing...