Several Republican leaders in Alabama are pointing figures at the Biden-Harris administration after the latest inflation numbers were released this week.
According to the latest report from the U.S. Labor Department, the consumer price index increased a seasonally adjusted 0.2% for the month, putting the annual inflation rate higher than expected at 2.4%.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Auburn) said the latest numbers reveal that the economic policies of the administration have been a failure.
“Americans’ real average weekly earnings decreased once again in September,” Britt said. “Since the Biden-Harris Admin took office, prices have now increased 21.8% for Alabamians. That’s already cost the average household in our state $26,121.”
Americans’ real average weekly earnings decreased once again in September.
Since the Biden-Harris Admin took office, prices have now increased 21.8% for Alabamians. That’s already cost the average household in our state $26,121. https://t.co/MARSfp2SXi
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) October 10, 2024
The Bureau of Labor Statistics said in the release that most of the increase in inflation came from a 0.4% jump in food prices and a 0.2% gain in shelter costs. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) said Vice President Kamala Harris still has no plan to lower these prices.
RELATED: Rep. Jerry Carl: The Inflation Reduction Act and Kamalanomics
“Kamala Harris when asked how she will bring down prices: “Prices are still too high, and I know that. And we need to deal with it, which is why part of my plan—you mentioned groceries—part of my plan is what we must do to bring down the price of groceries.” Groceries are expensive, but word salad remains cheap,” Aderholt said.
Kamala Harris when asked how she will bring down prices: "Prices are still too high, and I know that. And we need to deal with it, which is why part of my plan—you mentioned groceries—part of my plan is what we must do to bring down the price of groceries." Groceries are…
— Robert B. Aderholt (@CongAderholt) October 8, 2024
Republican candidate for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District also used the latest numbers to blast her Democratic opponent Shomari Figures during their debate on Thursday.
“People are struggling with the high cost of groceries and runaway inflation that Shomari Figures and his D.C. buddies have created,” Dobson said. “We need change in Washington, and my opponent represents the failed policies of the last four years. I am that change.”
People are struggling with the high cost of groceries and runaway inflation that Shomari Figures and his D.C. buddies have created. We need change in Washington, and my opponent represents the failed policies of the last four years. I am that change. #AL02 #alpolitics
— Caroleene Dobson for Congress (@DobsonForAL) October 10, 2024
Beyond the increase in inflation, the report also showed unemployment benefits rose to a seasonally adjusted 258,000 for the week ending Oct. 5, the highest total since Aug. 5, 2023.
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.