Last week, I attended a music bingo night in Smyrna hoping to make new friends and enjoy a relaxing evening. Somewhere between the 2000s and 2010s playlist, the conversation shifted to everyday life and the rising cost of living. One person mentioned paying more than $2,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, not including utilities.
I was shocked! Hearing that number made me stop and think about my fellow Georgians, especially recent college graduates and young professionals who are trying to build a future.
I have heard some version of that same worry from Georgians across the state.
A few nights later, I stopped by the grocery store and noticed fresh salmon selling for $9.99 per pound, with one package totaling more than $30. Once again, I found myself asking, “what are people supposed to do?” As a health food advocate, I believe families need access to healthy, nutritious food, especially children and seniors. Yet every trip to the grocery store seems to cost more than the last.
The other evening, I spoke with a thirty-something professional who told me that he and his wife regularly visit four or five different grocery stores just to find the best prices. People shouldn’t have to spend hours driving from store to store simply to afford the groceries they need.
These may seem like small examples, but they reflect a much larger problem. Seniors often rely on Social Security or fixed retirement incomes and are forced to make difficult choices between buying groceries, paying the electric bill or filling their prescriptions. Recent college graduates and young professionals are facing exorbitant rents as they pay off student loans or save for their first home. Working-class families are struggling to balance rent or mortgage payments, groceries, transportation and healthcare, often leaving little for savings or emergencies.
The cost of living is not a Republican or Democratic issue. It is a Georgia issue. Every Georgian, regardless of age, race, political affiliation or economic background, deserves the opportunity to pursue the American Dream: an affordable home, healthy food on the table, quality education, quality healthcare and the ability to generate wealth and leave a legacy.
With Georgia’s legislative session less than five months away, our leaders have an opportunity to make affordability a priority. That means finding ways to bring down the cost of housing and groceries, make it easier for Georgians to earn and keep more of their money, and reduce the financial pressures that force families into debt.
Housing is a good place to start. Georgia should make it easier to build more homes by removing unnecessary barriers that drive up construction costs. We should also promote long-term housing stability, including fixed-term leases for responsible tenants. For first-time buyers, reducing mortgage costs could make the difference between continuing to rent and finally owning a home.
We should take the same approach to groceries. More competition means more choices and better prices. Georgia can encourage grocery stores and other food retailers to open in underserved communities by reducing unnecessary barriers and encouraging investment where competition is limited. We can also support local farmers and small agricultural businesses, helping Georgia families access fresh food while keeping more economic activity in our communities.
Most importantly, Georgians need the opportunity to increase their own earning power. The answer to rising costs cannot be another program to help families pay higher prices. We should make it easier for people to work, start businesses, earn higher wages and build wealth.
When Georgians can earn more and keep more of what they earn, they have a better chance of getting ahead rather than simply trying to keep up.
When families are financially secure, communities become stronger and our state becomes prosperous for everyone.
