August Consumer Price Index numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics are out,
and the news is not good for Maine families already struggling with higher prices.

According to analysis from Joint Economic Committee (JEC), higher prices for
everyday goods means that the average Maine household spent an extra $566 a
month more in August than a year ago.

That translates to Maine households paying $6,793 a year more than last year.

This is Representative Tim Roche, of Wells, with the Weekly Republican Radio
Address.

Mainers are facing the highest inflation in decades.

– August inflation is still 8.3% higher than a year ago.
– Grocery prices in August rose 13.5%, the largest increase since 1979.
– Fuel oil has increased 68.8 percent from August 2021 to August 2022.
– The latest average heating oil price from the Governor’s Energy Office is
$4.44 a gallon, up from $2.65 at this time a year ago.

Having the average Maine family pay $566 more a month this year than last makes
it harder to afford everyday goods.

It also hits our most vulnerable citizens the hardest.

Our cold climate and the need for most goods to travel long distances to get to our
state make everything expensive.

It is difficult for the average family budget to absorb paying $6,793 more a year to
live in Maine.

Why are we facing the highest inflation rate in decades?

Virtually every item needed for daily living is tied to the price of oil and gas.

Higher gas and oil prices mean higher costs for everyday items needed to live.

Federal and state Democrat policies designed to make oil and gas too expensive to
use are needlessly destroying the lives and livelihoods of Mainers.

What doesn’t make sense is that the alternative energy sources Democrats prefer
still rely on oil and gas to generate electricity when it is cloudy or the wind doesn’t
blow.

Republicans are not opposed to consumer choice when it comes to energy.

Individuals can use energy sources of their choice or choose to purchase an electric car is they can afford it.

But, making oil and gas artificially more expensive until a cheaper energy
alternative is found hurts the economy and needlessly lowers the quality of life for
millions of people struggling to make ends meet.

House Republicans are focused on ensuring Mainers can afford to live their daily
lives by lowering costs, allowing workers to keep more of what they earn, and
letting citizens choose how they spend their hard-earned dollars.

This has been Rep. Tim Roche with the Weekly Republican Radio Address. Thank
you for supporting our efforts, listening, subscribing, sharing, and following us on
Facebook and Instagram.

And if you have any time this weekend, and can afford it, go out and support our lobstermen by buying some lobster.

Have a great weekend.

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