Biden has been heavily criticized by both parties for the economy under his leadership, which is marked by surging gas prices, expensive groceries, increasing cost of living, and high inflation rates that affect many Pennsylvanians.
The U.S. economy under President Joe Biden is a sore subject for many Americans, especially in Pennsylvania. According to a recent analysis, the number of Americans with second jobs increased by 1.6 million in the last three years because of Biden’s economic failures.
According to federal reports, the unemployment rate in Pennsylvania has reached 4.4% and the current price of gas is $3.72 per gallon, up $0.20 from last month. This is higher than the national gas price of $3.63 per gallon. The price of ground beef in Pennsylvania is also $3.85 per pound, up $0.11 from just last month.
Inflation has plagued Biden since the beginning of his term, and according to reports, the economy took a significant hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, but prices did not rise significantly until Biden’s first year in office.
The economy stands to be the largest issue between Biden and another presidential term this November. Voters in Pennsylvania are frustrated by high consumer prices and remember more stable prices under former President Donald Trump.
Pennsylvania businessman Dave McCormick expressed concern about the economy and ongoing inflation, citing that “Nearly 6 in 10 say they now live paycheck-to-paycheck. More than a third of Americans would not be able to cover an unexpected $400 expense. When asked about the future, 4 out of 5 Americans doubt their children will be better off. And our economy’s productivity growth, especially in places like Pennsylvania, is stagnating.”
In July 2022, research shows inflation rates hit a 40 year high, coming in at 9.1%. The price of eggs went up a staggering 33.1%, meat 8.2%, gasoline 59.9%, used cars 7.1% and air travel 34.1%.
Today, 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, and many have taken extra jobs as a record $1.1 trillion in credit card debt has been racked up to cover necessities. The economy is an important issue in the must-win state of Pennsylvania as the November election approaches.
