Peach Tree Times

A recent survey has revealed that half of Georgia voters believe inflation most significantly impacts food prices. Furthermore, the term 'Bidenomics' evokes a negative reaction from Georgians by more than a 2-1 margin. Participants in the survey also responded that Democrats are responsible for the rise in overall prices by more than a 2-1 margin—39 percent to 18 percent.

According to the poll results released by the League of American Workers (LAW), 49 percent of respondents identified rising food prices as one of the top two impacts of inflation. This was followed by income erosion and increasing housing costs, both cited by 34 percent of respondents.

The poll also found that only 21% of Georgians, including 17% of independents, viewed the term "Bidenomics" favorably. Among Democrats, this figure rose to 42%. Of the voters who had heard the term before participating in the poll, 64 percent expressed an unfavorable view. The poll was conducted on behalf of LAW by North Star Opinion Research.

Despite being down from its peak of over 9 percent last year, inflation remains high. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metro area increased by 3.6 percent in December 2023 compared to December 2022. The report also found that food prices in this region had risen by an identical percentage and noted an additional increase in out-of-home food costs—up by 8.5 percent over the same period.

Predictions from the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Economic Research Service suggest that nationwide food prices will increase between 2.1 and 6.7 percent in 2024. Prices for food at home are predicted to rise between one and 7.8 percent while those for food away from home are expected to increase between 4.4 and 6.7 percent.

During a hearing on the Inflation Reduction Act's impact on the economy, U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), chair of the House Oversight Committee's Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services, said, "When President Biden was sworn into office in January 2021, he inherited a 1.4 percent inflation rate. Inflation today is more than two and a half times the rate he inherited. And remember – inflation is cumulative. Over the last two years, total inflation has increased by over 17 percent."

LAW, established in 2022, conducts research and develops proposals for public policies impacting American workers and the economy.