Grand Canyon Times

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has released new data showing an increase in inflation for January, a trend reflected across various expenditure categories such as food and shelter. This information reinforces the primary concerns of Arizona voters, as indicated by a November survey conducted on behalf of the League of American Workers (LAW), which identified the economy and inflation as key issues.

According to the BLS, the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3% between December 2023 and January 2024. This marks an upward trend, given that the CPI had increased by 0.2% from November 2023 to December 2024. From January 2023 to January 2024, the overall CPI saw a rise of 3.1%, while shelter experienced an annual increase of 6% and food costs rose by 2.6%.

The BLS also reported that in the West region — including Arizona — the overall CPI has been rising at a faster pace, increasing by 0.7% from December 2023 to January 2024, after having decreased by 0.1% from November 2023 to December 2023. Between January 2023 and January 2024, the CPI in this region rose by 3.3%, while shelter costs increased by 4.9% and food prices went up by 2.9%.

A poll conducted by LAW found that "economic issues like jobs and inflation" were among the top two concerns for 42% of Arizona voters when considering their voting choices. Furthermore, 60% of respondents disapprove of President Joe Biden's handling of the economy; 78 % believe that most Arizonans cannot achieve the American Dream, while 77 % said they believe that the country is heading in the wrong direction.

On February 10, just three days before the BLS released its new CPI report, President Biden stated on Twitter that "Inflation has been at the pre-pandemic level of 2% over the last half year."

U.S. Representative Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), chair of the House Oversight Committee's Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services, discussed inflation during a hearing on its impact on the economy under Biden's administration. She 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."

Established in 2022, LAW carries out research and develops proposals concerning public policies that affect American workers and the economy, according to its website.