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"The economy is good on paper, but I'm not doing great."
How many of us can identify with Steve Shapiro, of Pittsburgh, who was talking to the Associated Press about the increase in prices while his income has remained the same?
In fact, a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed 2 out of every 3 Americans report their household expenses have increased over the past year, but only 1 in 4 of those same people said their income had increased during that time.
About 8 in 10 Americans say their overall household debt is higher or about the same as it was a year ago. About half say they have credit card debt, 4 in 10 are dealing with auto loans, and about 1 in 4 have medical debt. Just 15% say their household savings have increased over the last year.
Here in Appalachia we know those kinds of trends tend to hit a little harder. We're used to it, but it never gets any easier. And this round has a new twist. Geri Putnam, of Thomson, Ga., told the AP her six children are struggling more than her generation did.
"They all have jobs and have never been without them," she said. "They're achievers, but I think at least two or three of them will never be able to buy a home."
It's easy to blame politicians, but voters will have choices to make over the next few elections (perhaps culminating in November 2024) about who is best equipped to steer our economy in the right direction. Who is willing to dive into the hard work of diversifying and expanding our economy in a way that means that rising tide will lift all boats? Who is willing to set aside the socio-cultural nonsense that does more harm than good and truly get to work FOR their constituents?
If 85-year-old Putnam knows her children are struggling and may never be able to buy homes of their own, imagine what the generations coming up after them are enduring. We owe it to those children we say we'd do anything to protect to put some effort into helping future generations be better off than we have been, not worse.
While we're waiting on those solutions, however, it sounds as though we'd better buckle up and help each other where we can. Just like we always do.