By Roz Brown
The average American family’s costs have risen by at least $2,000 since Republicans passed their budget bill last summer, according to a new report.
Researchers from the nonprofit Climate Power and the Center for American Progress Action Fund found that consumers in New Mexico and across the country are paying more for gas, utilities, groceries and health care.
Jesse Lee with Climate Power said Congress’ decision to let COVID-era healthcare subsidies expire is an ongoing drain on household budgets.
“You might have seen your ACA marketplaces healthcare premiums double over the last year, and that’s just a crushing blow of hundreds of dollars a month,” Lee said.
At the same time, President Donald Trump and his GOP allies put savings toward other administration priorities through the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Those include tax cuts and immigration enforcement, along with an agenda the administration says addresses international security, combats trade deficits and protects jobs in the oil and gas industry.
The report blames the Iran war for a large spike in gas prices and tariffs for higher prices on a range of goods. It estimates the average American family has paid an extra $285 at the pump since the Iran war began.
Lee encouraged people to make their voices heard with their congressional representatives ahead of the midterm elections.
“This might be the first time since Trump came in where people are looking for ways to make their constituents happy instead of frankly just making President Trump happy,” Lee said.
Americans did get extra money from their 2025 tax returns, which were around 11% higher than previous years, according to the IRS. Still, an analysis from Tax Notes said the $337 average increase was well short of the extra $1,000 repeatedly promised by the Trump administration.
Related: Changing life for New Mexico’s kids, one book at a time
