Letter to the Editor: Submitted by Ann Fields

To the Editor:

Affordability: A big word for a very important concept: Can I afford these items?

In April 2025, President Trump announced his tariffs and I thought, “Whoa. Tariffs will increase the prices to the consumers!” When I went to the grocery store in Waukon, I kept my receipt.  When cleaning my billfold, I found the receipt dated 4/8/2025.

I compared some of the prices in April 2025 to prices for the same items last week - in Waukon at the same grocery store.

Hamburger was 2.99/pound. Now $5.49. Increase of $2.50 or 84% higher.
Decaf coffee was $8.98. Now $12.99. Increase of $4.00 or 45% higher.
Regular coffee was $9.98. Now $14.98. Increase of $5.00 or 50% higher.
Chocolate chips were $3.99. Now $6.39. Increase of $2.40 or 60% higher.
And gas in Waukon was $2.89/gallon. Now $3.89. Increase of $1.00 or 35% higher.

Last week, these same five items cost me $14.90 more or 52% higher. My income has not gone up 52% in the last 16 months. Has yours?

Even if I forgo the chocolate chips (sorry grandkids), I still can’t afford hamburger, coffee, and gas.

Who or what is to blame?  Trump’s tariffs and the Congressional delegation who have allowed him to add tariffs created the affordability crisis. It is the Congress who has the Constitutional right to set tariffs, but they didn’t use their power.

Use your veto power to stop these tariffs.

Ann Fields
Lansing