But, unsurprisingly to anyone who paid their utility bills this month, the data proves otherwise.
During a speech in Maryland on Thursday, a state where electricity bills are well over $150 a month, Kamala Harris claimed, “for working families, [the Biden administration has] reduced heating and electricity bills so folks have more money in their pockets to buy things like schools supplies, replace the dishwasher or take a family vacation."
That’s a rich claim, especially when consumers paid 14.3 percent more for electricity last year, outpacing inflation and highlighting just how immediate the impacts of the Biden administration’s war on American energy have been for consumers.
Unfortunately, those numbers don’t show any signs of slowing down. I was on Fox Business’s Mornings with Maria on Friday to discuss the PCE, or Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, which is a comprehensive inflation number that considers rising costs of both goods and services. The number was much higher than economists predicted – 4.7 percent – and increases the likelihood that the US will experience a recession by 2024.
I know we’ve all gotten used to seeing high inflation numbers, but let’s take a second and think about that. A 4.7 percent increase on everything, from food to clothes to used cars, is detrimental, especially for those on a fixed income. People are having to dip into their savings to pay for groceries – this is absurd and must be addressed.
The president and his handlers might want you to believe that inflation has peaked, but I wouldn’t put much stock in that analysis. In fact, I wouldn’t put much stock in anything now since that’s tanking as well!
I broke all of this down, and more, on Fox Business; watch below for an in-depth analysis of the state of our economy:
|
In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we're coming to you from the Brantley County courthouse in Nahunta. |
Tuesday, February 21, 2023: Last week, I wrote about our Friends of the First program where we asked students to make Valentine's Day cards to present to our veterans throughout the district. The purpose of the program is to show our veterans how much we love and appreciate them as well as to teach our schoolchildren that they should appreciate and love our veterans. Last week, I delivered to 8 of our 15 counties in the district and today we finish our coverage of the district by delivering to the other 7 counties.
We begin this morning in Effingham County as we head to the Effingham Care and Rehabilitation Center in Springfield and visit with veterans there. Next, we head to the Savannah VA Outpatient clinic in Chatham County where we deliver cards to the veterans who are getting services there today.
Afterwards, I have a call with my good friend, Mayor Jason Weaver of Screven in Wayne County, to discuss an issue at the federal prison in Jesup before heading to the American Legion Post 137 in McIntosh County in Darien where I visit veterans there.
After a great visit with our heroes, I head to the College of Coastal Georgia where I visit the Art Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship to learn more about this great program where they connect aspiring entrepreneurs with the mentors, peers, resources, education, and partners to help their business goals come to life. Here they ignite the spirit of entrepreneurship for students, community and region members by supporting business ideas, start-ups, and businesses ready to grow.
Next, I head to the Brunswick VA Center and deliver cards to the veterans visiting this facility before joining a call with the House Budget Committee staff to discuss health care options for our upcoming budget.
My next stop is in Camden County where I visit the St. Mary’s VA Center and deliver cards to those veterans before heading to Charlton County. During my drive to Charlton County, I join in on our all staff conference call. Once in Folkston in Charlton County, I visit the veterans at American Legion Post 130 and deliver their cards.
My final stop is in Brantley County where I visit the Nahunta City Hall and deliver cards to veterans who have gathered here. I also have the opportunity to meet with Mayor Barbara Maefield and City Manager Thomas Wirth to discuss city issues. Before leaving Brantley County, I head to the County Courthouse where I film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing. |
Wednesday, February 22, 2023: I’m up early this morning and, for the second week in a row, headed to Texas. Today I am in Houston and my first visit is with my good friend Sam Mar, who oversees communications and external affairs for Arnold Ventures. He also manages strategy and grant-making for democracy, climate and clean energy, immigration and organ donation for Arnold Ventures, an organization founded by philanthropists Laura and John Arnold.
Next, I have a call with Nikesh Patel, founder and CEO of RxArrow, an online pharmacy in West Georgia, to discuss the abuse and predatory practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) that is impacting his business.
My next meeting is with the CEO of Huntsman Corporation, Peter Huntsman. A publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals, Huntsman Corporation operates more than 70 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 30 countries and employs approximately 9,000 associates within its four distinct business divisions. Peter is also the Chairman and CEO of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) that raises funds and supports the ongoing research, treatment and educational programs of the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Later in the evening, I meet with leaders and customers of Pharmacy Compounding Centers of America (PCCA), a company that provides complete resources for independent compounding pharmacies and health systems. |
Thursday, February 23, 2023: This morning, I have the honor of speaking at the 5th annual Global Energy Forum 2023, held at the Petroleum Club and organized by U.S. Energy Stream, a group that's mission is to bring the highest intelligence to empower business and government leaders to thrive. Among the topics that we discuss at the forum are energy sustainability, climate change, energy affordability, and the energy conundrum.
After a great visit, I head to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, ranked by US News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” survey as the Number 1 hospital for cancer care in the nation. Here I meet with pharmacy staff and tour the pharmacy area before meeting with Rosanna Morris, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), who provides an overview of the great work done at this world class facility. |
Friday, February 24, 2023: After getting home late last night, I’m up early and on the John Fredericks TV show this morning as I join my friend in speaking about the tragedy in East Palestine, OH, aid to Ukraine and other news of the day.
Next, I have a radio interview with my good friend, Scott Ryfun, on Straight Talk Radio as we discuss the Southwest border, my trip this week to Houston, and other news of the day.
Afterwards, I join a panel on Fox Business’s Mornings with Maria as we discuss the economy and the latest Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) numbers that come out during the show.
After a great panel discussion, I have an interview with A Starting Point as we discuss the pros and cons of energy subsidies.
My final interview of the day is with WTOC TV in Savannah as I discuss the recent news that former President Jimmy Carter is under hospice care. |
|
