Letter to the Editor: Will items be more affordable?

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks seems to have high hopes for great success with the new session of Congress and a Republican in the White House.

It is widely believed that the state of the economy over the last four years with a Democrat as president was a major reason for the Republican takeover of both houses and the Presidency. Miller-Meeks seems confident that with the Republicans in control, gas and groceries can be made more affordable.

On Jan. 17, the last business day before Inauguration, the price of regular gas was $3.59 a gallon in Newton. A dozen eggs is $4.99 and hamburger is $6.99 a pound. A loaf of bread is $2.49.

According to the U. S. Energy Information Administration, the price of gas we pay at the pump is based on the price of crude, the cost of refining and marketing, as well as taxes and profits.

Why are eggs so expensive? According to CNBC, a wave of avian flu starting in 2022 wiped out large numbers of hens causing a shortage.

According to The Hill, hamburger is so expensive because 2024 saw the lowest supply of cattle since 1951.

According to Nerd Wallet, bread along with food prices in general, remain high because of operating costs, supply chain issues and corporate profits.Profit is capitalism and the reason businesses exist in our economy.

Miller-Meeks seems to believe the Republicans controlling Congress and the White House can somehow quickly bring down the prices of the above items and many other things we buy. If she wants our votes for reelection to be based on how affordable gas and groceries are, we should clip this letter and review it in two years to see if Republicans have kept their promise.

Robert Holley

Newton