Cost of Living

House Republicans are renewing efforts to introduce a national sales tax and abolish the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), framing the measure as a way to ensure illegal immigrants contribute taxes. Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) will unveil the FairTax Act of 2025 on Thursday, a bill designed to overhaul the U.S. tax system by replacing the federal income tax with a 23% national sales tax.

U-Haul released data from one-way moves of 2024, finding that several of the states with the greatest number of incoming residents are Republican-led.

President Joe Biden is reportedly preparing to ban offshore oil drilling, according to Bloomberg.

Residents of Seattle, Washington, are expressing concerns about tipping as the city's minimum wage is set to increase to $20.76 an hour on January 1.

Starting January 1, 2025, Arizona's minimum wage will rise by 35 cents to $14.70 per hour, benefiting some of the state’s lowest-paid workers.

Conservative voters in California’s rural areas are expressing growing frustration with the Democratic-controlled state government in Sacramento, citing overregulation, the rising cost of living, and policies they feel neglect their communities.

Workers in San Diego will see a modest pay increase as the city implements a new minimum wage starting January 1.

Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas sharply criticized the redistricting process in her state during a Thursday House Oversight Committee hearing on the 2020 Census.

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer is expected to create a subcommittee that will work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and will reportedly be chaired by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).

Former President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he plans to establish a new Cabinet position dedicated to reducing the cost of living if he is elected for a second term.