Durbin, Duckworth Release Data on Sky-High Cost of Living in Illinois Under Second Trump Administration

Durbin, Duckworth Release Data on Sky-High Cost of Living in Illinois Under Second Trump Administration

[CHICAGO, IL] - Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) shared data from the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) showing that the average Illinois household has paid more than $3,400 in higher costs because of President Trump's policies and war of choice in Iran. Despite numerous claims that the second Trump Administration would lower the cost of living for Americans, President Trump has focused his energy on slashing $1 trillion in Medicaid funds; pricing out Americans of their health insurance coverage by allowing the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits to lapse; unleashing chaotic tariffs and instituting haphazard trade wars; and instigating a war with Iran that has shot up gas prices. While Americans are paying the price for the President's destructive policies, he has told the public that he "love[s] the inflation," and that he "[doesn't] think about Americans' financial situation."

"On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly promised no more wars and lower costs-and instead, Illinoisans are getting the exact opposite," said Duckworth. "Trump claims we can't afford daycare and healthcare for families but has no problem burning taxpayer dollars on his Marie Antoinette ballroom, his botched reflecting pool paint job or his illegal wars that are driving costs through the roof. It's all adding up and families are getting left further and further behind. Illinoisans deserve better than a President who breaks his promises and puts cosmetic vanity projects before their well-being."

"President Trump promised, again and again, that he would lower costs for Americans 'on day one.' In reality, Illinoisans have been footing the bill for the President's haphazard trade policies, his cuts to health care coverage, and his war of choice in Iran. He has cost Illinoisans more than $3,400 just this year," Durbin said. "Struggling Americans need a President that is focused on improving affordability, not one starting unnecessary and costly wars."

Since President Trump took office, Illinoisans have paid higher prices for:

1. Housing: Illinois families have spent $815 more on rent or mortgage payments.
2. Groceries: Americans have paid $310 more in groceries in President Trump's first year back in office as compared to 2024.
3. 1. Grocery prices have gone up four percent in President Trump's second term. The average price of ground beef has risen nearly every month, now at a record high of nearly $7 per pound. Coffee prices have spiked too, costing nearly $10 per pound.
4. Gas: Since the President started a war with Iran in February, Illinoisans have spent $2 billion more on gas.
5. 1. Families in Illinois have spent, on average, $357 more on gas since February.
   2. For a family in Illinois who drives a pickup truck, they now have to spend $163 to fill up their tank-a 48 percent increase compared to before President Trump's war with Iran.
6. Utilities: Illinoisans have paid $210 more in electricity bills in President Trump's first year back in office as compared to 2024.
7. Health Care: Because President Trump and congressional Republicans refused to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that helped Illinoisans pay for health insurance, monthly premiums for ACA plans have risen over 50 percent as compared to last year. Deductibles have surged to record highs, increasing by more than $1,000 on average.

Read more about the rising cost of living under the second Trump Administration on the Senator's website.

-30-