Representative Christian Menefee (D-TX) heard from hundreds of constituents during his first-ever telephone town hall this week, addressing a range of affordability-focused concerns shared by voters across the country.
During the event, residents in Texas’s 18th Congressional District raised questions about a variety of issues, including the economy, healthcare, and the war in Iran. However, the most pressing concern was affordability.
Rep. Menefee said families across Houston, Texas, are working hard but struggling to stretch their paychecks to make ends meet.
"They're worried about paying for groceries, keeping their healthcare, and making sure their communities are safe,” Rep. Menefee said. “These are the concerns I'm hearing every day, and they're exactly what I'm fighting to address in Washington."
Houston residents aren’t alone. According to a recent AP poll, about half of Americans are extremely or very concerned about affording groceries and gasoline, while 65% blame the high costs on President Donald Trump’s policies.
The town hall also polled residents on these issues. About 93% of respondents said their groceries, rent or utility bills have become more expensive, while 90% said they oppose the war in Iran. Additionally, 53% reported that they or someone they love had been affected by recent Medicaid cuts.
"These results tell us exactly what families across Houston are worried about," Rep. Menefee said. "People are tired of watching their bills go up while Washington Republicans make life harder for working families.”
Rep. Menefee said he would continue pushing for policies that lower costs and protect working families.
“I'm going to keep taking their concerns directly to Washington and fighting for the relief they deserve," he said.
