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US voters and the cost of living

How major news stories are affecting the lives of people around the world.

Throughout the presidential election campaign, we have been hearing from voters across the political spectrum. One issue keeps coming up: how much it costs to live, to feed the family, to fuel a car, or to pay the rent or mortgage.

Surveys have consistently indicated the economy is a top concern for Americans 鈥 transcending age and political affiliation. Since the pandemic, most people in the country have experienced steep price rises of many essentials like housing, groceries and fuel.

But the economic outlook is good. Last week, the US Commerce Department released the latest figures on the state of the nation鈥檚 finances. They showed that the economy grew by 2.8 percent and that the country is on track for one of the strongest economic performances of any major economy this year. So why aren鈥檛 people feeling it?

In our conversations, we bring together young people in Connecticut, Texas and Pennsylvania. And we hear from two generations of families who are facing similar challenges.

鈥淯nemployment might be down and the economy might be doing great, but I feel like for the average American it鈥檚 still a struggle,鈥 Miriam in the swing state of Georgia tells us. 鈥淚鈥檓 living from pay check to pay check right now.鈥

Presenters: Mark Lowen and Luke Jones.
麻豆社 Producer: Iqra Farooq.
Boffin Media Producers: Sue Nelson and Richard Hollingham

An EcoAudio certified Boffin Media production in partnership with the 麻豆社 OS team.

(Photo: Whitney and Scott with their children. Credit: Whitney and Scott)

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