Congressman Menefee Hears from Houstonians Struggling Under Republicans' Rising Cost Agenda
HOUSTON, TX — Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) joined Way to Win at the Hester House in Houston's Fifth Ward to host a community roundtable focused on the rising cost of living and the economic challenges facing families across TX-18.
During the discussion, Congressman Menefee heard directly from constituents about the financial pressures they face every day, including higher grocery bills, rising housing costs, expensive child care, increasing utility bills, and the growing cost of health care.
"Everywhere I go, I hear the same thing: groceries cost more, rent is higher, electric bills keep climbing, and families are stretched thinner than ever," said Congressman Menefee. "People are working hard, but too many are still falling behind. If we want to bring down costs and protect working families, we need to elect more Democrats this November who are committed to putting people ahead of politics and delivering an economy that works for everyone."
While working families are already grappling with higher prices for everyday necessities, Republicans have advanced an agenda that raises costs, cuts critical benefits, and leaves Texans paying the price:
- Texas families are paying an average of $2,300 more each year for basic living expenses under President Trump and Congressional Republicans.
- Housing costs have increased by an average of $274 per household under Republican economic policies.
- Texas families have spent an average of $553 more on gasoline since President Trump's conflict with Iran drove up energy prices.
- Households in Texas' 18th Congressional District have seen average electricity costs rise by $53 this year under Republican leadership.
- The average monthly grocery bill in TX-18 has climbed to $972, putting additional strain on working families.
- The average annual cost of child care for two children in Texas has reached $21,574, with Republicans continuing to oppose measures that would make child care more affordable.
- Nearly 33,900 Texas individuals and families filed for bankruptcy in 2025, a 19.8 percent increase over the previous year, as more families struggle to make ends meet.
- Approximately 125,000 people in TX-18 are expected to see higher health care costs because Republicans allowed enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits to expire.
- More than 392,000 Texans have lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits following passage of Republicans' budget law.
To learn more about these statistics, click HERE.
Congressman Menefee, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), has co-sponsored several pieces of legislation aimed at lowering the cost of living by taking on wealthy special interests and corporate billionaires who drive up prices for working families. During the roundtable, he walked constituents through these proposals and discussed how they would help bring down everyday costs.
You can read more about the CPC’s New Affordability Agenda HERE.
The Fifth Ward roundtable is part of Congressman Menefee's ongoing effort to hear directly from constituents and ensure their experiences help shape his work in Congress.
To watch a short recap of the event, click HERE or below.
