Can Legislators Really Do Anything About the Cost of Living?

It’s no secret, ordinary people are feeling the squeeze. Every time Georgians buy groceries, pay an electric bill, renew their car insurance, or make a mortgage payment, they feel the effects of the state’s cost of living. While national inflation and interest rates play a major role, many of the costs families face are also influenced by decisions made at the state and local levels.

This may be shocking coming from someone seeking office, who’s supposed to promise you perfect solutions to every problem, but there is no single law that determines the cost of living. Instead, it is the result of many policies working together. Some help keep costs down, while others can contribute to higher prices over time. So, where can our State Representatives and Senators make the most impact on our pockets with their policies?

Housing: The Biggest Expense

Housing is typically the biggest monthly expense for Georgia households. When the supply of homes and apartments does not keep pace with population growth, prices tend to rise. That’s not to demonize, or deter, people from coming to the state. After all that is good for our businesses and local governments.

Many economists point to housing supply as one of the most important long-term drivers of affordability. Local zoning rules, permitting processes, and infrastructure capacity all influence how quickly new housing can be built.

What legislators can do

While zoning decisions are primarily made by cities and counties, the General Assembly can:

• Encourage local governments to modernize zoning and permitting.
• Support infrastructure funding for growing communities.
• Expand workforce housing initiatives.
• Invest in training for construction trades to address labor shortages.

None of that lowers anyone’s rent next month. But if we don’t start now, we’ll be having this same conversation in five years, except the numbers will be worse.

Property Taxes

Property taxes are determined largely by local governments and school districts, but state law establishes much of the framework under which those taxes operate.

As home values increase, many homeowners experience higher tax bills unless exemptions or assessment limits apply.

What legislators can do

Potential areas for legislative action include:

• Improving transparency when local governments increase property taxes.
• Reviewing homestead exemptions.
• Evaluating statewide assessment policies.
• Providing additional taxpayer protections while maintaining funding for essential local services.

Insurance Costs

Many Georgia families have seen substantial increases in homeowners and automobile insurance premiums in recent years. These increases are influenced by multiple factors, including severe weather, higher repair costs, inflation, litigation costs, and conditions in the insurance market.

What legislators can do

Lawmakers may consider:

• Reviewing insurance regulations.
• Examining market competition.
• Addressing insurance fraud.
• Evaluating civil justice policies that may affect claim costs.

I won’t tell you any one of these cuts your premium in half. Anyone who tells you that is selling something. But standing still while rates keep climbing isn’t an option either.

Utility Bills

Electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer services are essential household expenses. Utility rates are affected by fuel costs, infrastructure investments, and decisions made through regulatory processes.

What legislators can do

Possible legislative actions include:

• Increasing transparency in utility oversight.
• Encouraging long-term planning for major infrastructure investments.
• Supporting energy efficiency programs.
• Reviewing policies that affect utility costs while maintaining system reliability.

Healthcare Costs

Healthcare expenses continue to be a significant concern for many Georgia families.

One area frequently discussed is Georgia’s Certificate of Need (CON) system, which requires state approval before certain healthcare facilities can expand or offer new services.

Supporters argue the system helps protect access to care, particularly in rural communities. Critics contend that it can limit competition and contribute to higher prices.

What legislators can do

Possible options include:

• Reviewing Certificate of Need requirements.
• Expanding telehealth.
• Encouraging healthcare innovation.
• Supporting rural healthcare sustainability.

I lean toward giving rural hospitals more room to compete and innovate. But I’m not going to pretend deregulation is a magic fix when the real issue in most of District 157 is that the nearest hospital is 45 minutes away, period.

Childcare

For many working families, childcare is one of the largest monthly expenses after housing.

High childcare costs can make it difficult for parents to remain in the workforce or increase their hours.

What legislators can do

Potential policy approaches include:

• Expanding workforce training for childcare professionals.
• Reviewing regulations that may unnecessarily increase operating costs while maintaining safety standards.
• Supporting childcare capacity in underserved communities.

Ask any young family in this district what’s keeping one parent out of the workforce, and childcare comes up almost every time.

Taxes

Georgia has enacted reductions to its state income tax in recent years, increasing take-home pay for many residents. The state also exempts most groceries from the state portion of the sales tax, helping reduce food costs.

Some policymakers advocate for additional tax relief, while others emphasize maintaining sufficient revenue for education, public safety, healthcare, and infrastructure.

What legislators can do

Future discussions may include:

• Reviewing income tax rates.
• Evaluating tax credits.
• Assessing exemptions and deductions.
• Considering the long-term sustainability of state revenues.

Looking Ahead

Addressing the cost of living in Georgia will require a combination of approaches rather than a single legislative solution.

Some changes, like tax adjustments or certain regulatory reforms, can have quick effects. Others, particularly increasing housing supply and expanding infrastructure, often take years before households experience measurable savings.

Ultimately, reducing the cost of living is not solely about lowering prices. It also involves promoting economic growth, maintaining reliable public services, and ensuring that Georgia remains a place where families, workers, retirees, and businesses can thrive.