KLAS: House Democrats hold Las Vegas hearing on rising cost of living for Nevada families

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The high cost of living took center stage in Las Vegas on Friday.

House oversight Democrats held a field hearing focused on affordability, with Democratic lawmakers arguing that President Trump’s economic policies are making it harder for working families to make ends meet.

For families already feeling the squeeze at the gas pump, the grocery store and in the housing market, Friday’s hearing is putting those concerns front and center.

Democrats argue the president’s tariff policies act like an additional tax on imported goods and that some of those costs are passed along to consumers through higher prices at the store.

The latest federal data shows grocery prices were up 2.8 percent over the year through July.

AAA shows the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Nevada is now about $4.81.

Horsford points to the Republican-backed “one big, beautiful bill,” which he argues has led to higher health care costs and cuts to programs that help low- and middle-income families.

Nevada Congresswoman Susie Lee said in her words it doesn’t have to be this way.

“That’s why this upcoming election is so important; we need to have a check on some of these policies that have made life so unaffordable,” said Lee. 

Lee argues that Americans are the ones ultimately paying the price for the war in Iran.

“Ever since Donald Trump has been in office the average family in Nevada has had to spend $3,300 dollars more a year,” said Lee.

A late July Center Square national survey found that 71% of registered voters describe the economy as “not so good” or “poor.”

Similarly, recent CBS News polling indicates that 69% of Americans are dissatisfied with the economy.