Terri Sewell

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, released a report detailing increased living expenses for Alabama families, attributing the affordability crisis to President Trump’s economic policies and Republican congressional initiatives.

According to the report, families in Sewell’s central-Alabama district are paying an average of $2,700 more for basic living expenses.

Monthly grocery bills in the district have reached an average of $1,110, while electricity costs have increased by an average of $233 in 2025, the report said.

“One hundred days before Election Day, Alabama families deserve to know the truth about who is driving up their costs,” Sewell said.

“President Trump promised to lower prices on Day One. Instead, families across Alabama’s 7th District are paying more for groceries, housing, electricity, gas, and healthcare while Republicans in Congress have chosen to cut Medicaid and food assistance to help pay for tax breaks for billionaires.”

The report coincides with House Democrats’ announcement of their “Fighting For An Affordable America Agenda,” which focuses on lowering costs for groceries, gas and housing, providing affordable healthcare, and addressing corporate accountability, according to its text.

According to the report, Alabama households have paid an average of $686 more for gasoline since the start of President Trump’s war in Iran.

And the annual cost of childcare for two children in Alabama has reached $16,640.

Healthcare access has also been affected by policy changes, with approximately 70,000 people in the district expected to see health insurance costs rise after enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits expired, the report said.

It projects that 24,353 people in Alabama’s 7th District will lose health coverage due to Trump-era cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.

More than 81,800 Alabamians have lost SNAP benefits under Republican budget laws, according to the report.

Bankruptcy filings have also increased, with more than 20,000 Alabama individuals and families filing in 2025, representing a 6.7% increase over the previous year, the report said.

“It doesn’t have to be this way,” Sewell said.

“House Democrats are fighting for an Affordable America by lowering the cost of groceries, gas, and housing, making healthcare more affordable, and holding corporations accountable when they exploit consumers and drive-up prices. Alabama families deserve an economy that works for them—not just the wealthy and well-connected.”

The report was generated using data from multiple national sources, including the Joint Economic Committee and Democratic House Budget Committee.