As the DNC convention kicks off, it’s a prime moment to spotlight how Kamala Harris’s economic policies have hit Chicagoans in the stomach. Harris cast the deciding vote for the inflation-causing American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Since Harris took office in January 2021 the nationwide price for a pound of uncooked beef roast has risen over 30% from $5.86 to $7.64 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In Chicago, Harris-era inflation has caused a sharp increase in the price of the famous Italian Beef sandwich:
Al’s #1 Italian Beef is only an eight-minute drive from the DNC convention center and is one of the most beloved Italian Beef spots in Chicago. Attendees might find themselves craving a bite after a day of lengthy speeches, but they’ll have to shell out $10.55 for the famous sandwich today—a 56% increase from the $6.75 it cost in 2021.
At Tony’s Italian Beef, inflation has caused prices to rise 38% from $5.75 to $7.95.
Portillo’s has seen a 26% increase from $6.49 to $8.19.
Portillo’s tried to resist price hikes but couldn’t keep up with inflation. The company positioned itself as a low cost food option with a “price laggard” approach but by May of 2022, they were overwhelmed by “unprecedented commodity inflation, particularly in pork, chicken and beef.”
The soaring cost of the iconic Italian Beef sandwich is just one sign of the inflation fueled by the Biden-Harris administration.
All categories of consumer goods are more expensive for Chicagoans after four years of Kamalanomics. Since Vice President Harris took office, the consumer price index has increased by 20% in the Chicago metro area.
Harris has also vowed to repeal the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act “on day one.” Such a repeal would impose an across-the-board income tax hike, further hitting low and middle income households.
The question Chicagoans are left wondering now is just how much more they’ll pay for an Italian Beef sandwich should Harris get four more years in Washington.
Stay tuned to ATR’s Kamalanomics.org for updates.