The Sconi

A recent battleground state poll released by the League of American Workers showed that economic issues were the top concern of voters in the states polled, which included Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Sixty percent of respondents cited rising food prices as one of their top two most important impacts from inflation. Notably, the poll also found that 77% of respondents believe the country is on the wrong track and 57% disapprove of the president's handling of the economy.

In a column at American Greatness, Steve Cortes, chairman and founder of the League of American Workers, noted that voter pessimism regarding the country's direction can be attributed to economic anxiety. "Of the mere 39% of respondents who approved of the President's handling of the economy," said Cortes. He also pointed out that only 9% among battleground state independents polled said they "strongly approve" of Biden on the economy while 48% registered that they "strongly disapprove."

According to Cortes, grocery prices have nationally soared by 20% in just three years. He highlighted several common items such as chicken breasts and ground coffee which have seen their average prices increase by 30% and 33%, respectively.

Cortes argues that these inflationary impacts can be directly linked to Biden administration's spending levels which have led to an increase in total federal debt by $6 trillion since taking office.

Wisconsin's Sen. Tammy Baldwin is reported by Five Thirty Eight to be a strong supporter of Biden's agenda. During the 117th Congress between 2021-2022, Baldwin voted with Biden 95% of the time.

"While the President may be selling 'Bidenomics', these results indicate that Battleground state voters aren't buying," said Jon McHenry, a partner with North Star who conducted this survey for The Sconi.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) most recent Consumer Price Index report reveals that the overall CPI rose 3.7 percent from Sept. 2022 to Sept. 2023.

Furthermore, per BLS data, the nationwide food index increased by 3.7 percent during this same period. More specifically, prices of cereals and bakery products escalated by 4.8 percent.

The BLS' Consumer Price Index report for the Midwest region indicates that in the West North Central Division — which includes Wisconsin — between Aug. and Sept. 2023, the price index for food increased by 0.2 percent. The increase recorded from Sept. 2022 to Sept. 2023 was significantly higher at 2.7 percent, with prices of cereals and bakery products seeing a rise of up to 5.5 percent.

Wisconsinites are also experiencing higher food prices outside of the home as well; a study by USA TODAY Blueprint found that from Nov. 2022 to Jun. 2023, Wisconsin tied for third-highest restaurant price inflation rate in the country at a whopping 21%.

According to predictions made by USDA's Economic Research Service, in 2024 all food prices are set to increase between 2.1% and up to potentially as high as 6.7%. They predict that prices of food at home could rise anywhere from a modest increase of just over one percent up to nearly eight percent (7.8%). As for dining out, costs are projected to climb between four and nearly seven percent (4-6%).