The Sconi

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released data showing an increase in inflation rates for February, partially attributed to a surge in gas prices. A significant segment of Wisconsin's electorate, according to polls, blames President Biden's economic strategies for the escalating gas prices.

The BLS' latest Consumer Price Index report indicates that the overall CPI rose 3.2 percent from February 2023 to February 2024. The BLS points out that the gasoline index increase, along with the shelter index rise, "contributed over sixty percent of the monthly increase in the index for all items."

The BLS further states that after a four-month decrease, the gasoline index saw an upswing of 3.8 percent from January to February 2024.

In its report, the BLS highlights that in the Midwest region, which encompasses Wisconsin, there was a 2.8 percent increase in the overall CPI from February 2023 to February 2024. In addition, over the month ending in February 2024, both the CPI and gas index saw increases - by 0.6 percent and 8 percent respectively.

A poll conducted by League of American Workers (LAW) in December 2023 revealed that more than half —51 percent— of likely Wisconsin voters held President Joe Biden's policies accountable for higher gas prices.

This research was carried out by North Star Opinion Research and commissioned by LAW, an organization committed to scrutinizing economic public policies affecting American workers.

The BLS' latest Consumer Price