Midwest Families Struggle with Rising Cost of Living Amidst Economic Pressures
According to the Urban Institute's Catherine Harvey, families in the Midwest are experiencing the cost-of-living crunch at similar rates to other regions in the U.S. Approximately half of American families lack the resources to cover essential expenses, impacting their ability to live securely in their communities. Charles Gascon from the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank notes that prices have increased faster than wages and incomes, making living costs more burdensome relative to income. In response, various cities have implemented measures such as new apartment buildings, free bus programs, and rent control ordinances to alleviate financial pressures. 
