Press Releases

Molinaro Bill Creates Rural Inflation Measurement to Fully Account for Cost of Living Increases in Rural Communities in Upstate New York

Binghamton, NY – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R, NY-19) today introduced the bipartisan Combating Rural Inflation Act. Rep. Molinaro introduced this alongside U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse (D, CO-2).

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the nation’s benchmark inflation measurement, but it primarily collects data from consumers in urban areas and can omit rural New Yorkers. CPI determines economic outlook, and importantly, is used to calculate cost of living adjustments for food assistance programs, Social Security and Medicare, and veteran benefits.

While inflation is undoubtedly rising, economists who study rural areas have suggested it could be even worse for those living in rural communities. Rep. Molinaro’s bill creates a rural CPI measurement to fully account for and track cost changes in rural communities in Upstate New York.

Rep. Molinaro said, “We know the cost of living is still on the rise. But for rural communities, it could be even worse. Many rural communities aren’t included in existing Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, the leading national inflation measurement used to calculate cost of living adjustments and eligibility for assistance programs. Rural New Yorkers should never be the afterthought. My bill creates a rural inflation metric so cost of living increases in rural communities are thoroughly accounted for and considered.