Addressing Inflation and Economic Policies: Insights from Bethany Mann
Bethany Mann, a scientist with a robust background in agriculture manufacturing, energy, and water infrastructure, recently discussed critical issues facing the Third Congressional District in an interview with the News Tribune. Her perspective on inflation and economic policy reflects a nuanced understanding of both local challenges and broader national strategies.
Impact of Inflation on Third District Residents
Mann highlighted that many residents in the Third District are grappling with financial recovery post-COVID-19. One of the pressing concerns she mentioned is the rising cost of housing, which has become increasingly burdensome for families. She advocates for measures like tax credits for first-time homebuyers and the extension of child tax credits as viable solutions to alleviate financial pressures on families in her district.
Corporate Monopolies and Consumer Costs
During her conversation, Mann drew attention to the monopolistic practices affecting consumer prices in various sectors. She pointed out that corporate monopolies have contributed to increased costs, such as the high price of infant formula and the recent spikes in chicken prices. She believes that addressing monopolies through enhanced competition and improved food labeling can lead to fairer pricing and better consumer choices.
Evaluating Biden Administration's Economic Policies
Mann expressed measured approval of the Biden Administration's handling of inflation. She noted that recent projections suggest a potential easing of inflationary pressures in the coming years. She credited strategic measures taken by President Biden, such as capping insulin prices and facilitating over-the-counter availability of hearing aids, as steps in the right direction.
Supporting Wage Growth and Economic Equity
Emphasizing the importance of equitable economic policies, Mann advocated for increasing wages to match inflationary trends. She stressed the role of unions in achieving fair wages and better working conditions, endorsing the passage of the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act as a crucial legislative step.
Strengthening Antitrust Laws for Economic Fairness
Mann proposed strengthening antitrust laws to curb corporate greed and foster fairer market competition. She believes that bolstering these laws will empower small- and mid-sized manufacturers, potentially revitalizing American manufacturing and innovation.
A Call for Collaborative Economic Policies
In conclusion, Mann underscored the necessity of bipartisan cooperation in passing economic policies that prioritize the needs of working families over corporate interests. Her advocacy for fair wages, strengthened antitrust measures, and support for economic recovery reflects a commitment to addressing the economic challenges facing her constituents in the Third District.
Bethany Mann's insights provide a thoughtful perspective on navigating inflation and fostering economic resilience, underscoring the importance of inclusive economic policies in achieving sustainable growth and prosperity for all.
For more details, you can read the full interview on the News Tribune website.
Original article:
This week, I talked with the News Tribune about inflation. See link below for the whole story:
https://newstribune.pressreader.com/article/7127846136915431
The News Tribune will hold a forum for the Third District candidates from 7-8 p.m. July 9 at Jefferson City Hall, 320 E. McCarty St. The forum will be livestreamed at newstribune.com and the City of Jefferson YouTube channel. If you have a question for a candidate, email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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“Bethany Mann
Mann is a scientist with a background in agriculture manufacturing and energy and water infrastructure. She started her career in the Environmental Protection Agency testing water and soil for environmental contaminants. Now she regularly works with federal and state agencies regarding water and energy infrastructure. She is one of the two Democrat candidates.
A lot of the people she has talked to in the Third District are struggling to come back financially post-COVID-19, Mann said. Many are concerned about the cost of housing. Tax credits for first-time home buyers and extending the child tax credits could help families, Mann said.
"One example is, I have toddlers, and there are a lot of moms in the Third Congressional District," Mann said. "And the cost of formula is really high. We had a shortage during COVID outbreaks because of manufacturing and product safety issues and there are really only a handful of companies that make infant formula thanks to corporate monopolies."
As another example, the price of chicken has also increased because of corporate price gouging, Mann said. Addressing monopolies will lead to more competition, better pricing and better food labeling, she said.
The Biden Administration has done a fair job at handling the inflation, Mann said. Recent projections have shown that inflation should ease during the next few years. Biden took some smart actions, including capping insulin prices at $35 and making hearing aids available over-the-counter.
Biden also showed strategic leadership regarding oil, Mann said. While it's "weird" to talk about a Democrat doing something good for oil domestically, she said, he showed some leadership in how he managed strategic petroleum reserves, which helped lower the price of gas. He was also able to refill the reserves at a profit which was remarkable, she said.
American wages should increase to keep up with inflation, Mann said, though there is a ceiling where that will no longer help. One way to support raising wages is to support unions, she said.
Congress should pass the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act allowing workers to collectively bargain for fair wages and conditions, she said. Anti-trust laws should be strengthened so prices will come down and small- and mid-sized manufacturers will be able to realize opportunities to make things in the United States. More competition will bring down prices and bring more innovation.
"I think the way for us to combat corporate greed is to work together and pass economic policies that make sense for working families and not just Wall Street," Mann said.”
https://www.facebook.com/BethanyMannForCongress