AFFORDABILITY?

An Opinion By Jan Bergemann

Published January 27, 2026

That seems to be the big WORD in politics in the moment!

In recent years the cost of living has gone up – by quite a lot. No matter where you looked, the prices for about everything were going UP – and UP – and UP.

But in recent months it looks like prices are coming down – slowly but surely.

The most obvious example: GAS PRICES! And since most of our food is transported by trucks, it means that the cost of transport is going down.

Property Insurance Companies are filing for rate reductions – and Citizens – the Florida Property Insurance Company of last resort, has announced rate-reductions of around 10%.

Electricity companies serving Florida have announced rate-reductions: Duke Energy starting in March. Others to follow!

And if cities and counties are willing to cut a lot of pork – lots of new buildings have seriously increased their property tax income – the legislators – and our vote – can seriously reduce the cost of property taxes for private homes.

But folks have to understand that our legislators don’t have a magic wand to decrease the cost of living, but as results are showing, their efforts seem to have some success.

Make no mistake: Its really easy to increase cost, but it’s a lot more difficult to decrease cost once they are up. Sorry, but some patience is needed!