Ohio egg prices are still sky-high, but the GOP isn't doing anything to help | Opinion

Egg prices are skyrocketing. Right now, a dozen eggs cost anywhere from $4.49 to more than $10. So, what’s behind the price spike?

Egg prices are skyrocketing. Right now, a dozen eggs cost anywhere from $4.49 to more than $10. So, what’s behind the price spike?

It’s a mix of things:

• COVID supply chain disruptions are still causing problems
• A bird flu outbreak that wiped out millions of birds, including more than 4.1 million chickens and turkeys in Ohio alone
• Grocery stores are raising prices to avoid running out of eggs
• Rising energy and transportation costs that make it more expensive to produce and deliver eggs

I’ve heard from Ohioans all over Hamilton County who are struggling to keep up with rising costs. One young mom put it simply: “We work so hard, and it shouldn’t be so difficult to cover our costs.”

Here’s the truth: Neither the president nor any elected official has much control over bird flu. We cannot single-handedly fix supply chain issues, bring down the cost of energy, or create a medical response to bird disease. But what we can do is work with our colleagues to create policies that reduce the impact external stressors, such as the high cost of eggs, have on our citizens.

Honesty and transparency are at the heart of good government. So here’s where I get real: I believe the solution to so many of our problems begins with bipartisan efforts. We can and should be working together to create policies that help Ohioans weather any storm.

But here’s the problem − there’s been no action. The Ohio Statehouse, controlled by the GOP, hasn’t introduced a single bill to lower the cost of living or address rising food prices. The only bill that’s even remotely related to groceries is House Bill 10, which focuses on regulating imitation meat and fake egg products − completely missing the point.

Currently at the Statehouse, there are 29 new bills introduced since our current state legislators were sworn in a few weeks ago. As a new legislator, I read through each proposed bill, eager to learn about how to create state laws. Imagine my disappointment that not one single substantive bill has been proposed to lower the cost of living for Ohioans. This is despite the fact that the GOP holds a supermajority − they have the votes, but they do not have the will to pass real legislation that would bring down costs for everyday Ohioans.

Ohioans don’t need more regulations on fake eggs − they need real solutions to make life more affordable.

I’m frustrated by the lack of urgency to help people who are struggling. Whether you're a parent trying to make ends meet, a senior on a fixed income, or someone just trying to get by, we all need action. I’m ready to work with anyone who wants to pass real legislation to lower costs for Ohioans.

The question is, will my colleagues in the majority join me in taking action to help the people of Ohio, or will they keep putting politics over people’s needs? It’s time to stop talking and start doing. Let’s lower the cost of living for Ohio families and make sure basic essentials − like eggs − are affordable again.