Rep. Schweikert Unveils Bold Strategies to Combat Soaring Costs and Stagnant Wages

By Matthew Holloway |

In a recent address, Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ-01) shed light on key economic challenges facing Americans. Speaking from the Capitol on Thursday, the former Arizona State Treasurer highlighted the troubling 2.7 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) since last November, linking it to stagnating wages across the nation.

Schweikert emphasized the importance of a reformed immigration strategy focused on skill and merit to drive productivity and alleviate wage pressures. He pointed out that this approach could also help address declining birth rates and counteract population decreases.

“The reality is that many Americans feel poorer today than they did when President Biden took office,” Schweikert remarked. He noted that residents in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area, in particular, need to earn at least 27 percent more to maintain their purchasing power compared to four years ago.

The congressman expressed frustration over the disconnect between government messaging and the everyday financial struggles faced by constituents. “Voters are aware of their real economic conditions. They look at their bills and wonder why the costs keep rising,” he said.

Schweikert criticized current immigration policies that fail to retain educated foreign nationals. He argued that when skilled immigrants are encouraged to stay and contribute to the economy, overall wages and tax revenues increase, facilitating broader economic growth. “When wages go up, we begin to change society for the better,” he explained.

He proposed a dual approach to economic recovery that includes reforming the tax code to support research and development alongside immigration reforms prioritizing skilled labor. “This could produce a multiplier effect on economic growth,” he suggested, urging lawmakers to adopt a forward-thinking economic mindset.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.