As Anniversary of Trump and Republicans’ Budget Bill  Looms, Texans are Paying More for Utilities, Groceries, Gas, and Healthcare 

TEXAS  — New research out from the Center for American Progress Action Fund and Climate Power highlights how unaffordable life has become for Texans, thanks in large part to Donald Trump and congressional Republicans. One year after the GOP budget bill was signed into law, Trump’s policies have raised costs for Texas families by $2,083 per household through the first half of 2026. For families that buy health care coverage through the ACA marketplace, that total climbs to $3,596. By the end of 2026, those totals could grow to $3,259 and $6,284, respectively. 

“Those two grand would make a huge difference in my long-term and day-to-day quality of life,” said Samantha Lott, a Texas mental health social worker. “It would mean not constantly grinding to pay bills at the last minute, having a savings cushion that helps me sleep at night, helping me to make medical choices based on what I actually need and not what I can scrape by with financially.” 

This report provides state-level estimates for the increased costs families have been leveled with due to Trump’s policies as well as vote tallies for the number of times each Member of Congress has voted to raise costs for Americans. The report also shows how these costs will continue to mount through the end of this year.

Trump’s war of choice in Iran and efforts to block clean energy raised gasoline and utility costs in Texas by a total of $509. By the end of 2026, those additional energy costs could grow to $1,076 if costs continue to rise at the same rate. 

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