By Michael Vallante
Every morning, millions rise with the sun, get themselves up for another day of work, put food on the table, and to try to secure a better future for their children. They bear the world’s weight on their shoulders, which seems to grow heavier with the relentless march of inflation, some of the nation’s highest taxes, and ever-mounting bills. These are the souls caught in a silent crisis, one that is quietly eroding their dreams, hopes, and aspirations.
With the 2024 election right around the corner, I’ve collated stories from focus groups and polling across California to shed light on the mental and emotional economic crisis unfolding in our state.
Imagine walking into a grocery store with a list and a budget. What once filled a shopping cart to the brim barely covers its bottom half. The basics of fresh produce, milk, and meat now come with a price tag many families can hardly afford. The checkout counter has become a place of quiet sacrifice, where parents are forced to choose between nutrition and necessity.
Yet, the sky-high food prices are merely a glimpse into a deeper issue. Already grappling with the high cost of living, families are now confronting skyrocketing energy costs. A gallon of gasoline is currently at $5, which continues to rise, making daily commutes expensive and increasing the prices of goods and services. The pain at the pump is felt by all, from the trucker transporting food across the state to the single mother taking her kids to school.
Housing, a fundamental human need symbolizing security and achievement, has become a distant dream for many because homes are in such short supply. Owning a home has become a struggle for most Californians as renters grapple with rising rents that push them from one neighborhood to another in pursuit of affordability.
What’s heart-wrenching in the focus groups are discussions about the sinking feelings that the next generation might fare no better. Numerous parents struggle with guilt and anxiety, apprehensive that their children will face even steeper financial challenges. The idea that the upcoming generation will be worse off weighs heavily, reversing the age-old optimism of generational advancement.
Behind the data and political and economic talk you see on television lies a profound human struggle. It’s visible in the weary eyes of Jose, who, despite working multiple jobs, can’t provide sufficiently for his family. It’s felt in the words of Deborah, trying to shield her children from the harsh reality of their dwindling finances. And it’s hidden behind the smiles of countless individuals, putting on a brave face for the world, saying they’re okay, when inside they’re screaming in desperation.
Feeling hopeless in such circumstances is understandable. There’s a unique pain in the realization that no matter how hard you work or how much you save, inflation, taxes, and rising government fees can rip away your security. For many Californians, this is a battle with an invisible foe, where the rules seem unfair, and the odds seem stacked against them.
As the former Associate Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, I’ve observed the remarkable resilience of people during crises. Amidst the struggles and uncertainties, communities came together, families bonded tighter, and individuals discovered strengths they never knew they had. But what distinguishes the present is the mounting challenge many face in staying optimistic amidst today’s economic instability.
The silent crisis of dealing with inflation, taxes, and mounting bills is more than an economic challenge. It’s a test of our collective spirit, resilience, and hope. We must amplify the voices of those struggling in silence, offering support and seeking solutions.
For many Californians, there’s still hope for a better tomorrow.
Michael Vallante provides consulting and strategic communications services for small businesses and non-profits around the country. From 2017-20, Vallante was the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Associate Administrator for the Office of Field Operations, overseeing the 68 district offices around the country and the management of SBA’s capital, contracting, and counseling programs serving small businesses.
