Updated August 31, 2022

August 30: Indianapolis, Indiana

This is Kent with Americans for Prosperity.

The True Cost of Washington effort made a return trip to the Hoosier State to roll back gas prices to $2.38 in Indianapolis!

U.S. Senator Todd Young and Congressman Greg Pence joined us. They spoke with customers about how the bad policies coming from Washington and this administration were driving up the cost of gas and groceries.

Great to have @RepGregPence join the @AFPhq / @IndianaAFP #TrueCost gas rollback event yesterday in Indianapolis. #paymoregetless pic.twitter.com/PeVXgciICn

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) August 30, 2022

We were able to help more than 100 people with an inflation-adjusted discount on their gas.

We also connected those 100+ people not only to the rising costs they’re suffering, but to the fact that we can solve this economic crisis by cutting wasteful spending, unleashing energy abundance, and getting rid of the red tape holding back our economy.

August 16: Charlotte,  North Carolina

Kent with AFP here again to share with you a bit about our latest Tar Heel State True Cost Tour stop in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event was amazing!

We had another huge line down the highway of folks wanting to take advantage of January 20, 2022 gas prices — $2.38 for a gallon of gas.

Americans for Prosperity NC is out here dropping the price of gas to $2.38 today in Charlotte for the #TrueCost tour. Still 15 minutes until we start and people are ready to go! Gas prices are hurting people – and DC needs to listen and stop spending. #PayMoreGetLess #ncpol pic.twitter.com/w1kjroWJvE

— Tyler Voigt (@classicallibty) August 16, 2022

Thanks to the well-oiled machine of staff and volunteers running the event, we provided some temporary relief at the pump to more than 250 North Carolinians in just 90 minutes.

Tyler Voight, AFP-North Carolina’s deputy state director, was able to catch up with Joyce. She’s struggling to afford higher prices at the gas station and grocery store.

Today we met Joyce in Charlotte.

She is struggling to afford higher prices at the gas station & grocery store. She hasn’t filled her tank in months.

Thankfully, she was able to fill up w/ $2.38 gas & get some relief from Washington’s price hike. #PayMoreGetLess #TrueCost pic.twitter.com/OdChHbS1Ol

— AFP-NC (@AFPNC) August 16, 2022

Joyce told us she hasn’t filled up her tank in months. Thankfully, she was able to do just that at our event!

Unfortunately, Joyce’s story isn’t unique. At every single event we connect with Americans who are struggling to afford the True Cost of Washington’s bad policies.

As such, we’ll continue fighting for the policies that will end this economic crisis. All we need to do is cut wasteful spending, unleash energy abundance, and slash the red tape holding back our economy.

August 11: Fort Myers, Florida

From AFP-Florida Grassroots Engagement Director Roxanne Buckels

“It feels like Christmas! Christmas in August. I can’t believe I’m buying gas for $2.38 a gallon!” said a father as he got out of his family’s minivan to pump gas at Americans for Prosperity’s True Cost of Washington Tour event here in Fort Myers.

Another driver named Seth said he didn’t think he was going to be able to fill up his truck this week because the high cost of gas, food, and school supplies have been a heavy financial burden on his family this year. He was all smiles as he topped off his tank.

When we turn back the #TrueCost of Washington, it feels like Christmas 🎄 no matter what time of year it is!! pic.twitter.com/rtZ8Bbgv2K

— AFP Florida (@AFPFlorida) August 11, 2022

Every driver who pulled up to the pump had a personal story of how inflation is impacting their lives.

To join AFP on the True Cost Tour at a location near you, check out TrueCostofWashington.com.

August 10: North Little Rock, Arkansas

Kent here with Americans for Prosperity. Our gas rollback event in North Little Rock, AR was wild!  The line for $2.38 gas had people lining up down the interstate off ramp! Plus, we fought off the wind and the rain to bring relief to about 100 drivers.

TY to all the @AFPArkansas volunteers who made today’s True Cost of Washington Tour event a success. Over 100 families were helped and shared stories of inflation negatively impacting their family. Learn more at this link https://t.co/9HBcONKDfJ. #paymoregetless pic.twitter.com/JBXy4tKRBZ

— AFP Arkansas (@AFPArkansas) August 10, 2022

While the line was long, the conversations at the pump were what mattered.

We had a chance to speak with Marla. Her family budget is tight thanks to higher prices at the gas pump and at the grocery store.

She told me she hasn’t filled up her tank with gas in OVER A YEAR!  Thanks to this gas discount event, she was able to finally leave the station with a full tank of gas.

We also met Heather, who told us, “my husband will never believe this!”

Her husband operates large machinery that runs on diesel fuel, and the diesel prices are so high it makes construction, farming, and transporting goods more expensive to American families.

Heather also operates a small business that requires her to drive to meet with clients. She was able to get 25 gallons of gas in her tank for only $60, which was a big relief for her.

Check out the media coverage from the local Fox affiliate to see the event for yourself as we continue to the True Cost tour across the country!

August 2: Hobart, Indiana with Former Vice President Mike Pence

Exiting news!  At our gas rollback event in Hobart, Indiana, we were joined by Vice President Mike Pence.

For nearly three hours on August 2, about 200 Hoosiers paid the January 2021 price of gas at Luke Convenience Store and Gas Station .

The Chicago Tribune, ABC-7 in Chicago, WGN-TV, and other media outlets covered the event.

Great to be in Hobart, IN today with @IndianaAFP at Luke Convenience Store & Gas Station to give Hoosiers a brief respite from Bidenflation & roll back the price of gas to $2.38/gallon—the average price Americans were paying on the day the Trump-Pence Administration left office! pic.twitter.com/P0mWIKBYYW

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) August 2, 2022

It was great to meet Mike Pence in Hobart, but it’s Niki’s story that shows why this tour is so important.

Niki is a customer who came by Luke to get gas. She’s a foster mother of four who has also been raising her two grandchildren since her daughter passed away.

Niki is just one of the millions of Americans struggling to bear the burden of the high cost of gas in 2022.

She cried tears of joy when her tank was filled.

It’s hard-working Americans like Niki who make a bottom-up difference for good in our society. It was amazing to help her get some temporary relief at the pump.

However, Niki, her neighbors in Hobart, and Americans everywhere deserve more than temporary relief from the True Cost of Washington.

We had a huge day in Hobart, Indiana lowering the price of gas to $2.38 with former Vice President @Mike_Pence! Hoosier are struggling to make ends because of the #truecost of Washington! pic.twitter.com/pwXxlIHuv9

— AFP – Indiana (@IndianaAFP) August 2, 2022

August 1: Tampa, Florida

We have officially kicked off our True Cost of Washington roll back events here in the Sunshine State!

I’m David Huston, grassroots engagement director here in Florida for AFP’s sister organization, Concerned Veterans for America. On Monday August 1st, I joined Americans for Prosperity in rolling back gas to $2.38/gallon for the citizens of Tampa.

It was great to talk to the many folks who waited hours in line to get gas, many of them sitting on empty!

One of whom was Doug, a disabled Navy veteran. He explained how difficult it has been to get around with the current gas prices.

Had the privilege of helping Doug, a disabled Navy Vet, pump his rolled back $2.38/gallon gas today during @AFPhq’s #TrueCost tour in Tampa. Doug has felt the pinch of rising inflation. Washington’s failed policies affect all Americans, even our nation’s heroes #PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/cuXEWGFz8Q

— David Huston (@DHustonFL) August 1, 2022

We also got to meet Keith, who recently moved from Maryland to Florida. Typically, it takes over $115 to fill up his car, but after our roll back, it cost him closer to $70. What a difference two years can make!

#TrueCost ⁦@AFPFlorida⁩ ⁦@AFPhq⁩ pic.twitter.com/84l8hJSzDR

— Lee 🇺🇸 (@LJD_FL) August 1, 2022

At the end of the day we were able to pump over 1,300 gallons of gas and have countless conversations on the direction of our country and how we can solve inflation.

Stay tuned for our next stops all across the state!

July 19: Davenport, Iowa

“I heard the click — you know, the sound the gas pump makes when you have a full tank! I haven’t heard that click in over a year,” a customer exclaimed at AFP’s gas rollback event in Davenport, Iowa.

Kent here with Americans for Prosperity. That customer sounds like so many others we’ve encountered when we roll back the cost of gas to $2.38. Folks are struggling to afford Washington’s price hike and are often choosing between gas and groceries.

Today, I had the chance to meet Kathleen. She’s a gig economy delivery driver and spends an average of $180 per week on gas!

“It’s no longer cost effective,” she told me. “I work harder and get less because everything costs more. It’s impossible to save anything.”

AFP-Iowa’s Rob Peters spoke to Nicole, who told us how higher prices on diapers, wipes, food, and gas have affected her family.

Nicole just shared with me how inflation is impacting her family! Please take a listen!👂 @AFPIowa #PayMoreGetLess #Inflation #TrueCost pic.twitter.com/FxBSJsPJzr

— Rob Peters (@RobPetersIowa) July 19, 2022

We have overwhelming demand at our events because gas is so expensive. As WQUAD declared, “Hundreds of cars wait in line for discounted gas in Davenport.”

“Hundreds of cars wait in line for discounted gas in Davenport”

Checkout the @wqad news coverage for the @AFPhq / @AFPIowa #TrueCost event.

Nice work @Klein_Drew! #paymoregetless https://t.co/DDhR0Oc3PG via @wqad

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) July 20, 2022

It was great to provide some temporary relief to Iowans and connect them to the policies driving up gas prices and the solutions necessary to fight inflation and the high cost of gas.

July 12: Downers Grove, Illinois

From AFP-Illinois Grassroots Engagement Director Rand York

Rand here with Americans for Prosperity. What a day in Downers Grove!

Even though Downers Grove is in DuPage County, we had many residents from Cook County who let us know their prices are even higher due to Cook County’s gas tax. That made the relief from the high cost of gas this year that much more valuable.

We were joined by State Representative Amy Grant, who is fighting hard in Springfield to lower the cost of living for Illinois residents. Together, we were able to provide discounted gas to over 160 individuals.

One person said the extra savings in gas was so impactful that he is now scheduling a trip to the beach with his kids, which was not possible this month due to having to cut costs everywhere he could.

We were appreciative of the gas station owner’s hospitality, too. Sam Odeh and his team cooked a great meal and fed the entire AFP staff, volunteers, and even many residents who parked their cars to learn more about the True Cost Campaign as we listened to stories about how difficult prices have been to them.

Fox 32 News’ coverage of the event helped drive people (no pun intended) down to the station for their discounted gas!

July 9: Blue Ash, Ohio

Kent here with AFP. It’s been a wild week in the Buckeye State! Our final True Cost of Washington Tour stop was another gas rollback event, this time in Blue Ash.

The starting price of gas here was $4.99. Dropping the price all the way down to $2.38 was such a fine sight to see on the station marquee.

The #TrueCost of Washington tour is rolling back prices in Blue Ash, OH. #paymoregetless pic.twitter.com/P9oRrF5A7l

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) July 9, 2022

It was great to be joined by Representative Steve Chabot. AFP-Ohio State Director Donovan O’Neil had an opportunity to speak with Rep. Chabot, who shared with us three ways America can drop gas prices:

We just started rolling the price back to $2.38 in Blue Ash.@RepSteveChabot⁩ shares 3 solutions YOU can take right now to push back against the #PayMoreGetLess policies of the Biden administration.#TrueCost ⁦@AFPhq⁩ ⁦@AfpOhio⁩ pic.twitter.com/7XlCDn8AqC

— Donovan O’Neil (@dtoneil) July 9, 2022

We also had the opportunity to meet Terri, who thought we were playing a joke!

Terri commutes for work in the tri-state area and was happy to fill her tank with gas at the price it was a year and a half ago.

Terri thought $2.38/gal gas was a joke.

But she circled back and experienced what prices were like in January 2021.

She was thrilled to see gas at this price & wants to see Washington unleash American energy!#TrueCost ⁦@AFPhq⁩ pic.twitter.com/rvOPPjMstM

— Donovan O’Neil (@dtoneil) July 9, 2022

That wraps up a great week in Ohio. What an incredible four days of events.

The True Cost of Washington tour will be back in Ohio later this summer. But first, it’s on to Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota!

July 8: Bowling Green, Ohio

And just like that, we’re moving from gas stations to gyros. Kent Strang here again with another dispatch from Ohio.

As I mentioned in my update from Youngstown (see below on July 6), it’s not just gas prices that are hurting everyday Americans in their pocketbooks. They’re also feeling the pain at grocery stories and restaurants.

The @AFPhq #TrueCost tour is in Bowling Green at South Side 6 Party Store talking to folks about higher food prices & inflation.

The gyros are worth dancing for! #paymoregetless pic.twitter.com/AsQ92KVPgE

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) July 8, 2022

With that in mind, we partnered with South Side 6 in Bowling Green to give away gyros and talk to folks about the True Cost of Washington’s failed policies.

The Sentinel-Tribune was on hand to cover the event and featured AFP-Ohio State Director Donovan O’Neil in its coverage:

And it wouldn’t be a True Cost of Washington event if there wasn’t a line out the door. That was certainly the case at South Side 6!

Gas lines in Toledo this morning.

Gyro lines in Bowling Green this afternoon. #TrueCost #paymoregetless pic.twitter.com/e9c12ltUZD

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) July 8, 2022

Another successful event in the books, one filled with many conversations with everyday Americans about how we can tackle inflation and bring costs down!

July 8: Toledo, Ohio

Kent Strang here with Americans for Prosperity. We’re on our fourth True Cost event in Ohio this week — from one side of the state to the other, we’ve moved on from Steubenville to Toledo for yet another gas rollback event!

Demand for 2021 gas prices was overwhelming. AFP’s Chris Maidment took some video of the line — here’s what it looked like 30 minutes before the event started:

Here’s the line for gas in Toledo Ohio 30 minutes before we are set to get started with $2.38/gallon gasoline. More than 60 cars already in line!

Ohioans are excited to save big at the pump from the #TrueCost of Washington’s #PayMoreGetLess policies!

⁦@AfpOhio⁩ pic.twitter.com/gQwBqZTcHl

— Chris Maidment (@maid_cj) July 8, 2022

In addition to the wild line, we were joined by Congressman Bob Lotta, who spoke to AFP-Ohio State Director Donovan O’Neil about why gas prices are so high:

We JUST dropped the price to $2.38.

Congressman Bob Latta was with me the moment it happened!#TrueCost ⁦⁦@boblatta⁩ ⁦⁦@AFPhq⁩ ⁦⁦⁦@AfpOhio⁩ pic.twitter.com/Mv0PXVQBoY

— Donovan O’Neil (@dtoneil) July 8, 2022

I had the opportunity to meet Sherry, who owns a BBQ business. She spoke to us about how higher gas prices are affecting her.

We also asked Sherry about the plan in Congress to raise a TRILLION dollars in taxes through the reconciliation bill being discussed in Washington. (Spoiler alert: “It’s horrible. Horrible.” she told us.)

Sherry owns a BBQ business. Watch to learn how gas prices are impacting her business & what she thinks about the plan in Congress to raise a TRILLION dollars in taxes. #paymoregetless pic.twitter.com/hdF0ENhCes

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) July 8, 2022

High gas prices and increasing inflation are hurting folks like Sherry. It’s critical that we connect folks to the solutions needed to drive down prices.

It’s also critical that we defend against Washington’s so-called “solution” of raising $1 TRILLION in tax hikes on the doorstep of a recession.

July 7: Steubenville, Ohio

It’s Kent with Americans for Prosperity. After an incredible day in Youngstown, the True Cost of Washington Tour hit up Steubenville for another gas rollback event.

Once again, we were met with incredible demand for lower gas prices and lots of media interest.

Americans for Prosperity roll back gas prices in Steubenville to $2.38 a gallon this morning. Cars line down Sunset Blvd. eager to fill up their tanks. @WTRF7News pic.twitter.com/0pTVWX9fF0

— Ashley Kaiser (@AshleyKaiserTV) July 7, 2022

Chris was one of our last customers in line. His story really shows the affect of Washington’s bad policies.

Chris and his wife both have long commutes to work. After they tallied their monthly budget, they found they were spending more on gas per month than their MORTGAGE!

This is Chris.

He & his family spend more on ⛽️ per month than his MORTGAGE!!

His family commutes to work every day & simply cannot afford Washington’s price hike. #Paymoregetless #truecost pic.twitter.com/AL0Eo1mFZV

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) July 7, 2022

Washington’s bad policies are hurting hardworking Americans. It’s time for Congress and the administration to choose an all-of-the-above energy strategy that unleashes innovation and cuts the red tape holding it back.

July 6: Youngstown, Ohio

Kent with Americans for Prosperity here again. It’s not just gas prices that are hurting Americans’ pocketbooks. Folks are also feeling the sting of inflation at the grocery store and restaurants.

Especially on one of America’s favorite food items — chicken wings!

The cost of wings has surged, causing restaurants to increase their costs to consumers. So, to give Ohioans a bit of relief, we partnered with Royal Oaks and gave away 500 hot wings.

With a line out the door, this gave an excellent opportunity to speak with customers about how out-of-control government spending is why inflation is increasing and has caused items like wings to soar and how cutting wasteful spending will help us get those prices under control.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kent Strang (@kentstrang1)

July 6: Lowellville, Ohio

Kent here with Americans for Prosperity. The True Cost of Washington Tour kicked off a six-city barnstorm of the Buckeye State!

We got off to a strong start with an amazing event in Lowellville. We had a mile-long line when we dropped the price of gas to $2.38 at Morgan Oil. The demand all but shut down State Highway 224!

One sign of the increased demand was the time at which folks arrived. We were scheduled to start at 2 p.m., but our first customers started lining up at 9 a.m. to make sure they got discounted gas.

While @POTUS was trying to sell his disastrous “American Rescue Plan” in Cleveland.@AfpOhio & @AFPhq we’re showing Ohioans how his failed policies have driven up the cost of ⛽️

We dropped the price from $4.49 to $2.38 (the price when he took office).#paymoregetless pic.twitter.com/uDOsHJ5NZ0

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) July 6, 2022

We were happy to be joined by Representative Bill Johnson. Rep. Johnson, who is on the Energy & Commerce committee, spoke to customers and the media.

He highlighted two things that can bring down the price of gas:

1. Increasing production on public lands
2. Simplifying the permitting process to make it less difficult to increase production

Rep. Johnson told us,

“Was great to feel a bit of nostalgia after Biden’s policies caused a major bump at the pump.

⛽️🚨: Just left Morgan Oil in Poland, OH where gas prices were temporarily lowered to $2.38 a gallon today — the average price of gas when Biden first took office in 2021. Was great to feel a bit of nostalgia after Biden’s policies caused a major bump at the pump. @AfpOhio pic.twitter.com/hrQgX0pe4R

— Bill Johnson (@RepBillJohnson) July 6, 2022

Our goal of bringing back prices like $2.38 isn’t “nostalgic” — it’s to make prices like that normal again.

We can do that by unleashing innovation that will lead to energy abundance and cut the red tape holding our economy back.

July 5: Export, Pennsylvania

The True Cost of Washington Tour concluded its July visit to the Keystone state by hosting a happy hour at Joey’s the Edge in Export, Pennsylvania.

Every customer who visited us at the truck to talk about inflation received a drink ticket and some cool swag! Joe Ferri and his daughter were great to work with.

The event earned Joe a spot on Fox & Friends the following  morning (he was joined by Faizan Sarwar, the Sunoco station owner who hosted our event in Latrobe)

The True Cost Tour left Joey’s to head for Ohio. It was a crazy busy couple of days, but it was very rewarding to be able to help so many people with discounted gas and hear their stories of how inflation is affecting them. We all made so many new friends as well!

Mark & Jim are hanging with us! They totally concur: Washington isn’t working & its high time for change. #TrueCost #PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/yUUwmJsyci

— Ashley Klingensmith (@Ash8156) July 5, 2022

It is my hope that they will all share the solutions from our website with their friends and family and take action by contacting their representatives and senators in Washington to push for policy changes!

I’m looking forward to a few more events Team PA is planning in August in other parts of the commonwealth, too. Keep your eyes open for the True Cost of Washington Tour team in a neighborhood near you!

July 5: Latrobe, Pennsylvania

From AFP-Pennsylvania Coalitions Director Mary Beth Cirucci

On our last day in PA with the True Cost Tour truck we hosted two events in one day!

The first event was another gas station price drop in Latrobe, Pennsylvania (home of the famous Arnold Palmer!) Latrobe is such a lovely town.

The local police came and directed traffic for us and were so supportive. We had a rainy day, but we were still able to serve 100 cars between the showers.

“It’s so nice to know that @AFPPennsylvania is doing something to help us because we all know the @POTUS administration is not.” Amanda, Westmoreland Co. #TrueCost #PayMoreGetLess @uhmanduhgee pic.twitter.com/a3nNAQUcjK

— Ashley Klingensmith (@Ash8156) July 5, 2022

We were also blessed to have AFP Vice President Akash Chougule with us for this event. Listen to his comments below:

We’re here with @AFPhq Vice President @AkashJC in Latrobe, PA talking with people about the bad decisions that led to $5/gal gas. Check out our solutions at https://t.co/SoVTLaxDnG! pic.twitter.com/WVp5AxVlcy

— AFP Pennsylvania (@AFPPennsylvania) July 5, 2022

We also could not have done this event without the tremendous volunteers from Westmoreland County who came to assist!

Customer George Moses showed up at 7 a.m. to get in line. He told us the price of gas is getting out of hand. Simple things like cutting your grass are getting out of hand. Moses said he’d be framing his receipt because he fears he’ll never see gas prices back to $2.38 per gallon.

“I’m gonna put this receipt in a frame. I may never see this price of gas again.”#PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/drpHmEWKyM

— Emily Greene (@EmilyRoseGreene) July 5, 2022

July 4: Monroeville, Pennsylvania

From AFP-Pennsylvania Coalitions Director Mary Beth Cirucci

Hi! This is Mary Beth Cirucci with AFP-Pennsylvania. The True Cost Tour truck rolled into PA on Independence Day, just in time for our gas station event at Sunoco in Monroeville. We lowered the price of gas to $2.38 per gallon for two hours and sold a little under 2,000 gallons of gas to happy customers!

70 cars lined up before our True Cost event started this am in Monroeville PA! #TrueCost #PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/MA9BzH6ycK

— Mary Cirucci (@CirucciMaryB) July 4, 2022

Our team worked with Arslan Sarwar and his two brothers who own two gas stations locally. They were excited to host the event, telling us:

“We see struggling people every day and wanted to do something nice for our customers.”

Arslan and his family are some of the hardest working people I know and are true patriots.

They were also upset that the administration accused gas stations of price gouging, because they often sell gas at their cost! The income they earn is from the sale of merchandise inside the store. Not many people know this.

June 28:Forest, Mississippi

From Starla Brown, state director Americans for Prosperity-Mississippi

Hi Friends!  It’s Starla with Americans for Prosperity. We had a great turnout at our True Cost of Washington event in Forest, Mississippi, and cars were in line starting at 8:30 a.m.

Our team worked with Cox Chevron and station owner Vance Cox was incredibly helpful with his employees, directing traffic and pumping gas as we lowered the price to $2.38 per gallon.

By 11 a.m., when the event started, we had over 150 cars in line! Thanks to the local Jackson and Meridian television stations for coming out and covering the event and sharing the stories.

We met people like Gloria, who found out about our event via her daughter in Georgia who saw the event on social media, then sent her mom to the station to get in line.

“Times are hard,” Gloria told us. “It’s a blessing to be here and to get some cheaper gas.” Gloria had put $10 in her truck the day before and got little return for her money.

Grateful for the opportunity to partner with @afp_ms @StarlaMBrown @Mack_Yates2020 @stone_clanton1 #paymoregetless https://t.co/KvoP0Tcw8Z

— Elizabeth Chatham (@ElizGC19) June 28, 2022

Darlene shared her story of paying $400 every two weeks just to drive her son back and forth to his place of employment. That’s $800 per month just to get to work! The break at the pumps helped Darlene and her family reduce their cost for the week.

Giving back to the community and sharing the solutions we believe Congress could do now to reduce inflation are why we at AFP-Mississippi were excited to be part of the True Cost of Washington Tour!

June 30: Littleton, New Hampshire

From Chris Maidment, Americans for Prosperity-New Hampshire’s grassroots engagement director. 

Hey! Chris with Americans for Prosperity. After a great day in Salem (see below) providing drivers with relief from gas, we brought the True Cost Tour to the North Country through the amazing Franconia Notch.

With only four fill stations at Simon’s Market, the line quickly stretched more than a mile down the road! Check out this brisk walk down the line of traffic before we even opened the pumps!

The line of cars before we started this morning in Littleton NH for the #TrueCost tour. People lined up to get some relief from crippling inflation. #PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/eNhjje9Wul

— Jason Edson (@JasonSEdson) June 30, 2022

Diane lined up more than an hour before the event after driving more than an hour from Conway, New Hampshire.

Her social security income has not been stretching as far with inflation and she was overjoyed to fill up at $2.38 a gallon and she has had to cut back on everything from groceries to seeing her family to stretch her dollars as far as possible.

We hope to bring the tour back to New Hampshire soon, to serve more families like Angelica’s that were thrilled to be able to fill their tank for only $28.

@AFP_NH can’t thank you enough for today! ♥️ #GetLessPayMore pic.twitter.com/Rit9aiB0fl

— Angelica St. Onge (@angelica_st) June 30, 2022

June 30: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Kent here with Americans for Prosperity. Another successful gas rollback event in the books! We dropped the price of gas from $4.97 down to $2.38 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

We were greeted by incredibly long lines that started at 6 a.m. for a 10 a.m. start!

Marsha was the first person in line. She is retired and lives on a fixed income. Higher prices on essential items, like gas and groceries, have forced her to change physicians and find other health care providers closer to home so she doesn’t have the drive.

Rep. Peter Meijer (MI – 03) joined us at the event to discuss Washington policies that have led to the highest inflation in four decades, as well as immediate steps Congress can take to provide American families some much needed relief.

Great to partner w @AFPhq today! Thanks to their work, a Wyoming gas station rolled back prices to $2.38/gal – the price at the pump when Biden took office. Current prices are a result of excessive govt spending driving inflation + hostility to American energy. We deserve better. pic.twitter.com/Kw5cvHmavg

— Rep. Peter Meijer (@RepMeijer) June 30, 2022

Congressman Meijer is right. Current prices are a result of Washington’s excessive government spending that is driving inflation.

That’s why AFP’s True Cost of Washington Tour is driving the message that we need to cut wasteful spending, unleash innovation that will lead to energy abundance, and cut the red tape holding our economy back.

June 29, 2022: Salem, New Hampshire

From Christ Maidment, Americans for Prosperity-New Hampshire’s grassroots engagement director. 

Chris here with Americans for Prosperity. We brought discount gas to Salem, New Hampshire, right on the Massachusetts border!

Station owner Arthur Klemm had the perfect spot to set up the gas drop to $2.38 with 16 fill stations. Even though the line stretched almost a mile through the beautiful new Tuscan Village, drivers desperate for relief from high gas prices never had to wait more than 30 minutes.

“It was like Christmas in June,” Jeff told us. “Times are tough for everyone right now and to save at the pump keeps a little extra cash for emergencies.”

Check out the coverage of our #PayMoreGetLess #TrueCost event today on @WMUR9!

See you tomorrow morning, Littleton!#NHPolitics pic.twitter.com/W77IVs3kv8

— AFP_NH (@AFP_NH) June 29, 2022

In 90 minutes we were able to save more than 250 drivers on nearly 3,000 gallons of gasoline, giving them some extra cash in their wallets as we head into Independence Day weekend.

What another great day seeing happy people at the pump! #TrueCost #PayMoreGetLess

pic.twitter.com/YgzD0eJPwb

— Chris Maidment (@maid_cj) June 30, 2022

June 22: Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania

From AFP-Pennsylvania Coalitions Director Mary Beth Cirucci

AFP-Pennsylvania kicked off its first True Cost of Washington Tour gas station event in the Keystone State at the BP station on Leechburg Road. Cars began lining up three hours early!

Staff from State Rep. Bob Brooks’s office helped out, too.

Rep. Brooks told us,

“I agree with Americans for Prosperity in regards to their policies: reducing regulations and improving our energy policy to boost domestic energy production needs to happen!”

“Anything to stretch the dollar right now helps. I thank you and may God Bless You!” -Bernie, Lower Burrell #PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/fIYLYuu3lc

— Ashley Klingensmith (@Ash8156) June 22, 2022

June 22: Kansas City, Missouri

Kent here with Americans for Prosperity. I hit up two gas rollback events in one day!

After the Nebraska stop, I headed to Kansas City, Missouri where we dropped the price of gas down to $2.12! Why $2.12? Missouri typically has gas prices that run below the national average, so that was the price of a gallon of gas in Missouri when President Biden took office.

It’s amazing how this event came together. Babir operates three Fav Trip gas stations in the Kansas City area. He’s been keeping up with our True Cost of Washington events on social media and saw our event in Fredericktown, Missouri and wanted to provide his community some relief at the pumps and spotlight the true causes of higher gas process.

He reached out to our AFP-Missouri team and said, “Come to Kansas City.”  The event at one of his stations was such as success that AFP is working with him to do it again later this summer!

We would like to take a moment and thank Favtrip staff, security, Americans for Prosperity volunteers, KCPD, and the customers for making the $2.12 for gas event a success. pic.twitter.com/K4ICXawLPL

— FavTrip (@favtrip) June 22, 2022

The event had over a mile long line of cars for gas as Americans continue to struggle with higher prices. AFP-Missouri’s State Director, Jeremy Cady joined multiple media outlets in sharing our message of the True Cost of Washington.

We had a great event at @favtrip yesterday highlighting the True Cost of Washington, reducing gas prices to $2.12 per gallon in Kansas City!https://t.co/WizvZ2MPHp?#PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/U6yKj5GFs4

— AFP-MO (@AFPMissouri) June 23, 2022

Many more rollback events are coming to bring some temporary relief at the pump. Be sure to check out the True Cost of Washington schedule to see if we’ll be in a city near you!

June 22: Bellevue, Nebraska

Kent here with Americans for Prosperity. We dropped the price of gas from $4.59 down to $2.38 in Bellevue, Nebraska, just outside of Omaha.

We were happy to be joined by Governor Pete Ricketts!  He talked with costumers and us about the need to explore for more American energy, to stop runaway spending in Congress, & to cut the red tape holding us back.

.@afpne & @AFPhq is happy to be joined by @GovRicketts today in Nebraska as we rollback ⛽️ prices. #paymoregetless pic.twitter.com/IIjd7OFPdv

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) June 22, 2022

I met Nick, who arrived at 5:00 am to fill up his 28-gallon tank for less than $100 for the first time in months. He talked with us about how much he is struggling due to higher prices.

I also met Melissa, who has seven children. She had a chance to fill up nearly 21 gallons of gas for $50, which was a huge savings for her. She told us she has cut back on expenses, canceled vacation, and said that between gas and groceries these prices are “unsustainable.” She freely told us that President Joe Biden’s proposed “gas take holiday” is NOT a solution and will have no long-term impact.

She’s right!

Instead of gimmicks, we need Washington tackle the real problems driving inflation and higher prices. Download the free eBook that shows the policy changes needed to make life more affordable.

June 17-18, 2022: Wilmington, North Carolina

Dave from AFP here.

What does a three-mile line look like in Wilmington, NC?

On Friday morning, we dropped gas prices back to $2.38 again at the Phoenix Mart on 17th Street downtown.  The response was both overwhelming and heartbreaking.

We spoke with so many grateful Wilmingtonians on Friday, who are really struggling to make ends meet right now.  People are angry at Washington politicians and clearly know who is responsible for our current inflation woes.

AFP-North Carolina helped us talk to the more than 200 drivers who got some relief at the pump, and the stories were sad but familiar. Too many people are having to make hard choices between food and fuel. Too many people are seeing their standard of living hurt dramatically by runaway inflation on almost all consumer goods.

And EVERYONE has simply had enough of the True Cost of Washington.

“I’m broke”😂
These are REAL reactions about inflation and the economy right now. #paymoregetless #gasprices@AFPhq pic.twitter.com/NoRaDVR6jZ

— Clayton Rasche (@Clayton_rasche) June 17, 2022

By the end of our event, we sadly had to turn away more people than we were able to help.  The line down 17th Street went for miles, and started down an intersecting street for another half mile at one point.

On Saturday, we continued our time in Wilmington as we brought the True Cost tour downtown to Ironclad Brewery. We spoke with nearly 100 people on the streets of Wilmington, and most of them joined us inside for a cold beverage and to talk about the pain of inflation.

At one point I noticed a bachelorette party walking down the street and asked them if they’d like to have some inflation relief in the form of a free Ironclad beverage. They not only came in, but they stayed and talked with us for some time.

Shelby, the bride-to-be, talked about the skyrocketing cost of everything she is having to purchase for her upcoming wedding, and told us how frustrating the recent cost explosions were for her as she approached her big day.

We met a bachelorette party walking down the streets of Wilmington and invited them into @ironcladbrewery to talk with us about inflation. The Bride-To-Be has had enough of the rising cost of everything and talked to @Clayton_rasche @AFPNC @AFPhq pic.twitter.com/snuCn9H1eF

— Dave Johnson (@Johnson_DavidS) June 18, 2022

We also talk to several small business owners along the same street, who joined us and shared their horror stories of higher wholesale prices, dwindling supplies issues, staffing difficulties, and lower net profits – all the result of the True Cost of Washington’s failed policies.

June 16, 2022: Whitsett, North Carolina

Hey! This is Dave with Americans for Prosperity.

On Thursday afternoon the True Cost tour stopped at Red Oak Brewing in Whitsett, North Carolina, to share the message that Washington’s failed policies are causing the pain people are currently feeling due to inflation.

Members of our North Carolina team met with passersby over a free beverage and discussed some of the numerous solutions Americans for Prosperity has suggested to lower inflation and end the pain so many America are feeling right now.

As we trek through North Carolina, I am struck by the stories we continue to hear form people of all walks of life about the changes out-of-control inflation have caused them to make in their lives.

Inflation is a hidden tax, and it is affecting us all.

No matter where we’ve gone, the message has been loud and clear: North Carolinians are tired of having to #PayMoreGetLess.

June 15, 2022: Greensboro, North Carolina

Hey this is Kent with Americans for Prosperity. Our last gas rollback event in Greensboro, North Carolina was so good, we did it again!

In Greensboro we dropped the price of gas from $4.79 down to $2.38!  While we’re dropping the price, we’re hearing firsthand stories from folks impacted by Washington’s price hike.

On 5/3 @AFPNC @AFPhq rolled back gas prices in Greensboro, NC from 3.99 to 2.39 to highlight how policies in Washington are causing Americans to #PayMoreGetLess. Nearly 6 weeks later, we are doing the same, only this time prices are 4.79 #ncpol pic.twitter.com/LEBxbeoAoA

— Dalton Clark (@Dalton_ClarkNC) June 15, 2022

We met Wanda who got in the gas rollback line for discounted gas at 6:00 a.m. for an event that started at 11:30 a.m.! She beat the owner to the station!

I’m here with Wanda.

She got in the gas rollback line for discounted gas at 6:00 AM for an event that started at 11:30 AM.!@AFPhq does these events for folks like Wanda. To connect them to the #TrueCost of Washington’s failed policies & how to fix them! #PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/OFUz950VHq

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) June 15, 2022

We spoke to Johnny who is 80 years old and owns a landscaping company. He said the higher gas prices are really hurting his business but rather than pass along the cost to his customers, he has maintained his old prices which mean he’s earning less.

We also had a suburban completely run out of gas while in the very long line. The gentleman in front of him (who he didn’t know) towed him to the station to get discounted gas. Who says Americans can’t come together to solve problems?

You can’t make this stuff up!

In the gas rollback line this suburban ran out of gas. The gentleman in front of him (who he didn’t know)

Towed him to the station to get discounted gas.

Americans can come together to solve problems. #paymoregetless #truecost pic.twitter.com/wvQ1m4qqoy

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) June 15, 2022

Events like these are for folks like Wanda, Johnny, and those in line, to connect them to the True Cost of Washington’s failed policies and how to fix them!

June 13, 2022: Savannah, Georgia

Hey this is Kent with Americans for Prosperity again. What’s in the mind of Georgians?  Gas prices!

In Savannah, we dropped the price of gas from $4.59 all the way down to $2.38 which was met with long lines, thankful customers, and Americans frustrated with Washington’s top-down policies that have caused pain at the pump.

We’re rolling back the price of ⛽️ in Savannah, GA on the @AFPhq⁩ True Cost of Washington Tour. #paymoregetless #truecost pic.twitter.com/bDN3TdwCOb

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) June 13, 2022

We met Alex who owns a small apparel company, and his business is struggling due to rampant inflation. His costs continue to go up to produce and ship his merchandise. He told us he’s unfortunately had to increase his prices to keep up.

This is Alex.

He owns a small apparel company & is his business is struggling due to rampant #inflation. @AFPhq’s True Cost Tour is fighting to lower costs for folks like Alex. #paymoregetless pic.twitter.com/zDAaqO27mx

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) June 13, 2022

We also spoke with Casey who is expecting her third child. She told us that her family is making tradeoffs due to higher gas prices. She is focusing only on essential groceries; her family are limiting the amount they drive and cutting the family vacation to the beach due to higher prices.

Whether it’s small business owners or families, the broken policies of Washington are making it difficult for Americans.

Some temporary relief at the pump is incredibly helpful to those we meet, but we need our elected leaders to make life more affordable by cutting the red tape holding our economy back, unleashing energy abundance, and stopping the wasteful spending driving inflation.

June 12, 2022: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Dave Johnson reporting from Georgia.

Our tour made its way to Lawrenceville, county seat of Gwinnett County in Metro Atlanta, for a stop at D ’Floridian Restaurant. We talked to nearly 100 Georgians about the true cost of inflation and solutions that could bring all of us relief.

This stop was interesting, as we heard from people of all ages and all walks of life.

One of the common threads at this stop was the mention of the rapidly increasing cost of rent.

We talked to one couple who were trying to figure out how to move further away from their jobs to a more affordable location, while still trying to factor in the incredible increases in transportation costs over the last year.

Another couple told us they’ve had to ask for adjustments in their work schedules so they could commute to work.

As we shared some of our proposed solutions to the inflation problem, everyone we spoke with agreed that increased domestic energy production was one critical answer to our current inflation woes.

We were also happy to share 50 $24 gift cards for the locally owned D ’Floridian Restaurant with those who stopped to speak with us. Two women told us they appreciated the gesture on our part and enjoyed their lunch and opportunity to catch up with each other.

One of them told us they had often scheduled weekend lunches in downtown Atlanta but were now staying “closer to home” due to the higher costs of transportation and food.

Almost everyone we spoke with agreed to check out TheTrueCostofWashington.com when they got home and to share the information about solutions to inflation with their family and friends.

June 10, 2022: Atlanta, Georgia

Hello, Dave Johnson here in Atlanta.

Our first event on the True Cost Tour occurred on the same day the government announced inflation had reached 8.6 percent. The effects of inflation are hitting everyone at this point, and the stories we heard tonight were both heartbreaking and incredibly frustrating.

Tonight, we were at the Park Bench bar in the Battery, the area just outside the Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park.

• We talked to a man who owns a couple of semi-trucks, who said his fuel bills have risen over the last year from around $1,500 a month to now close to $4,000. It’s putting a real strain on his bottom line.
• We heard from a contractor who said the cost of lumber is hitting him “coming and going.” Many people are holding off on projects due to the strain of inflation on gas and food, while he makes less on the jobs he does get due to the cost of materials.
• We heard from a dad of three whose kids just love baseball, lamenting that he won’t be able to bring them to as many games this year as in the past because his family entertainment budget is being squeezed.
• We heard from a single mom who is trying to figure out how to pay for food, transportation, AND childcare.
• We heard from a young man who said he recently got his dream job but can’t afford the gas to get him there every day.
• We heard from a couple with small kids who bemoaned that their local pool can’t find enough lifeguards to keep the pool open because the salaries the pool can pay don’t make the job “worth it” for potential employees.
• And we heard from a small businesswoman who does high-end interior renovations. She says the pace of inflation is causing clients to hold off on new projects, so she is having to cut back dramatically due to a lack of business.

Not a single person I spoke to tonight is blaming Putin, or Ukraine, or COVID-19 for our current inflation problems. They are putting the blame squarely on the shoulders of Washington politicians and their harmful policies, and they are all tired of having to pay more just to get less.

June 6-7: Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Hey this is Kent with Americans for Prosperity. Big news! The True Cost truck is ready to hit the road.

In conjunction with the Americans for Prosperity Capitol Conference, a crowd gathered at our headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Our CEO and President Emily Seidel “cut the red tape” and unveiled our True Cost Truck and van.

The official kick off for #TrueCost tour right in the belly of the beast! We’re here in #DC giving politicians a reminder of how to cut the red tape & make life better for Americans! #paymoregetless @AFPhq pic.twitter.com/sSaXXWh5Zf

— Lauren Stewart 🇺🇸💪🏼💥 (@LaStewartSays) June 6, 2022

We also took the truck and van straight to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C, as our federal elected officials need to hear our message most.

The truck and van will help take the True Cost of Washington Tour to a whole new level. Over the next 90 days we will crisscross the United States, bringing our message of how to solve inflation and higher gas prices to nearly 100 cities.

The truck may be coming to a city near you.  While cities and events are subject to change, you can find the True Cost of Washington tour schedule here.

May 31: Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Dispatch from Dave Johnson, senior director of Education & Training at AFP

On May 31 the True Cost tour made a stop in sunny — and exceptionally windy — Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Despite gusts that literally snapped one of our True Cost campaign flags in half, we had the chance to interact with patrons of Roadside Ice Cream & Diner. Owner John Knoll and his staff welcomed us to the diner to speak with hungry customers, who we treated to a discount on the cost of their lunch.

AFP-Wisconsin’s Allie Pickens took time to go from table to table inside the diner and listen to customers’ stories about the challenges inflation was creating for Wisconsinites.

We had the chance to talk to:

• A long-haul trucker who was concerned about keeping food on his family’s table
• A small businesswoman whose hopes to expand her business have been put on hold
• Several Vietnam veterans who are struggling to make ends meet
• A food delivery driver whose side hustle was no longer bringing in the extra cash it used to because of gas prices, and so many more.

By the end of the lunch rush, we had spoken to dozens of Americans who are simply fed up with Washington’s inflationary policies, and who desperately want and need some relief from rising prices.

People in Wisconsin know inflation is a problem created by the politicians in Washington, and they are ready to demand change.

May 26: Fredericktown, Missouri

This is Dave Johnson with Americans for Prosperity. Missouri is the “Show Me State”;  today we showed Missourians lower gas prices!

Also, a huge shout-out to Bryant Wolfin of BMW Convenience for hosting us. A great partner and advocate for freedom.

It also helps having a great team! Thank you @mearmstrong77 and @RareCamellia!#PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/sHGVYsvN9G

— 𝙅𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙮 𝘾𝙖𝙙𝙮 (@jeremycady) May 26, 2022

We fought through a rainstorm to bring a little bit of relief from inflation to customers that started lining up over an hour before the event.

Bryant, the station owner, is an AFP activist who specifically requested we bring our gas rollback event to his station. He was so excited to bring this to his community so folks could save some of their hard-earned dollars.

The customer reactions captured in this Fox 2 News story say it all: “People are fed up.” “I want to cry.”

However, Lisa’s story shows the true cost of Washington’s failures.

Lisa is a cancer patient who drives over 100 miles roundtrip to St. Louis. She’s spending nearly $120 hours per week to get the care she needs. She said that between gas and the increased cost of groceries, “it’s really bad.”

The True Cost of Washington effort is to fight for people like Lisa by solving this economic crisis by cutting red tape that’s holding back innovation and unleashing energy abundance so our communities can thrive rather than struggle.

May 26: Springfield, Illinois

Hey this is Kent again with Americans for Prosperity. Springfield was once President Abraham Lincoln’s home; today it was home to incredibly low gas prices!

Residents waited in long lines that stretched down 6^th street for discounted gas. The event nearly brought some of those we spoke to tears. Others said they believed the price was a mistake on the marquee.

We were joined by Congressman Rodney Davis, who talked the local media and customers about the need for Washington to approve the Keystone Pipeline and increase permits for energy exploration to alleviate the pain Illinois families are feeling at the pump.

Today in Springfield, @RodneyDavis joined @AFPhq / @afpillinois to talk about the policies we need to lower gas prices. #TrueCost #PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/0nuPDLqOdZ

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) May 26, 2022

Not only have the executive orders of President Biden increased prices, but the Illinois gas tax was nearly doubled in 2019 making prices in Illinois an incredible challenge for so many people in the Land of Lincoln.

Springfield’s NBC affiliate, KPVI, covered the event — you can catch their coverage here.

May 25: Peoria, IL

Hey this is Kent with Americans for Prosperity.  Remember the saying, “Will it play in Peoria?”  I can tell you dropping the price of gas from $4.89 to $2.38 plays in Peoria!

The demand was unlike anything we’ve seen on the True Cost of Washington Tour so far. The lines stretched for block in nearly every direction and caused such a commotion we needed some assistance from the local authorities.

We were incredibly happy to welcome Congressman Darin LaHood as he spoke to customers and the local media about how we can bring down the cost of gas.

The incredible demand for some temporary relief at the pump is a strong reminder that we need Washington to cut red tape, ignite innovation, unleash energy abundance to solve this economic crisis.

May 24: Las Vegas, Nevada

Hey this is Kent Strang with Americans For Prosperity, and I need to break the time-honored tradition of “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” because our True Cost event in Las Vegas on Tuesday was amazing!

Just off the Vegas strip at the Jay’s Market Shell Station we rolled back the price of gas from a staggering $5.84 all the way down to $2.38 (which was the national average of a gallon of gas when on January 20, 2021).

Gas at our Las Vegas location is $5.84! In a few short hours we’ll drop the price to $2.38 & highlight Washington’s failed energy policies & how to solve them. #TrueCost #PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/5Ac18lkilw

— kentstrang (@kentstrang) May 24, 2022

As the line for discounted gas stretched more than a block, there was a DJ playing tracks, a mobile billboard truck with our logos and over 20 Americans for Prosperity-Nevada volunteers holding signs and directing traffic.

We spoke to Molly, who said that the gas prices and grocery bills were putting such a dent into her budget that even with her full time job that requires about 60 hours per week, she was considering adding to that with a side hustle to make ends meet.

We spoke to many Las Vegans who work in the tourism industry and they told us that without as many visitors, they were not making as much money as they once did and the added cost of inflation was making it even harder.

Fighting inflation and higher prices at the pump is so important as we connect folks at each of these events to the policy solutions needed to tackle our biggest economic hurdles.

May 13, Dayton, Ohio

Dispatch from AFP-Ohio State Director Donovan O’Neil

“Insane.” “Sad.” “Overwhelming.” “Sky-Rocket High.”

These are just a few of the ways folks described how they feel about the price of gasoline on our latest stop on the #TrueCost tour.

Talking to folks in Dayton about the price of gas. Jivanno says it best – “sky rocket high”#Truecost #PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/EbtJ1x4DjI

— AFPOhio (@AfpOhio) May 13, 2022

As we looked at $4.29 per gallon at the Brandt Pike Kroger in Dayton, attendees shared how these skyrocketing prices are affecting their lives.

Karen works in the K-12 education system. She travels from school to school providing intervention and support services to students. What was once around $40 per week is now costing her over $80 per week to get to her job and from student to student.

We also talked with Beverly, a nurse who provides home care. She shared how the fuel prices are having a direct impact on her and her coworkers. Even more frustrating is the cost of groceries on her patients, nearly all of whom are on fixed incomes.

Prior to rolling out to the next stop, we talked to a few folks who were loading up their cars after the weekly shopping trip. Folks have seen the price of chicken, pork, and beef double in just the past couple weeks.

Speaking with two folks in the milk aisle, where milk is $3.39 a gallon, they shared this small shopping trip that would have only cost them $20 a few months ago will now ring in at around $50 to $60 for some basic necessities.

“Ridiculous” is all they could say about the #TrueCost of Washington spending.

May 11, Kankakee, Illinois

Hello again, this is Kent  Strang with Americans for Prosperity. Yesterday President Biden visited a farm in Kankakee, Illinois to talk about rising food and gas prices. Rather than talking about lowering prices, we did it! 

The #TrueCost tour stopped in Illinois today to lower the price of gas to what it cost before Biden took office. Inflation is affecting everyone and fuel prices are higher than ever. Our plan will help America recover! #PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/GKeUAcpeaB

— Americans for Prosperity (@AFPhq) May 11, 2022

At a local Shell Station in Kankakee, we dropped the price of a gallon of gas from $4.97 all the way down to $2.38, which was the price when President Biden was inaugurated. We did this to show how his administration’s top-down energy regulations have affected the price of gas.

This event was wild!  There was consistently a line down the street four blocks long!

It’s easy to see why as we continue to hear heartbreaking stories from families and small businesses struggling to afford gasoline & groceries.

A small business owner with a property management/contractor company told us they are paying over $650 per month on gas alone. This is impacting their bottom line as they are choosing not to pass these extra costs along to their customers.

This is the True Cost of Washington! 

We can show Americans a better way as we continue our tour to unleash energy abundance, cut wasteful spending, and unleash innovation to solve inflation and skyrocketing prices.

May 6, 2022: Fairfield, Ohio

Dispatch from AFP-Ohio State Director Donovan O’Neil:

President Joe Biden paid Southwest Ohio a visit late last week. Our team was there to welcome him with our True Cost tour at Thorton’s gas station on Route 4 in Butler County.

Since January 19, 2021, the average price of regular unleaded has gone up 71 percent on Ohioans.

As of this past week, diesel is up 102 percent since President Biden took office.

These increases are fueling not just pain at the pump, but at the grocery store, too. Ohioans are seeing it in their grocery bill as the cost of delivering milk, bread, and beef goes up.

To quote Chris R. who stopped by our event:

 “Y’all are right, we really are paying more and getting less.”

Several impactful stories were shared with our team:

• A single mother who was on her lunch break and filling up because it was payday Friday.
• A salesman who puts serious miles on the road each week working customer to customer.
• A landscaping business owner who sees the uncertainty on fuel prices as the biggest challenge for his business.

We heard some incredible stories today in Fairfield, Ohio. #TrueCost coming soon to a city near you. pic.twitter.com/4jWGbRW2kK

— Americans for Prosperity (@AFPhq) May 6, 2022

One story that stood out was captured by Channel 9, WCPO – Cindy Sullivan shared that “when you see gas go up 40 cents in one day, I have to decide whether to buy gas or buy groceries.”

The message was clear: Southwest Ohio knows that when Washington, D.C. weighs in, everyday Ohioans are going to pay more and get less.

Our team is working to put more of these events together across Ohio. Keep an eye out for us in Youngstown, Steubenville, Columbus, and Dayton this summer.

SW Ohioans are sick and tired of paying more and getting less.

Our #TrueCost Tour highlights the truth behind rising costs while offering real solutions to make everyday life more affordable. #PayMoreGetLess @AFPhq pic.twitter.com/z56xeQQKKq

— AFPOhio (@AfpOhio) May 6, 2022

May 3, 2022: Greensboro, North Carolina

Hey, this is Kent Strang with Americans for Prosperity. Yesterday AFP kicked off the first of many True Cost of Washington events in Greensboro, NC at the Pit Stop gas station.

This was such an incredible event; I doubt a few sentences can do it justice!

We dropped the price of a gallon of gas from $3.99 all the way down to $2.38, which was the price when President Biden was inaugurated.

And just like that @AFPhq @AFPNC has turned back time all the way to January 19th, 2021. Come get some gas in Greensboro while supplies last #ncpol #PayMoreGetLess pic.twitter.com/dOcxkEkHaG

— Dalton Clark (@Dalton_ClarkNC) May 3, 2022

We did this to highlight how this administration’s top-down regulations have impacted prices at the pump.

We heard some gut-wrenching stories from customers who are struggling to get by due to higher prices at the gas station and at the grocery store:

• A landscaper literally ran out of gas in the parking lot told us how terrible he felt about raising prices on his customers (especially his elderly clients).
• An expecting mother shared that she had to work extra hours just to afford the costs of gas and essentials to get ready for her new baby.

Nearly everyone we talked with were so thankful for a little temporary relief at the pump at a price that was commonplace just over a year ago.

Americans are really struggling, and events like these are a stark reminder that poor decisions in Washington have real consequences.

As we take the True Cost of Washington tour across the country, we’ll continue to connect Americans to what Washington can do to unleash energy abundance and lower costs.

Check back regularly for more updates on the True Cost of Washington tour!