The hidden tax

The pain continues:

My latest utility bill was higher than the same month last year despite using less gas and electricity. That’s because gas prices for me are up 19%(!) and electricity is up 5% over last year. For me that’s annoying, for people closer to the edge it’s brutal and demands real sacrifice either in things like heating and cooling or somewhere else. Then there’s the increase in food and gasoline.

If you're living in a blue state, then the lockdowns and restriction would have likely reduced your working hours as well.