Unlocking Affordable Groceries: Two Key Bills to Lower Food Costs for Coloradans | Expert Opinion

As a new representative for Colorado, I hear many stories from families trying to make ends meet. Just last week, I talked to a mother in my district. She was in tears after a trip to the grocery store. Despite working two jobs, she was struggling to provide for her children. “Eggs, of all things,” she said, “I can barely afford eggs anymore.”

This mother’s frustration is common. The price of eggs has skyrocketed, making them unaffordable for many. Colorado’s recent cage-free egg law aimed to improve chicken welfare, but it has led to higher prices. With backyard chickens more susceptible to avian flu, the costs are passed down to consumers. This hurts families, who must now choose between basics like eggs and other necessities. Is this really what affordability looks like?

But that’s not the only issue at the grocery store. Many of us have noticed the extra fee on grocery bags — it’s essentially a tax. While the fee might seem small, it adds up quickly for families already struggling. Every trip to the store includes these added costs, making it harder to stick to a budget.

This mother’s story mirrors what countless Coloradans experience. Policies have made life more expensive — from higher egg prices to grocery bag fees. These hidden costs drive up the overall cost of living.

That’s why I’m taking action. I’m sponsoring bills to help ease these financial burdens. One bill aims to repeal the cage-free egg mandate, allowing families to buy eggs at more affordable prices. Another proposal would eliminate the grocery bag fee, removing this unnecessary cost from everyday shopping. These are practical solutions that can provide immediate relief to families.

Coloradan families deserve better. They need a government that listens and works to lessen their struggles, not add to them. Affordability should not just be a talking point; it should be a reality. The mother I met and many others like her are counting on us to make changes.

We must address these hidden costs and restore accountability in our governance. By eliminating these burdensome fees and mandates, we can lower living costs and ensure Colorado remains a place where families not only survive but thrive. This is the Colorado I envision, and I will keep fighting to make it happen.

State Rep. Ryan Gonzalez is a proud first-generation college graduate and the son of Mexican immigrants. He represents House District 50, dedicated to creating opportunities and effective leadership in his community.