Houlahan’s Telephone Town Hall Spotlights Inflation Reduction Act

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan focused on the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act’s provision to lower costs of prescription drugs and provide quicker return of tax refunds for citizens during a telephone town hall.

Houlahan, a Democrat who was elected in 2018 to represent the 6th District, which covers all of Chester County and portions of Berks County, hosted the town hall following President Biden’s signing the $739 billion Inflation Reduction Act.

Houlahan, 55, of Easttown Township, is serving a second term in Congress. She is a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Houlahan’s opponent Guy Chiarrocchi, of neighboring Tredyffrin Township, issued a statement to Patch stating he would have voted against the Inflation Act.

Chiarrocchi said that the inflation act will likely result in making the inflation rate worse. He said the government needs to take steps to increase energy supplies.

Houlahan said that she understands this is a daunting time for everyone.
“We are working together as a community to make sure we are one of the best places to work and raise a family.”

Houlahan said the Inflation Reduction Act caps out-of-pocket medical costs at $2,000 for seniors and caps the price of insulin at $35 per month for Medicare recipients.

“This is a life changing deal for many Americans,” she said.

Joanne Grosey, president of the American Association of Retired Persons, said the average senior takes five drugs a day. She said the act allows Medicare to negotiate for drug prices.

Ciaccocchi, 57, won a hard fought primary election against three other candidates. He is a former Tredyffrin Township supervisor and chairman of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry.

Ciarrocchi said that for months, the Republicans have been asking Biden and Houlahan to listen to take steps to increase our energy supply to lower costs and inflation.

He said he opposes hiring 87,000 more IRS agents, who he said, will harass small businesses and families.

Houlahan countered that her office is constantly receiving calls from constituents about issues with IRS cases. She said this year the IRS had a backlog of 21.3 million tax returns.

Houlahan said there have been delays in tax refunds for six months, noting the IRS budget and staffing has been reduced significantly, and the taxpaying population has increased.

“With the changes we will have a much better system,” she said.