Northeastern Pennsylvania families are confronting a severe cost-of-living crunch driven by surging back-to-school expenses, utility bills, and soaring student loan payments. Community members and advocacy groups gathered on September 26, 2026, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, at “The Affordable Coffee Press” panel to highlight how federal policy decisions and structural economic pressures impact household budgets across the region.
Scranton Families Face Cost-of-Living Crunch
Residents at the Scranton panel detailed how basic household costs have outpaced wages, forcing families to accumulate debt to cover everyday necessities. Amy Czulada, Senior Advisor for Outreach and Engagement at Protect Borrowers, noted that Pennsylvania residents are feeling the squeeze from grocery bills to student loans.
“Folks can’t get ahead and are relying on debt to pay for necessities. Something has got to give, and elected officials have a responsibility to take action to make their constituents’ lives better,” Czulada stated during the event.
Everyday Expenses Outpace Family Budgets
Kerry Ziegler, an Olyphant resident, emphasized that affordability remains an everyday crisis rather than a distant political debate. Ziegler pointed out that families must contend with mounting expenses when paying for housing, groceries, education, and healthcare.
Changes to federal student loan programs have compounded financial pressures for local borrowers.
Student Loan Payments Quadruple for Borrowers
Sabrina Hannon, a resident of Glenburn Township, explained that her monthly student loan payments quadrupled after the elimination of the SAVE student loan payment plan, reaching an amount equivalent to her mortgage.
“I, along with countless other working professionals, simply cannot afford my student loan payments especially when everything else is on the rise,” Hannon said.
Alexander Lester, a Scranton resident, addressed the long-term economic anxiety tied to educational debt and public service commitments. Lester pointed out that paying off student loans often demands working multiple jobs, driving high-mileage vehicles, and delaying essential medical care.
“Many of us took on our debt in exchange for the promise of Public Service Loan Forgiveness. But when the system mismanages consolidation, strips away hard-earned credits, and then removes repayment options, the obligation changes after we’ve already signed on the dotted line,” Lester said.
The American Dream Slips Out of Reach
For many working residents, the traditional markers of financial security feel increasingly out of reach. Emily Adams, a resident of Dunmore, shared her perspective on the shifting economy during the panel discussion.
“I used to believe in the American dream. I thought working hard, getting a good education, and avoiding risky behavior, would eventually result in financial security. That American dream no longer feels out of reach. It feels like a lie,” Adams said.
Grassroots Coalitions Demand Accountability
The event was organized by a coalition of grassroots and advocacy groups, including Protect Borrowers, Action Together NEPA, Affordable Pennsylvania, MomsRising, For Our Future, and Families Over Billionaires.
These organizations focus on holding elected leaders accountable for policy decisions that affect working families, ranging from utility rates and child care to healthcare and education financing.
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