Almost every level of bureaucracy is guilty of overusing the word affordability. As prices keep rising — whether due to inflation, at the grocery store or painfully within the last two weeks at the gas pump — that phrase gets repeated more than nightly “Law & Order” reruns.

Let’s be clear. If the government is involved, costs are not going down — on the national and local levels.

With Pennsylvanians facing rising costs on everyday essentials, House Republicans this week launched their “Freedom Through Affordability” initiative – a plan to deliver tax relief and lower costs to make Pennsylvania a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.

The initiative, unveiled at a Capitol press conference, includes a package of six-month tax cuts and sales tax holidays, a multi-billion-dollar relief effort, aimed at providing immediate relief to families and workers struggling under the weight of higher prices.

Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, emphasized the direct connection between affordability and opportunity.

“Our goal is simple: Make Pennsylvania a place where families can afford to live, work and build their future. When people can keep more of what they earn and the cost of everyday life is within reach, they have the freedom to make their own choices about their future. That’s what this effort is about – achieving freedom through affordability for people across the Commonwealth,” said Rowe.

At the center of the initiative are targeted proposals designed to provide immediate relief on some of the most pressing household expenses, including the suspension of key taxes for six months, directly reducing costs on essential services and daily expenses.

Rowe is sponsoring legislation to reduce the state Personal Income Tax rate from 3.07% to 2.99% for six months.

It sounds like a great proposal, but what really matters to many in the Commonwealth are results. It’s no secret that gas prices here are usually more than the national average. Right now, $4 a gallon is the going rate across the state.

On a local level, there is some solace. The city saw stability as did the county when it came to budgeting for 2026.

But there are worries in education. Even after closing two high schools — one in Youngsville and another in Sheffield — the county district is facing a nearly $3 million deficit as it begins financial talks. Health costs and salaries are driving that fiscal cliff.

There is no easy solution facing a $95 million operation that serves 3,800 students. As we all remember, big sacrifices were made last year at this time.

If those decisions did not happen, the financial outlook would be even worse. Now, board members — including those who have been outspoken on administrative numbers — need to sharpen the pencils.

If affordability for the region is the goal, what direction will the board take? Will the taxpayers have to ante up more? Or will additional cuts be coming to the district to lessen the burden?

John D’Agostino is the editor of the Times Observer, The Post-Journal and OBSERVER in Dunkirk, N.Y. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 814-723-8200, ext. 253.