CA Attorney General announces new 'Affordability Response Team' to address cost of living in state

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The affordability crisis has crept into every area of our lives. From education, housing, health care -- even groceries -- Americans are concerned about the rising cost of living.

And here in California, a lot of us are certainly feeling the squeeze.

In fact, a recent UC Berkeley study found that groceries are 11% more expensive here in California, as compared to other states. Gas is 40% more expensive, and utilities are 61% more expensive.

In response, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a new "affordability response team" within the state's Department of Justice.

Last week the attorney general's office issued a release, saying the team will: "Draw on the knowledge of experts from sections across the department, working together to find, investigate, and go after individuals and corporations deploying unlawful practices that are making life unaffordable for the people of California."

The new team will specifically focus on issues like the cost of groceries, gas, and utilities. They will also look into housing and insurance costs, health care costs, childcare, education and more.

The attorney general also called out the rise in scams taking Californians' hard-earned money and promised to "crack down" on that type of predatory conduct.

7 On Your Side reached out to the attorney general's office to get more details on this initiative. We were told that the affordability response team will "continue our office's existing affordability work and ramp up our ongoing focus on the cost-of-living crisis."

Californians who want to have their voices heard by this new team can reach out to the Department of Justice's "Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement" - or "CARE" - as well as report violations to the attorney general's office.

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