I see two solutions. Lawmakers can increase federal schedule pay or the private sector (retail, landlords?) can reduce their prices.
Expecting companies to drop prices of most goods and services even 10% to match pre-COVID values is unrealistic and unlikely. Expecting some mass movement to reduce revenue and profit in the name of humanity is some sci-fi utopian plot line.
Lawmakers increasing pay is more realistic, but still unlikely. We’re slowly seeing more people aware of the dysfunction from within congress, but millions of people still vote in representatives that poison budget bills that directly affect their livelihoods.
It’s almost like the reverse of that quote that I’ll butcher: “it’s hard for a man to understand something when his salary depends on not understanding it.” I almost want to say they get what they deserve, but they make the same bed as so many others who have to suffer the consequences and are trying to make a difference.