Inflation continues to run hotter than expected, further eroding purchasing power and putting a considerable strain on household budgets. Even in Texas.

In fact, a new study suggests the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex had the worst inflation rate of any metropolitan area in the U.S. The study indicates the region experienced a remarkable 5.3% change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the last 12 months, meaning that the average consumer paid noticeably more over the past year for basic goods and services, like rent, groceries, and clothing. Nationwide, the target inflation rate is still well above the 2% policymakers generally aim for. “Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is at 3.9%.”

Of course, those responsible for soaring prices and sapping savings are Washington D.C. policymakers. A majority of the nation’s elected class—comprised of members of every political stripe—seem to have developed a penchant for reckless fiscal and monetary policies, both of which are driving inflation higher. Those twin policy perils generally manifest as deficit spending and money printing, neither of which is good for the long-term health of the American consumer.

Thus, the problem is clear: Washington, D.C. has a spending problem that, in large part, is being propped up by debt and the Federal Reserve. Because of this, ordinary Americans are left to bear the consequences, be it in the form of higher taxes, diminished purchasing power, shrinking economic opportunity, or some combination of all three. And while virtually everyone is left worse off as a result, some people, like those residing in the DFW area, bear a greater burden than others.

What America needs most right now is a return to sound money and fiscal discipline. Given the national government’s rather poor track record, one might reasonably assume that those changes won’t come about without some external prompting. Which is to say, it’s time once again to seriously consider calling for an Article V convention to rein in the worst of Washington D.C.’s decision-making.

Without an urgent return to fiscal and monetary sanity, America’s economic prospects are dim at best. And that is unacceptable.