End tariffs now! Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans harming American businesses
This echo opinion is published in the Reno Nevada "Reno Gazette Journal".....just put the name of the U.S. state where you live because the tariffs are negatively impacting the American economy regardless of where we are living and working.
By Kurt Thigpen
Tariffs might feel like a distant policy discussion for some, but here in Nevada, (or Maine) they’re threatening the livelihoods of people across every industry — small business owners, contractors, importers, creatives and countless others who make our economy run.
Trump’s tariffs will raise prices on everyday goods that many of our industries rely on — construction materials, manufacturing components, food and beverage imports and more. These added costs will land squarely on the backs of working Nevadans (or Maine people...put your state's name here) and the small businesses trying to keep their doors open, some who are still hanging on by a thread after the effects of the pandemic.
In a state where economic diversity is finally taking root beyond gaming and hospitality (and tourism), these tariffs are a blow to our momentum. Businesses are already navigating labor shortages, rising costs and supply chain volatility. Adding more uncertainty with politically motivated tariffs is not just reckless — it’s destructive.
As a small business owner in the marketing and advertising industry, I’ve already seen contracts paused or canceled due to federal grant programs being slashed and uncertainty around funding and market conditions. Our industry is often the first to feel economic shifts, and while it’s easy to dismiss marketing as non-essential, the truth is that it's a key driver of tourism, business development and job creation in Nevada — we bring in billions of dollars economically every year for all industries. When we feel the squeeze, it’s usually a sign of broader trouble ahead.
And the worst part? These tariffs can be enacted without congressional approval. One person can unilaterally make a decision that affects every business in our state — and there’s no accountability, no checks and balances.
Congress must step up and require legislative approval for any new tariffs. This isn’t just about policy — it’s about protecting jobs, stabilizing local economies and ensuring that the decisions being made in Washington don’t devastate the progress we’ve fought so hard for here in Nevada.
Nevada’s (and Maine's) entrepreneurial spirit is strong. Our economy is powered by innovation, resilience, and a community of people who show up for each other. But even the most resilient business can’t withstand the whiplash of unpredictable trade policies.
If Congress doesn’t act, more Nevada businesses will suffer, more jobs will be lost, and the foundation of our economy will continue to erode. It’s time to stop playing politics with people’s livelihoods.
Our leaders need to act now — before it’s too late.
Kurt Thigpen is a former elected official, and small business owner based in Reno, Nevada.
Trump’s tariffs will raise prices on everyday goods that many of our industries rely on — construction materials, manufacturing components, food and beverage imports and more. These added costs will land squarely on the backs of working Nevadans (or Maine people...put your state's name here) and the small businesses trying to keep their doors open, some who are still hanging on by a thread after the effects of the pandemic.
In a state where economic diversity is finally taking root beyond gaming and hospitality (and tourism), these tariffs are a blow to our momentum. Businesses are already navigating labor shortages, rising costs and supply chain volatility. Adding more uncertainty with politically motivated tariffs is not just reckless — it’s destructive.
As a small business owner in the marketing and advertising industry, I’ve already seen contracts paused or canceled due to federal grant programs being slashed and uncertainty around funding and market conditions. Our industry is often the first to feel economic shifts, and while it’s easy to dismiss marketing as non-essential, the truth is that it's a key driver of tourism, business development and job creation in Nevada — we bring in billions of dollars economically every year for all industries. When we feel the squeeze, it’s usually a sign of broader trouble ahead.
And the worst part? These tariffs can be enacted without congressional approval. One person can unilaterally make a decision that affects every business in our state — and there’s no accountability, no checks and balances.
Congress must step up and require legislative approval for any new tariffs. This isn’t just about policy — it’s about protecting jobs, stabilizing local economies and ensuring that the decisions being made in Washington don’t devastate the progress we’ve fought so hard for here in Nevada.
Nevada’s (and Maine's) entrepreneurial spirit is strong. Our economy is powered by innovation, resilience, and a community of people who show up for each other. But even the most resilient business can’t withstand the whiplash of unpredictable trade policies.
If Congress doesn’t act, more Nevada businesses will suffer, more jobs will be lost, and the foundation of our economy will continue to erode. It’s time to stop playing politics with people’s livelihoods.
Our leaders need to act now — before it’s too late.
Kurt Thigpen is a former elected official, and small business owner based in Reno, Nevada.
Labels: Kurt Thigpen, Nevada, Reno, Reno Gazette Journal, trade war
posted by Juliana L'Heureux at 5:54 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home