If you could choose one of your daily living expenses to be more affordable, which would it be?
Of the more than 3000 of you who wrote in, a majority of you, 55%, said you would like food and groceries to be more affordable. 15% picked utility costs and 12% said gas. Michiganders are already struggling with high costs at the grocery store, at the pump, and on their energy bills—the last thing they need is for those costs to increase even more.
President Trump’s 25% tariffs could raise the cost of doing business. As a result, corporations will pass along their higher costs directly to you, the consumer, raising your bills by an average of $1,200, especially everyday expenses like groceries, gas, and energy.
 Countless Michiganders wrote in with concerns about how their paycheck or business would be impacted by tariffs. Of those who wrote in, the top industries were:
1️⃣ The Auto Industry
Think about this: 70% of all the auto parts we make in Michigan go directly to our neighbors in Mexico and Canada. Every time a Michigan-made auto part crosses over the border, it could be taxed in the form of tariffs. Sometimes, a single part crosses the border multiple times throughout production. That means more expensive supply chains, slower production lines, and fewer American jobs. It also means higher business costs will be passed on to you at the dealership.
I heard from Stacey who works at an assembly plant for Ford in Flat Rock. Her plant works on V8 engines with parts imported from Canada. She is concerned that tariffs will slow production, raise prices, and put her job in jeopardy.
2️⃣ Health Care
Many of the vital drugs and medical supplies doctors and nurses in Michigan use are imported. Prescription drug prices are already high, and tariffs could make them even higher.
I heard from Brandon who is a pharmacist in Bath. He is concerned that tariffs on imported lifesaving drugs may force independent pharmacies to close and raise costs for his patients. Michiganders shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table or taking life-saving medication. Tariffs won’t make that choice any easier.
3️⃣ Small Business Owners
Small business owners across our state are concerned that higher prices for the goods they need to run their businesses will force them to raise prices or face closing their doors.
I heard from an HVAC company in mid-Michigan, a chocolate maker in Grand Rapids, and a bakery in Metro Detroit. All are working hard to deliver affordable goods and services to customers in their community. Tariffs could mean lost customers, lost jobs, and fewer Michigan small businesses.
 Do any of the survey results surprise you? Do you have other concerns about how tariffs may impact you and your family? As things continue to change, I want to hear from you.
Yesterday, President Trump said he was considering 25 percent tariffs on pharmaceuticals as early as April 2nd. Many Michiganders rely on prescription drugs, especially seniors, and experts say that pharmaceutical companies will pass these increased costs on to consumers. If you have concerns about how tariffs may raise the price of your prescriptions, please contact my office and make your voice heard at Michigan.gov/Whitmer, call 517-335-7858, or click on the button below.
If you are concerned about the impact of tariffs, it’s important to contact the White House, your U.S. Senator, and your U.S. Congressperson.
- White House Comments line – (202) 456-1111
- White House Switchboard – (202) 456-1414
- Senator Gary Peters – You may contact Senator Peters’ office by calling 313-226-6020 or by visiting his website at peters.senate.gov.
- Senator Elissa Slotkin – You may contact Senator Slotkin's office by calling 202-224-4822 or by visiting her website at slotkin.senate.gov.
- House of Representatives – You may contact your U.S. Representative by calling the U.S. House switchboard at 202-224-3121 or by visiting the U.S. House website at house.gov.
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