Congressmen James and Barrett's Lack Of Plan To Address Affordability Concerns Drives Costs Up for Michigan Families

As Michigan families finish their holiday shopping, they're facing dramatically higher costs this season, with popular holiday gifts costing 26 percent more than last year—a rate nearly nine times higher than overall inflation. Congressmen Tom Barrett  and John James both voted for the Republican Tax Law that prioritized $4 trillion in tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy while doing nothing to address the tariff-driven price increases forcing families to cut back on celebrations.

"This holiday season has been devastating for working families in Michigan’s 7th and 10th congressional districts. Families are paying significantly more for toys, with some items like cameras jumping 76 percent and LED light strips more than doubling in price," said MI-10 resident Mary Jane Campbell. "Two-thirds of families are stressed about affording holiday expenses, with more buying fewer gifts and to fewer people. Meanwhile, our congressional leaders voted to give massive tax breaks to billionaires and corporations. They have prioritized a disastrous agenda that benefits the wealthy while Michigan families struggle to afford basic holiday traditions. This isn't just bad economics—it's a betrayal of the people they claim to represent. Congressmen John James and Tom Barrett should vote on extending health care tax credits for the next three years and not increase cost for families."

Analysis of popular holiday gifts shows widespread price increases across categories: baby toys up 51 percent, children's tea sets up 60 percent, electronics and home goods seeing dramatic spikes. Nearly 60 percent of voters hold Republicans responsible for these holiday price increases, recognizing that tariff policies and economic priorities have made everyday goods unaffordable.