Michigan Families For Fair Care Hosts “Strum & Supplies" Giveaway As Tariffs Drive Up Back-to-School Costs In MI-07
On Thursday, Michigan Families for Fair Care hosted the “Strum & Supplies” backpack giveaway in Lansing, coming together with Elderly Instruments to celebrate Black Business Month, enjoy a musical performance, and provide school supplies for local families. Attendees shared that rising costs are making it harder to afford backpacks, notebooks, and pencils that their kids need with the school year around the corner, and called on Rep. Tom Barrett to stop backing policies that have cost families $3,500 more. The event was part of the Republican Price Tag campaign.
Congressman Barrett has not stepped up to help families in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District who are struggling to get by, defending the tariffs at every turn. Tariffs have driven up the cost of school supplies like lunch boxes and index cards, made back-to-school clothes shopping more expensive, and contributed to the rising food prices that have caused families to pay $310 more for groceries since Trump and Republicans took control.
“I’m thankful the community and Michigan Families for Fair Care came together to support families with the school year coming up, but I wish these tariffs weren’t making it so hard to afford supplies in the first place,” said Cynthia, who lives in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. “Congressman Tom Barrett refuses to back down on supporting these harmful tariffs, and in the meantime, school supplies and groceries are way too expensive. I’m here today to tell him to stop backing these policies that are driving up costs for working families.”
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Community members have made it clear that they’re tired of costs continuing to rise while their Congressman, Tom Barrett, votes against ending the tariffs. Rep. Barrett also voted against restoring the health care tax credits, which caused health insurance premiums to rise over 50% on average in 2026. Michigan Families for Fair Care will continue to call on Congressman Barrett to do the right thing for his constituents by opposing the tariffs and health care cuts that are making life more expensive.
