Small business owners Michael Howard and Alex Bronson are speaking out about how tariffs increased their costs, forcing them to make difficult decisions this year about pricing, staffing, and profitability. Both saw their business expenses rise as other costs, like groceries, continued to add up. This comes at a time when a reported 74% of small business owners surveyed fear they won't survive the year as the holiday season begins.
"As a small business owner in Macomb County, I've watched tariffs affect my bottom line," said Michael Howard, owner of Howard Family Designs and Macomb County Commissioner. "The material I need to operate my business costs more because of tariffs. When I order supplies, equipment, or inventory, I'm paying more than I was before these tariffs took effect. I have three choices: raise prices on my customers, cut staff, or accept lower profits. No business owner likes being in that position. Small businesses like mine aren't the ones benefiting from tariffs—we're the ones financing the ultra-wealthy’s tax breaks. Working families in our community are already struggling with rising grocery costs, energy bills, and healthcare expenses. The last thing they need is for me to have to raise prices on my services because of tariffs that Republicans in Congress including Tom Barrett supported"
"The tariffs aren't just a line item on a spreadsheet—they're threatening the viability of small businesses," said Alex Bronson, owner of Blackout Painting. "I've had to make decisions I never wanted to make. Tariffs have increased my operating costs every month compared to last year. I'm competing with other businesses who are facing the same pressures, and we're all forced to pass these costs onto our customers or reduce our workforce. Congressman James voted to support policies that keep these tariffs in place, blocking attempts to rein them in. They're prioritizing Trump's tariff agenda over the small businesses and working families in their districts."
