On Friday evening, Michigan Families for Fair Care hosted a trunk or treat community event where hundreds of residents gathered to celebrate Halloween while discussing how the government shutdown and increasing costs are affecting local neighbors and families this spooky season. Participants shared stories about struggling with rising prices from tariffs compounded by skyrocketing health insurance costs.
The event highlighted how Macomb County families are already struggling to get by due to cost-raising tariffs, cuts to health care and food assistance. Residents expressed concerns that Republicans have shut down the government in order to block plans to lower health care costs, making it even harder for millions of Americans to get by. Michigan is bracing for skyrocketing health insurance premiums, with estimates at an 18% increase before factoring changes to marketplace tax credits.
"We’re so glad so many members of our community were able to come out to a safe space, and celebrate Halloween. With costs so high these days we wanted to lift everyone up and let them know that we’re all in it together.” said Macomb County Commissioner Michael Howard. “When Congress cuts programs that help families afford food and then does nothing about rising costs, it's our most vulnerable neighbors—children, seniors, people with disabilities—who suffer the most. As members of this community, we know how valuable family-friendly events like these are. "
