As your Cook County commissioner representing Homewood, I am deeply concerned about the destructive impact tariffs are having on local businesses, farmers and working families.
Tariffs — essentially taxes on imported goods — are often framed as tools for economic protection. But in reality, they amount to economic sabotage. They drive up costs for consumers, weaken our ability to compete on the global stage and fuel trade wars that devastate export-driven industries.
Our small businesses — the heartbeat of our local economy — are being hit the hardest. Skyrocketing material costs are stifling innovation, limiting job creation and threatening the survival of our most promising local enterprises. Farmers are also suffering, as retaliatory tariffs from other countries have slashed demand for U.S. agricultural exports, leading to unsold harvests and falling crop prices.
These policies don’t protect us, they paralyze us. It’s time for a smarter approach. We need economic policies that empower local businesses to grow, compete, and thrive without being crushed under the weight of unfair and unnecessary tariffs.
Let’s stand together for smarter trade policies, stronger communities, and a more competitive future.
Note: Donna Miller is the 6th District Cook County Commissioner.