Guest opinion: Affordability

Trump’s policies are hurting consumers and agricultural producers, and Republicans are letting him do it. Republicans, without any Democrat support, passed legislation that gave huge tax cuts to billionaires and multimillionaires, dramatically reduced healthcare for working Americans and limited access to food for those in need. Trump’s tariffs have reduced export markets for our producers and raised input costs, creating a very difficult economic environment. The Iran war and Trump’s tariffs have created affordability issues for consumers as well as producers. Congress is supposed to have authority over international trade and declaration of war, but Republicans have done nothing to assert their authority and change Trump’s policies. Future legislation must address affordability issues, rebuild markets for our producers and increase the economic standing of working middle class Americans. Unfortunately, Republicans are not willing to do this and must be held accountable in the November election. 

Ron de Yong, Kalispell