Attack on research funding and rocketing tariffs will cost Michiganders
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 6, 2025 — The federal government has taken extreme steps this month that will have a direct impact on consumer costs and American research. Starting this week, Republicans have hiked tariffs on China by 10% and in the next 30 days, they intend to impose a 25% increase in tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Additionally, the Republican federal funding freeze is threatening academic research. The funding freeze remains in place for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In response to the chaos, state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) issued the following statement:
“Higher tariffs mean higher prices for consumers and increased tension on international trading. As former co-chair of the U.S. and Canada Relations for the Council of State Governments’ Midwest-Canada Relations Committee, I know how important it is to keep our relationships healthy and to promote close ties with our neighbors. A large portion of our imports come through Canada — Michigan families and their bank accounts will be impacted by this decision for years to come.
“Increased prices aren’t the only thing affecting Michiganders. NIH disburses funds to over 2,500 universities for research — with the federal freeze, you can bet that researchers across Michigan are being impacted. This could disrupt progress for years to come. Republicans have created such an unfortunate situation for all our hardworking scientists and all their work and endeavors to find breakthroughs.”