Michigan Business Beat | John Sellek, Michigan Smart Trade Alliance, Understanding Tariffs & Trade

Chris Holman welcomes John Sellek, Spokesperson, Michigan Smart Trade Alliance, Lansing, MI. Where do Michiganders stand on trade and tariffs? I understand many polls have been done, including one by your new organization, Michigan Smart Trade Alliance. Among the MISTA’s first initiatives is a study of consumer sentiment in Michigan on key trade-related topics, including tariffs and their effects on family and business budgets. MISTA recently commissioned a statewide poll of 600 registered Michigan voters focused on U.S. trade policy and tariffs, conducted by a respected, bipartisan team of national pollsters from UpONE Insights (R) and Impact Research (D). Our poll confirmed that Michiganders across party lines are struggling with affordability issues and, understandably, are not wild about policies that can cause higher prices. They know we must reduce our reliance on foreign suppliers through smart trade deals, but in ways that reduce the pressures of everyday costs, support Michigan’s diverse economy, and protect critical trading relationships, like the one our auto industry has with Canada. We know that tariffs hurt Michigan businesses, Michigan consumers and Michigan farmers at a time when the economy is struggling, we need leaders in both parties to work together to forge trade policies that help Michigan's economy and bolster our relationships with our trade partners like Canada. The Michigan Smart Trade Alliance (MISTA), launched in December. John, tell us about this new non-partisan statewide public policy organization. MISTA’s mission is to encourage thoughtful discussion about trade policy, including tariffs, that affect the entirety of our great state’s economy. We are seeking a nonpartisan discussion on the need for consistent trade policy that creates Michigan jobs, lowers costs for businesses & families, and protects our trading relationship with Canada. What is the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance focusing on? We will focus on growing our coalition by providing opportunities where both trade and tariff education and discussion can take place. Do Michigan voters understand tariff and trade issues? More than 80% have heard about U.S. tariff policy discussions, across the political spectrum. Nearly 70% say they understand tariff policy to some extent » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Michigan Smart Trade Alliance to Lead Education Effort in Support of Michigan Families and Small Businesses Seeking Smart, Consistent Trade Policies Bipartisan poll indicates Michigan residents are concerned about costs, watching trade issues, and opposing tariffs Lansing, Mich. — The Michigan Smart Trade Alliance (MISTA), a new non-partisan statewide public policy organization, announced today that it will lead an education effort in support of Michigan families and small businesses seeking smart, consistent trade policies. MISTA’s mission is to encourage thoughtful discussion about trade policy, including tariffs, that affect the entirety of our great state’s economy. Leveraging insights from Michigan public policy professionals with decades of experience on state legislative and regulatory matters, MISTA will elevate the voices of Michigan business and industry, including autos, agriculture, tourism, retail, restaurants, hospitality, manufacturing and more. “We know that tariffs hurt Michigan businesses, Michigan consumers and Michigan farmers. At a time when the economy is struggling, we need leaders in both parties to work together to forge trade policies that help Michigan's economy and bolster our relationships with our trade partners...."