Jocelyn Benson, Gov. Blanchard, UAW Leader Call Out Latest John James Tax on Michiganders

Watch the Press Conference HERE

Today, Secretary of State and Democratic nominee for Governor Jocelyn Benson, Former Michigan Governor and U.S. Ambassador to Canada Jim Blanchard, and UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English held a virtual press conference to call out the latest “John James tax” that is raising prices on Michiganders. 

Ahead of John James and JD Vance’s event today — less than 10 days after jacking up costs on Michiganders — Jocelyn, Gov. Blanchard, and Director English slammed James as unfit to lead given his refusal to fight for Michigan in the face of Trump’s trade war with Canada. Trump’s tariffs have caused Michigan families to pay an extra $5,619 over the past year, the highest of any state in the nation, and this latest John James tax is forcing working families and key industries, including the auto industry, to shoulder even higher costs. 

“At a time when auto workers need someone who will lower costs, raise wages, and protect our jobs, we have an administration in the White House who is entering harmful trade wars with some of our closest allies,” said Director of UAW Region 1 LaShawn English. “A 50% tariff will only hurt the very domestic autoworkers we should be fighting to protect. We need trade policies that protect American workers, bring jobs home, and stop corporations from racing to the bottom. These tariffs aren’t strategic and John James should know better than to campaign with an administration who is putting so many of us last.”

“These tariffs on Canada are totally destructive...They're going to cost us jobs and prices, car prices are already going up because of the tariffs on aluminum and steel and auto parts, as grocery prices are going up...This is a major increase on the cost of living because of Donald Trump's tariffs,” said Former Governor and U.S. Ambassador to Canada Jim Blanchard. “Fortunately, we have a choice…in a candidate, the future governor of Michigan, we have someone who has a fabulous, fabulous background, serving with distinction as our Secretary of State, a woman who understands the world and understands the importance of Canada for our jobs, our cost of living, and our future.”

“Because of his silence, he owns this. He owns these reckless tariffs. He owns this tax on Michigan. So I'm going to call these tariffs what they are: they are a tax from John James, a John James tax on Michigan. The John James tax is a tax on our small businesses, on our gas prices, and a tax on our groceries,” said Jocelyn Benson. “And as someone running to lead this state, I know the next governor has a moral responsibility to respond when someone hurts our state — because Michiganders deserve leaders who will never hesitate to stand up to anyone, no matter how wealthy or powerful, who threatens our residents or our state. I’ve done that as Secretary of State, and I’m ready to do that as governor.”

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