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. Over the coming months, MISTA will focus on growing its coalition by providing opportunities where both trade and tariff education and discussion can take place. Where Michigan stands on trade and tariffs 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,” said John Sellek, Chief Strategist and CEO, Harbor Strategy Public Affairs. “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.” “Instead of the usual zero-sum political battles that define politics today, MISTA will seek a bipartisan coalition of small businesses and families to come together in discussion about the difficulties they are facing, and the best path forward on trade policy,” said Mark Fisk, Partner/CEO, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications. “Michigan’s leaders must not treat our economic future like a partisan football game.” Concerned about costs, watching trade issues, opposing tariffs MISTA’s bipartisan poll shows overall that costs and affordability are very concerning to Michigan residents. As such, state residents overall oppose trade policies that result in additional price increases, including tariffs. The poll indicates that the strongest messages opposing tariffs directly touch on voters’ concerns about cost increases hurting their quality of life and the negative impact of tariffs on Michigan’s relationship with its largest trading partner, Canada. Whereas the most effective messages in support of tariffs are focused on America’s need to reduce foreign reliance and level the playing field against countries like China. Solutions to limiting costs and fairer trade deals lies within those parameters. Costs and affordability dominate the state’s issue agenda · Reducing costs is by far the most important issue to voters, with the economy and jobs the 2 nd most important. Only 16% said their personal financial situation is improving. Voters are watching 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 …and they oppose tariffs · Michigan voters oppose tariffs on imports by six points, 43% support-49% oppose o Independents – 50% oppose o Seniors – 52% oppose o Suburban voters – 51% oppose o Moderate voters – 54% oppose o College degree – 53% oppose o Without a degree – 47% Voters overwhelmingly oppose tariffs that hurt the state’s auto industry, including tariffs on parts crossing the U.S. – Canadian border · Voters oppose imposing tariffs on auto and manufacturing parts by a 29-point margin, 31% support-60% oppose. Michigan voters see tariffs as a tax… · 72% of voters think tariffs are “a tax on goods imported into the United States”, with little difference between Republicans, Independents and Democrats. · 13% said tariffs are a negotiating tool. …that is paid by Michigan families · Nearly two-thirds (64%) believe “American consumers” pay most of the cost of imposing tariffs, including a majority of GOP and Trump voters and Trump voters Learn more about Michigan Smart Trade Alliance Michigan residents and small businesses can join Michigan’s Smart Trade Alliance, a non-partisan coalition elevating the voices of families, farmers, job creators, and entrepreneurs who are seeking consistent trade and tariff policy that focuses on: · Protecting our national security interests · Bringing leaders together to discuss updating existing trade deals and open new markets for our farmers and manufacturers · Lowering costs across the board by implementing tariff consistency · Protecting our critical trading and tourism relationship with Canada
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