Impacting the state’s economy and burdening hardworking families.” → “Burdening” is slightly redundant with “driving up prices on essential products.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has publicly condemned President Donald Trump’s move to propose a tariff of 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada, citing potential economic effects on Colorado residents. The tariffs, set to go into effect on February 1, 2025, aim to pressure the two nations over issues like border security and illegal drug smuggling.
Governor Polis criticized the tariffs as a “disastrous sales tax” that would harm working Coloradans by increasing the price of basic items. He further stated that these policies would “increase the cost of groceries, clothing, homes, technology, vehicles, and everyday products Americans depend on,” undermining North American competitiveness.
The governor emphasized that tariffs would harm the manufacturing and trade sectors of Colorado, leading to potential job loss and economic insecurity. He called the tariffs a “self-inflicted wound on our economy” and cautioned that they would needlessly harm jobs and key industries in the state.
Economists also cautioned that the tariffs would increase inflation and restrain economic growth in the nation. The Associated Press reported that these actions “risk higher consumer prices and economic growth slowdown in the United States,” which could prolong higher interest rates affecting mortgages and loans.
In Massachusetts, too, there have been such concerns. The administration of Governor Maura Healey estimated that the tariffs would cost the state over $3.2 billion annually, while energy-related tariffs would add hundreds of millions more. For instance, a 25% tariff on Canadian imports of petroleum and natural gas could cost Massachusetts consumers $910 million more annually, plus an additional 20 cents per gallon at the pump.
Governor Polis urged the Trump administration to reconsider the tariff policy, citing the potential harm to consumers and businesses. He promoted policies that foster economic growth without placing additional financial burdens on American families.
