Newaygo County Families: Struggling with Rising Costs and the Impact of Trump’s Economic Policies

For families in Newaygo County, the struggle to make ends meet has only grown harder in recent years. With soaring costs for basic necessities—groceries, clothing, medicine, and transportation—many local families are relying more heavily on public assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). Yet, policies enacted during the Trump administration, particularly the "Big Beautiful Bill" and tariffs, have worsened the financial strain, leaving these families even more vulnerable.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 18% of Newaygo County residents rely on SNAP to help put food on the table. The economic policies of the Trump administration, including tax cuts that disproportionately benefited corporations and wealthier Americans, did little to address the needs of working families. Instead, food prices have surged, pushing more households to rely on programs like SNAP or go without. You’ve seen the cost of eggs, milk, meat, and fruit surging – even here, among the abundant farmlands of Newaygo County! How much longer can Newaygo County residents tolerate foolish economic policies at the expense of our families?

WIC, which helps low-income families with young children, is another vital program that many Newaygo residents depend on. In Michigan, 48.7% of families with children under 5 are served by WIC. While WIC provides critical support, especially for those facing food insecurity, the current administration’s proposals to cut funding for these programs put vulnerable populations at risk. The growing economic pressures on local families have made it even harder for parents to provide healthy meals and necessary resources for their children.

One of the more damaging consequences of the Trump administration’s policies has been the imposition of tariffs, which led to significant price hikes on everyday goods. A 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, for instance, resulted in rising costs for a wide range of products, including clothing, shoes, and household items. For Newaygo families, already stretched thin by stagnant wages and rising food costs, these increases in the price of basic goods left many scrambling to cover even the most basic needs, such as purchasing a winter coat for their child or keeping up with heating bills.

Transportation costs have also become a growing concern. In a rural county like Newaygo, where public transportation options are limited, families often rely on their own vehicles to get to work, school, and doctor’s appointments. With rising gas prices and an increase in vehicle maintenance costs—exacerbated by tariffs on auto parts—many families find themselves faced with a difficult choice: cut back on other expenses or risk not being able to afford the transportation they need to maintain their daily routines.

For those who require medication or health services, the weakening of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) under the Trump administration has had a dire impact. The uncertainty surrounding healthcare policy, including attempts to dismantle the ACA, has left many residents without affordable health insurance options. For families already struggling to meet basic needs, the rising costs of prescriptions and medical care create yet another hurdle.

The economic landscape in Newaygo County has shifted in ways that disproportionately hurt those already struggling to get by. The Trump administration’s tax cuts and tariffs have placed an undue burden on working-class families, particularly those who rely on public assistance programs like SNAP and WIC. With the cost of living rising and fewer safety nets available, Newaygo County families are facing an uncertain future, with the threat of further policy changes that could worsen the financial challenges they already face.