In the US, Benson says she intends to mitigate tariff impact on Michigan
In the United States, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic Party candidate for governor, said that if she wins, she will seek to mitigate the impact of federal tariffs on prices and the state's trade with Canada. She said this in an interview with CBS News.
Benson called the affordability of basic goods the central issue of her campaign. The program host cited an analysis by the University of Michigan according to which 40% of the state's population has difficulty paying for basic needs. The candidate said that Michigan residents face a choice between spending on food, child care, and medicine.
Trade with Canada
According to the host, 36% of Michigan's exports go to Canada. She also said that on Tuesday Canada is set to impose tariffs of between 15% and 50% on steel and aluminum products, as well as U.S.-made dairy products and household appliances, with a total value of $20 billion.
Benson claims that the tariffs have already caused prices to rise in the state, with the average Michigan family paying $5,600 more. She criticized her Republican opponent, John James, saying that he had supported the tariffs through votes in Congress and had not spoken out against them. The host noted that most tariffs were imposed through executive decisions.
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The candidate said that as governor, she intends to seek subnational agreements with Canadian officials and, if necessary, work with governors of other states. In her view, such agreements could help reduce costs, support the auto industry, and assist Michigan workers.
Mail-in voting
Benson also commented on the situation with mail-in voting. According to the host, 2 million Michigan residents use it, and ballots are to be mailed on September 19. On Friday, a federal judge blocked the Postal Service from applying President Donald Trump's new rules concerning mail-in ballots.
The secretary of state said that the state would ensure citizens' right to vote by mail in accordance with the law. According to her, 5.5 million people voted in Michigan in 2024, the highest turnout in the state's history. The host also noted that 22 cases of noncitizen voting were considered in the state, while the attorney general charged six people in connection with violations of election law.
