Senate Democrats, Small Business Owners Rally to End Trump’s Tariff Tax and Back the Small Business Liberation Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7th, 2025
CONTACT
press@mainstreetalliance.org
Senate Democrats, Small Business Owners Rally to End Trump’s Tariff Tax and Back the Small Business Liberation Act
Beth Benike of Busy Baby speaking at press conference on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, during National Small Business Week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), along with Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), and a coalition of small business owners from across the country, held a powerful press conference at the U.S. Capitol to denounce the crushing impact of Trump’s tariff policies on Main Street America.
The event, organized by the Main Street Alliance (MSA) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, featured moving testimony from entrepreneurs across industries—from eco-friendly manufacturing to artisan bakeries—who warned that without relief, tariffs would force layoffs, price hikes, and even closures. In response, Senate Democrats called on Congress to pass the Small Business Liberation Act, a newly proposed bill that would exempt most small businesses from Trump’s punitive tariffs, as introduced by Sen. Ed Markey.
“President Trump’s trade war is economic arson—and America’s small businesses are getting scorched,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “Trump’s Tariff Tax is jacking up prices, smashing supply chains, and forcing small shops to raise costs or lay people off. While Trump has been helping billionaires, Main Street pays the price.”
Main Street Alliance members shared direct accounts of the consequences:
Amy Leinbach, Owner of Big Bee, Little Bee (TX) – “Shark Tank” alum whose plastic-free family product line is getting crushed by tariffs on manufacturing materials. [WATCH REMARKS]
Allison Vick, Owner of Little Blue Macaron (NC) – A single mom and bakery owner who says rising prices on imported ingredients are breaking her margins. [WATCH REMARKS]
Beth Benike, founder of Busy Baby (MN), is an Army veteran and national small business awardee featured on CNN, CBS, and the NYT’s “The Daily.” Facing bankruptcy if tariffs aren’t lifted. [WATCH REMARKS]. Her remarks are going viral: [SOCIAL POST]
TJ Semanchin, CEO of Wonderstate Coffee (WI) – Rural coffee roaster facing $300K in new annual costs, threatening jobs and store closures. [WATCH REMARKS]
One of the most chilling moments came from Beth Benike, Army veteran and CEO of Busy Baby, who warned that her business is on the brink of bankruptcy due to rising tariff costs. Just hours before the press conference, Beth was honored as the SBA’s Small Business Person of the Year—a stark reminder of how out-of-touch the administration is with the reality Main Street leaders are living every day.
Main Street Alliance Response
“This is exactly what leadership should look like—standing with the people who power our economy,” said Richard Trent, Executive Director of Main Street Alliance. “In a way, Speaker Schumer and Senate Democrats are doing the opposite of what the Trump Administration has done so far: sitting down with Main Street leaders and learning more about the economic realities on the ground. These tariffs are an existential threat to small business owners who already operate on razor-thin margins. These are the folks keeping storefronts open, hiring neighbors, and holding local economies together. Congress must act swiftly to pass the Small Business Liberation Act and send a message: Main Street is not collateral damage in someone else’s trade war.”
About Main Street Alliance
Main Street Alliance (MSA) champions Main Street voices to create a thriving economy. MSA cultivates a network of entrepreneurs and Main Street advocates, connecting them with resources to build sustainable enterprises and uplift their communities. Their 30,000+ membership drives state and federal policymaking that gives a fair shot to small businesses and strengthens local economies nationwide.
For interviews or media inquiries, contact:
press@mainstreetalliance.org
Yash Mori, 202-591-5789
www.mainstreetalliance.org