For many Normans, small businesses are their heart and soul. They provide our jobs, our necessities and often, it is a dream realized. One such dream belongs to my mother-in-law who unwaveringly works for Dollar Tree, a local store that imports goods from China. The ongoing tariffs pose a significant threat to her job as the cost on the goods from China has dramatically surged, leaving the store unable to procure their usual stock.

Unfortunately, her situation is not unique. It's alarming to note that these tariffs raised retail prices by up to 10.3% (National Bureau of Economic Research, 2019). These exorbitant tariffs put not only my mother-in-law's livelihood at risk but also the businesses and thousands of jobs across Norman. Many businesses are shuttering, our local economy trembles under the pressure of these tariffs.

We urge the US government to reconsider the current tariff policies that have put our local businesses, livelihoods, and economy under immense duress. We call for an end to the tariffs, for an environment that nurtures our businesses, protects our jobs, and secures our dreams. Stand with us, endorse this plea, and sign this petition.