Small Business and Health Care Costs

A CBS News report details how U.S. small businesses are facing an affordability crunch as the average effective tariff rate climbs to 16.8%, with a new Center for American Progress analysis finding small importers paid about $25,000 more per month between April and September due to Trump administration tariffs. At a Senate Small Business Committee event Tuesday, Sen. Ed Markey warned that 4.4 million small business owners and self‑employed Americans could see health insurance premiums rise an average of $1,500 if enhanced ACA subsidies expire at the end of 2025, leaving owners like Virginia manufacturer Shirley Modlin and Ohio pedal‑maker Julie Robbins weighing price hikes, smaller raises and reduced benefits.