Lamont Visits Business Harmed by Reckless Trump Tariffs

Press Release

Ned Lamont, Democratic nominee for governor, toured Tower Laboratories, LTD. in Clinton Tuesday to discuss how President Trump's recent trade tariffs have had a devastating impact on businesses. Led by CEO Norm Needleman, Tower Laboratories is the country's leading supplier of store brand effervescent products. This past summer, the Trump administration imposed economically dangerous tariffs that have had a devastating effect on many of the state's manufacturing businesses. Despite the facts, Stefanowski has given Trump an "A" rating, and has praised Trump's economic policies.

"From Woodbridge to Mystic and from lobsters to sports equipment, Connecticut's businesses are feeling the negative impact of President Trump's tariffs, and it affects working families across our state" said Lamont. "Manufacturers, like many here in eastern Connecticut, agree that the tariffs are hurting businesses, but Bob Stefanowski continues to be lock-step with Trump. My opponent has stated that he "loves what the president has done with the economy.' I could not disagree more. While he believes Donald Trump deserves an "A' for his job performance, I give him an "F' for his policies that undermine job growth in our state.

"We are seeing right here in Connecticut the blow to jobs and revenue -- at a time when we are in desperate need of both. We want businesses to stay here in our state and even more to relocate here. If businesses are going to keep their manufacturing facilities in Connecticut, rather than have their products made overseas, we need policies that will incentivize rather than hurt employers."

"In a single week, we were hit with nearly $1 million in cost increases on imported raw materials," said Needleman. " Trump's reckless trade war completely blindsided us. For 250 individuals that count on Tower Labs for their job, we now face even greater competitive obstacles caused by these trade policies. Connecticut businesses, no matter the size, will suffer the impact of misguided trade policies for years to come."

A study conducted by the Wall Street Journal reported that 5.5 percent of Fairfield County's annual gross domestic product is exposed to new duties, while Windham County was hit the worst, seeing a difference of 8.3 percentage points. Figures released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimate that Connecticut stands to lose $134 million.

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