July 16, 2026

New Dems Discuss Key Issues of Affordability with Small Businesses

New Dem Members met with small business owners to hear how tariffs, healthcare, and utility costs have made it harder to stay in business

small business roundtable

Yesterday, New Dem Vice Chair for Outreach Salud Carbajal (CA-24) hosted a roundtable discussion on how affordability issues such as healthcare costs, rising gas and utility prices, damaged supply chains, and the Trump Administration's reckless tariffs have hurt small businesses.

Vice Chair Carbajal was joined by several New Dem Members for the discussion, including Trade and Tariffs Task Force Chair Don Beyer (VA-08) and Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21).

“This administration wants to make it impossible to run a small business,” said Rep. Carbajal, Vice Chair for Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition. “Between the sweeping tariffs, massive cuts to healthcare, and rising costs across the board, small business owners have been forced to consider whether it is even possible for them to keep their doors open. I am grateful to everyone who joined today and shared the challenges they have been facing so that New Dems can continue to support this critical pillar of our economy.”

During the roundtable, small business owners shared some of the specific affordability issues that they have been facing since Trump took office. These include rising energy bills, skyrocketing healthcare due to Republican cuts to medicare and medicaid, and difficulties for employees to find affordable childcare. They also shared some of the labor challenges they have been facing as a result of mass deportations.

Additionally, stakeholders shared ideas for what New Dems can do to make it easier for small businesses to remain open. Earlier this year, New Dems released our Governing Agenda, which outlines steps Congress can take to support small businesses by creating smarter, more durable trade policy and making life more affordable for working families.

Roundtable guests included

  • John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO, Small Business Majority

  • Megan Wyatt, Wit & Whimsy Toys

  • Reynita Medrano, Reyna's Business Center

  • Sayuri Tsuchitani, Sumo Yoga

  • Jackie Huebbe, SugarBot Sweet Shop

  • Dr. Sara Bajuyo, Zuli Direct Care

  • Lisa Marsh, Ms. P’s Gluten Free Granola

  • Dwayne Thomas, Greenlight Creative

  • Dave Heide, Ollie’s, St. Charles Station