Cost of school supplies joins list of GOP’s broken promises

It’s that time of year — the last days of summer vacation and excited for the first day of school! Like my children and grandchildren, families across the nation are getting ready to return to school. They have lists of necessary supplies: notebooks, pencils, crayons, markers, erasers, glue and scissors. And now, headphones and disinfectant wipes.

But this year, parents are feeling the strain on their wallets — school supplies are just another victim of what people are experiencing at the grocery store. In homes where every penny counts, these increases force difficult choices: Should a child go without certain supplies? Should a family skimp on food or gas to afford the things their student needs?

Tariffs imposed by President Trump are making the cost of things go up. What happened to the campaign promise that he’d bring down inflation and prices “on Day One?” Add this to the list of his broken promises.

According to the U.S. Constitution, the power to impose tariffs resides with the House of Representatives. So what happened? Once again, Ashley Hinson and the MAGA Republicans in the House have abdicated their responsibility. They are OK with being Trump’s puppets and letting Trump do whatever he wants.

Hard working Americans deserve leaders who stand up for them and to do their job. We deserve representatives who understand what it is like to struggle to make ends meet. In 2026, we have the opportunity to vote Ashley Hinson out of office.

Katie Dodge Hanson

Lansing