Good morning………
Tariff turmoil is upon us, Salem.
Regardless of your political affiliation, you can’t escape the topic. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced tariffs on goods coming into the U.S.
Economists are debating furiously whether this is a good move. Some, including specialists at some of the country’s leading banks, say the tariffs risk driving the country into a recession. Other economists, including those in the Trump administration, urge patience – that Americans will eventually be better off.
As that debate went on, the stock markets plunged. Anyone with a 401K retirement account probably gulped or reached for an aspirin.
One place to turn for direct information is Trump’s executive order itself. The lengthy document lays out his administration’s case.
The president concludes that trade deficits “constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States.” The tariffs, he predicts, will convince major companies to move operations to the U.S., manufacturing goods on American soil to sell tariff-free in the U.S.
READ IT: Trump’s tariff order
One confusing element of the tariffs is who pays – foreign countries, U.S. companies or consumers like you here in Salem?
Here’s how a tariff works, according to federal agency websites.
When an importer in the U.S. moves to accept a load of goods, those products and their value is declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The federal agency checks to see if there is a tariff on the goods. If so, it calculates the tariff. The importer then pays the agency, which sends the money on to the U.S. Treasury, available to be spent on general government functions.
Now, what the importer does with that tariff cost isn’t always clear. An importer might absorb the cost. That new tax may in part or in whole show up in the price tag for, say, bananas or coffee or a 2×4.
What’s clear is that tariffs and the market gyrations will impact every soul in Salem. Our team at Salem Reporter will work hard to show that impact, to talk with local experts, to avoid the political bickering at the national level to help you understand what’s happening through facts and authoritative local sources.
We did so on Friday, as reporter Alan Cohen and Managing Editor Rachel Alexander teamed up a story on what local experts had to say.
Alan then teamed up with reporter Joe Siess to cover Saturday’s “Hands Off” protest in Salem.
Count on more such coverage – and offer your suggestions to Rachel by email ([email protected]).
In public safety reporting:
•Still seeking justice, the husband of Marganne Allen is suing over the fatal collision with a DEA agent, as reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian explains.
•A police sting operation resulted in the arrest of a Salem man who authorities said thought he was meeting a 14-year-old girl, not a detective.
•Columnist Mark Wardell explains why he got involved with community safety – and why you should too.
In Salem city government reporting:
•Genealogy has become controversial at City Hall, at least with volunteers who are bridling over new background checks.
•Reporter Joe Siess explains how the city plans to save about $800,000 in the coming months, tightening city spending.
•The city wants to hear from you as officials consider some upgrades to Riverfront Park, as reporter Madeleine Moore explains.
In community reporting:
•Managing Editor Rachel Alexander reports how the shuttering of a federal office in Seattle is causing unease in Salem’s Head Start community.
•Four elementary students from Salem with a science idea get to compete nationally. Reporter Alan Cohen described the inventive device the youngsters proposed.
•Reporter Abbey McDonald has her monthly look at what exhibits you can find in Salem’s galleries and museums. This is a good guide for getting out of the house.
TAX LEVY TOWN HALL TICKETS – GET THEM NOW
Salem Reporter’s Town Hall on Taxes will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at the Elsinore Theatre.
A panel of experts will explain and explore the city of Salem’s tax levy, on the May 20 ballot. The team at Salem Reporter invites you to join us for an extraordinary evening.
DATE/TIME: 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
PROGRAM: 90 minutes with Irvin Brown, Salem city councilor; Josh Eggelston, the city’s chief finance officer; and Tom Hoffert, chief executive officer, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce.
LOCATION: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. S.E.
TICKETS: Free online
NOTE: Tickets are needed so Elsinore staff can plan for audience size.
HAVE A COMMENT? SUGGESTION?
Have thoughts about our reporting? A story we should do? A person we should profile? Or do you have questions about how we do our work? You’re welcome to send me an email – I read every one of them. Email: [email protected].
–Les Zaitz, Editor and co-founder
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