On Friday, September 6, Saginaw City Councilwoman Priscilla Garcia joined local Latino small business owners Maria Gomez and Armando Ramos for a press conference to discuss the stark contrast between Vice President Kamala Harris’ new small business proposals and Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda. The event focused on how Harris’ policies aim to bolster small businesses, while Trump’s plans would benefit large corporations at the expense of Michigan’s small business owners.
Vice President Harris’ new proposals, unveiled earlier this week, include a significant expansion of tax relief for new small businesses and a commitment to cutting red tape that hinders entrepreneurship. Harris aims to stimulate the creation of 25 million new small business applications during her first term, supporting what she calls “the backbone of our economy.”
Key to Harris’ plan is a tenfold increase in the startup expense deduction for small businesses—from $5,000 to $50,000—a move that Saginaw City Councilwoman Priscilla Garcia emphasized would be transformative for local entrepreneurs.
“Kamala Harris knows that entrepreneurs often face financial hurdles that prevent them from getting their businesses off the ground,” Garcia said. “Her plan to expand the startup deduction will provide a massive boost to Michigan entrepreneurs. In contrast, Donald Trump’s Project 2025 prioritizes tax handouts to billionaires and large corporations at the expense of small businesses and working people. Independent economists have made it clear that his plan would raise costs on middle-class families by $4,000 a year.”
Maria Gomez, owner of Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, echoed Garcia’s sentiments, pointing to Harris’ commitment to offering new federal support, reducing regulatory barriers, and expanding access to affordable loans.
“Under Trump, small businesses like mine were left behind. His tax policies favored big corporations, while entrepreneurs struggled. With Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, we have leaders who are genuinely fighting for small businesses, including Latino-owned ones like mine,” Gomez said.
Armando Ramos, owner of Tony’s Takeout, expressed strong support for Harris’ plan, highlighting its focus on underserved communities like Saginaw.
“Harris’ agenda will direct one-third of federal contract dollars toward small businesses, especially in rural and underserved areas,” Ramos said. “Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s plan would have people like me paying more in taxes than the wealthiest Americans. He has never missed a chance to help his billionaire friends at the expense of the little guy.”
The press conference underscored the importance of policies that support small businesses in communities across Michigan and beyond. As the 2024 election approaches, the differences between the two candidates’ economic plans will be a key issue for small business owners.
