Commentary: Let’s protect Southwest Florida’s economy from bad policies

Just as an ebbing tide lowers all boats, so a depressed economy makes everyone poorer. This administration’s international trade policies and protectionism, strongly supported by Rep. Francis Rooney, R-Naples, are particularly harmful to Southwest Florida’s economy, businesses and everyday consumers. Seniors and retirees on fixed incomes are particularly vulnerable.

What’s more, this situation was completely avoidable. The president didn’t have to insult the heads of state of Canada and Germany, two of our key allies. A trade war with China was neither inevitable nor necessary. And anti-immigrant bigotry and rhetoric against a key labor force living and working in our district are not only unjustified, it’s bad for our local economy.

Let’s get to specifics of some 2017 numbers: Tourism is the No. 1 private sector employer (directly and indirectly) in Collier County and employs 38,000 people, while in Lee County it employs 59,000. Across the two counties, nearly 5 million tourists paying for accommodations lifted our local economy and prosperity by spending more than $2.2 billion here. In Collier County alone, they generated more than $150 million in tax revenue, and in doing so lowered the tax burden for local residents. All of us benefit. Tourists from Canada and Europe, particularly Germany, have been major sources of tourism and related tax revenue. In 2017, they accounted for about 20 percent of tourists in Collier and Lee.

But now, thanks to foolish statements and personal insults, many Canadians are boycotting American goods (including Florida oranges) and will be vacationing elsewhere, and now there is a risk that many Germans will choose to do the same.

China may be geographically far away but it’s very close to our local lobster fishermen who sell half their catches to Chinese buyers. Suddenly their businesses are in jeopardy and their income halved. Moreover, the inexpensive Chinese goods that are in every home and on the shelves of Southwest Florida stores won’t be so inexpensive anymore.

While we will all be impacted by the current administration’s protectionist trade policies, Southwest Florida’s seniors, in particular, are now going to be faced with soaring prices, particularly for cars, which will go up exponentially. The cost of products sold in our local stores made of steel or aluminum — clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, etc. — is going to rise. Meanwhile, incomes based on Social Security, pensions and savings will remain flat. With support for health care being stripped away along with the rest of the social safety net, our seniors will be made poorer, and many will even be left destitute.

None of this had to happen. These protectionist policies and attitudes are the result of demagoguery and prejudice, both of which run counter not only to American values but also — ironically — to the traditional free trade platform of the Republican Party.

Fortunately, voters will have a chance to address these issues in November. We can elect a sane, sensible Congress that will check these rash policies and counterbalance the hateful rhetoric that is causing unneeded harm.

As the representative for District 19, I will promote trade policies that protect Southwest Florida jobs and communities. Rather than shortsighted protectionist policies, we need to welcome back the Canadian and European tourists who drive our economy. I will support retraining and transition programs that prepare our workforce for the global economy, along with trade policies that are fair to working Americans.

I ask for your vote on Aug. 28 to help restore a Congress that protects our interests, boosts our economy and builds the prosperity of all Southwest Floridians.

Holden is a Democratic candidate for Congress in Florida’s 19th Congressional District. The views of Aug. 28 Democratic primary opponent Todd James Truax on the economy were presented Friday.

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