Newsletter Feb. 17, 2025
From Ethan Kucera and the Newsletter Committee
News:
World
Trump's tariffs enacted on Mexico, Canada, and China, causing swift action
Citing concerns around illegal immigration and illegal drugs, Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as an increased tariff on imports from China. Trump justified these tariffs, saying that access to American markets is a privilege and Canada and Mexico rely more on the US than the US relies on them. Had these tariffs gone into effect, they would have increased prices primarily in the auto, electric, and mineral processing sectors, as well as many consumer products. Trump has agreed to pause the tariffs for 30 days, as Canada has announced that they will be naming a fentanyl czar, launching a strike force with the US to fight organized crime, and listing Mexican cartels as terrorist groups. Mexico has also sent members of their national guard to help protect the border. China has been less compliant, launching their own tariffs against the US and export controls on rare metals, as well as beginning an anti-monopoly investigation into Google. Prices are already rising as a result, including on items such as personal computers. Trump has implied that he is considering more tariffs against more targets in the near future.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/business/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-china.html
National
Elon Musk accesses government networks, accesses sensitive information
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has been accessing numerous documents and information since Trump’s inauguration. This includes sensitive information about government employees as well as sensitive documents from the Treasury. A federal judge has ordered a halt of Musk’s access to the treasury documents, but there are still security concerns. Not only have Musk’s actions possibly opened up government servers to cybersecurity attacks, but critics have made a point of the apparent lack of transparency, despite claims from both Trump's administration and Elon Musk himself that DOGE is extremely transparent. Concerns around Musk not being an elected official, DOGE not having congressional approval, and the seemingly young age and inexperience of DOGE’s employees have not seemed to have stopped Musk from displacing federal employees. Few seem to know what clearance DOGE employees have, or what information they have accessed. Trump has also contributed to the chaos, attempting to suspend federal employees who get in the way of his administration. Some critics have gone so far to claim that DOGE’s actions are a threat to the Constitution.
https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-secrecy-68a66370cbc67c457e0a1c6edb08c5ef
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/us/politics/treasury-systems-raised-security-concerns.html
State
200 North Carolina Workers Furloughed Because of USAID Cuts.
North Carolina is currently reeling from President Trump's USAID cuts. A major non-profit based in Raleigh, FHI 360, which is focused on giving measurable solutions to global problems and working in third world countries to promote healthier lifestyles, has been forced to furlough 36% of its workers, including 200 North Carolinians, as their main source of funding was cut this week. This will affect FHI 360’s ability to help those in need of basics, such as food, water, shelter, and medicine. We will wait to see the effects that the USAID cuts have on local non-profits and the resulting effect on local communities.
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article299871939.html
Local
Senate Bill aims to block landlords colluding on rent prices
North Carolina Senate Bill 232, introduced by 9 state senators, aims to increase transparency and crack down on landlords colluding to raise rent prices, which has made rental property unaffordable for many around Charlotte. This bill is a response to the Department of Justice’s lawsuit alleging that 6 landlords around Charlotte used algorithms to fix rent prices higher and gouge customers. This bill would close a loophole that allows landlords to share rent information and raise prices accordingly. Upon passing, this bill would theoretically help alleviate many concerns from renters in Charlotte who cannot afford such high rent prices and fear being strong-armed by their landlords.
Policy Breakdown:
State Legislature
State Board of Education approves legislative agenda to boost teacher pay, address school needs
The NC State Board of Education voted to approve a 2025 legislative agenda that calls for increased teacher salaries and money to help aid schools in Western North Carolina suffering from Hurricane Helene. The full plan will be developed over the next six months. The plan includes raising educator salaries, money for a weighted student funding formula, and increased school calendar flexibility. All members of the board except North Carolina Treasurer Brad Briner voted for the proposal.
Congress
House Budget Committee advances resolution calling for $2 trillion in cuts
The House Budget Committee voted to move its fiscal year 2025 Budget Resolution forward to the full House. The bill aligns with the Trump administration's priorities on border security, defense, energy, and taxes. It proposes $2 trillion in spending cuts which could affect Medicaid and other vital health care programs. The proposal permits up to $4.5 trillion in spending for tax reductions.
CSU Updates
Many promising developments have recently occurred for CSU. We officially gained our tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service, so all donations are now tax-exempt. We are in the process of starting chapters at several schools around Charlotte. We will soon be selling T-shirts in order to raise additional funds and advertise around the community. Additionally, we have adopted a 1.2 mile-long stretch of streets in Eastway and will soon be hosting a cleanup there!
Recent Activities:
East Meck CSU Chapter Debate: On January 30th, East Mecklenburg High School’s CSU Chapter held a Karl Popper-style debate on the issue of School Choice. We hope all those who participated had fun and learned a good deal about the issue!
On February 5th, CSU members attended a town hall on Microtransit in Cornelius. Read Our Report Here
Recent Meetings:
1/27: Executive Committee Meeting
Discussed directives to all CSU Committees, community service ideas for the organization, social media activities for CSU’s accounts
2/1: Executive Committee Meeting
Discussed fundraising opportunities with Gregory Miller Foundation, future T-shirt sales, agenda for next Board meeting
Upcoming Dates:
2/20: East Mecklenburg High School Chapter meeting: 2:30pm
2/22: Board and Members meeting: Board Members must attend by 2:00pm. All members are encouraged to be there at 4:00pm so quorum can be met.
2/24: City Council Business Meeting at 5:00pm in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. CSU Members are encouraged to attend!