New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga Slams Price Hike, Warns of Pain for Fil-Am Families

New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga, the first Filipino American elected to the state legislature, voiced strong opposition to the recent tariff increases imposed by President Donald Trump, warning that the policy could disproportionately hurt Filipino-American communities, small business owners, and immigrant families.

“This is going to have a serious impact on our community,” Raga said. “The cost of these goods—Filipino goods—will rise, and those increased costs will be passed on to our consumers. That means our Filipino community here in New York will be paying more for essentials they’ve long relied on.”

The tariffs, aimed at foreign imports including Philippine products, are expected to trigger inflation across ethnic businesses and immigrant neighborhoods, where imported goods are a cultural staple and often a necessity.

Raga rejected Trump’s claim that the Philippines was “taking advantage” of the United States, calling it a false narrative meant to distract from broader issues. “I don’t agree with that at all,” he said. “Tariffs like these create economic instability—not just with our allies, like the Philippines, but across global markets. And let’s be honest: these partnerships have never been one-sided in America’s favor. Sometimes it’s quite the opposite.”

The Assemblymember also linked the tariff debate to a broader attack on immigrant communities, citing what he called “the most cruel budget bill yet,” which shifts federal support away from working-class families and funnels it toward the ultra-wealthy.

“Let’s not be fooled,” Raga said. “This tariff hike, along with Trump’s budget bill, are designed to confuse and divide us. We need to educate our kababayan about who really pays for tariffs—and why these policies are being used as political tools.”

He emphasized the importance of protecting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their remittances, which he said remain vital to the Philippine economy.

“With such a large and growing Filipino population in the U.S., and with so many OFWs sending money home regularly, any effort to tax or impose tariffs on remittances would be devastating. President Marcos has a duty to step in and negotiate terms that protect Filipinos abroad,” Raga urged.

As the only Filipino-American in New York’s state legislature, Assemblymember Raga has been a consistent advocate for immigrant rights and equitable economic policies. He pledged to continue informing and organizing the community in response to policies he believes are “harmful and unfair.”