As Americans focus on federal policy, we often overlook the critical impact that state-level decisions have on our daily lives. One pressing issue is the new threat from Ontario, Canada, which plans to impose a 25 percent export tax on electricity sent to three U.S. states: Minnesota, Michigan, and New York. If this surcharge is enforced or if energy exports are halted entirely, the fallout will be immediate and painful.
Who Really Pays for Tariffs? You Do.
While governments may introduce tariffs for political leverage, the reality is that the cost always falls on the public. This proposed 25 percent electricity surcharge could affect 1.5 million American households. If you live in Minnesota, Michigan, or New York, now is the time to pay close attention.
Lynette Zang asks the critical question: “If your energy is cut off, what does that do to your standard of living?” Energy security is foundational to daily life. Without power, food storage, heating, and even communication become compromised.
Your Energy Bills Are Already Set to Surge
Even before the tariff threat becomes a reality, New York residents are facing proposed utility hikes. Starting January 2026, electric bills could increase by 11.4 percent, and natural gas bills might climb by 13.3 percent. These hikes are being pursued by utility companies seeking approval from state regulators.
These figures far exceed the official inflation rate, which currently hovers around 2.5 percent. And the proposed hikes do not even include the tariff costs. As always, these price increases will be passed directly to consumers.
Small Businesses Face an Uphill Battle
Small businesses, which employ a large share of the American workforce, are especially vulnerable. In states like Oregon, California, Illinois, and Colorado, small business employment remains at least 5 percent below pre-pandemic levels. These businesses cannot absorb rising costs the way large corporations can.
As Lynette points out, job declines are widespread. All 12 employment sectors in recent surveys reported drops, alongside weakening revenue trends. This reflects a troubling pattern for a consumer-driven economy where payroll and sales taxes are essential to state budgets.
States Are Already Struggling with Revenue Declines
State tax revenues are falling short of expectations. As of the second quarter of 2024, total state tax collections were already 2.8 percent below their 15-year trend. And that is before tariffs or further inflationary pressures are added to the mix.
Sales tax revenue, adjusted for inflation and seasonality, is also down in 38 states. When employment and consumption drop, states collect less in taxes. That directly impacts funding for public services like police, teachers, and infrastructure.
As Lynette warns, the strain on state budgets will only worsen. “If the long-term trend was already impacting the states, then what the states provide is going to be a problem.”
The Push for Gold and Silver as Legal Tender
In response to economic instability, more states are taking action by reinstating gold and silver as legal tender. These sound money strategies are a vital step toward protecting individual wealth and financial independence.
Here is the current progress:
- 6 states have fully enacted legal tender laws.
- 19 more have active legislation under review.
Lynette Zang encourages everyone to get involved. She recommends sending handwritten letters to your state representatives, as they are the most impactful. Removing sales taxes from physical gold and silver empowers individuals to hold real money and escape the inflationary trap of fiat currency.
Why You Must Hold Physical Gold and Silver Now
This energy tariff is just the latest reminder of how unstable and unsustainable the system has become. With central banks racing toward the rollout of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the window to act is closing.
Lynette urges viewers to become their own central bank. That means building and holding a portfolio of physical gold and silver. These tangible assets carry no counterparty risk, preserve your purchasing power, and help protect your rights and freedoms.
This is not just about money. It is about sovereignty and choice.
Call to Action
Now is the time to take control of your financial future. Do not wait for tariffs, inflation, or central bank overreach to rob you of your freedom. Protect yourself and your family with physical gold and silver.
Explore how Zang Enterprises can help you prepare with proven sound money strategies rooted in real assets. Your future, your security, and your freedom are worth it.
