Schumer to Bring Upstate NY Small Business Owner Crushed by Trump's Tariffs to State of the Union

Ben Pearson's science kit company has faced $1 million in added costs due to tariffs, forcing layoffs

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announced he will bring Rochester small business owner Ben Pearson as his personal guest to attend President Trump's State of the Union. Pearson's company, ENALAS, which manufactures science kits for classrooms, has suffered nearly $1 million in increased costs per year due to Trump's tariffs, forcing him to lay off 20% of his workforce.

Why it matters

Schumer is using Pearson's story to highlight the damaging impact of Trump's tariffs on small businesses and families across Upstate New York. With the Supreme Court recently striking down Trump's tariffs, Schumer is urging the President to immediately refund the illegally collected tariff money to affected businesses like Pearson's.

The details

Since August 2026, tariffs have effectively eliminated all of ENALAS' free cash flow, forcing Pearson to cut his workforce from 50 to 37 employees just to keep the business viable. Trump's trade policies have also driven up Pearson's health insurance costs by 19%, making it increasingly unsustainable for small businesses like his to fully cover employee premiums.

  • In August 2026, tariffs began significantly straining ENALAS' operations.
  • Last week, the Supreme Court struck down Trump's tariffs.

The players

Chuck Schumer

U.S. Senate Democratic Leader who is bringing Ben Pearson as his personal guest to the State of the Union to highlight the impact of Trump's tariffs on small businesses.

Ben Pearson

Founder and CEO of ENALAS, a small Rochester start-up business that manufactures science-activity kits for classrooms. Pearson's company has faced nearly $1 million in added costs due to Trump's tariffs.

ENALAS

A small Rochester start-up business that manufactures science-activity kits for classrooms across America.

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What they’re saying

“Upstate NY's families and small businesses are being crushed by Trump's skyrocketing costs and chaotic tariffs. Main Streets and manufacturers across upstate NY are being forced to pay Trump's tariff tax, and millions of families across America are paying more for goods they need.”

— Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senate Democratic Leader (oswegocountytoday.com)

“Since founding my business in 2012, we have remained deeply committed to producing high-quality science products for researchers and educators at accessible prices. Since August, however, tariffs have significantly strained our operations, forcing us to absorb $1,000,000 in unbudgeted expense. We have been forced to reduce our workforce by 20% and raise prices simply to remain viable.”

— Ben Pearson, Founder and CEO of ENALAS (oswegocountytoday.com)

What’s next

With the Supreme Court striking down Trump's tariffs, Schumer is urging the President to immediately refund the illegally collected tariff money to affected businesses like Pearson's.

The takeaway

Trump's trade war with tariffs has had a devastating impact on small businesses like ENALAS, forcing them to absorb millions in added costs, lay off workers, and raise prices. This case highlights the need for the administration to provide meaningful tariff relief to help small businesses and families across Upstate New York.