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Sherrod Brown Warns Ohio Businesses Struggling with Cost of Living Crisis
Former senator says high prices, tariffs hurting small businesses, manufacturers, and farmers across the state
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is running for Republican Sen. Jon Husted's seat, visited Dayton businesses to hear how the cost of living crisis is impacting them. Brown said federal policies around tariffs, health insurance, and affordability are putting pressure on Ohio businesses, from small restaurants to major manufacturers and farmers.
Why it matters
The cost of living crisis is creating significant obstacles for Ohio businesses of all sizes, threatening their ability to stay afloat and serve their local communities. As Brown campaigns for the Senate seat, his focus on these economic challenges facing Ohioans could be a key factor in the election.
The details
During his Dayton visit, Brown met with business owners like Bri Parks of Side Piece Soul Cafe, who described the weekly headaches of fluctuating food costs and how local households tightening their belts have impacted her restaurant. Brown said he's hearing similar stories from other restaurateurs, noting that affordable health insurance and rising costs are constant issues for small businesses. The former senator also criticized the Trump administration's tariff policies, which he said have devastated Ohio's soybean farmers by cutting off a key export market in China.
- In 2025, American soybean farmers sold 'zero' soybeans to China due to tariffs, according to Brown.
- Brown made his Dayton campaign stop on February 12, 2026.
The players
Sherrod Brown
A former Democratic senator from Ohio who is running for the Republican Sen. Jon Husted's seat.
Jon Husted
The current Republican senator from Ohio whose seat Sherrod Brown is running for.
Bri Parks
The owner of Side Piece Soul Cafe in Dayton, Ohio.
What they’re saying
“Let's deal with affordability. There are more monies going out than coming in, in people's markets. And if we're not going to deal with that, we're in a position where the country's going to get poorer.”
— Sherrod Brown (Dayton Daily News)
“It all affects the business. So it's been like a trickle-down effect where it's like, are they gonna come today? I've experienced a day where I can open my front door and make $2,000, but I've also experienced a day when I've made $13.”
— Bri Parks, Owner, Side Piece Soul Cafe (Dayton Daily News)
What’s next
Brown said the judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
