Nez Slams Crane’s Harmful Policies as Jobs Report Shows Arizona Workers Getting Squeezed

FLAGSTAFF, AZ - Jonathan Nez is standing with Arizona workers after a disappointing September jobs report showed the labor market continues to weaken, while Congressman Eli Crane relentlessly backs policies that make it harder for working families and small businesses to get ahead.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that just 29,000 jobs were added in September, far below the 84,000 economists had expected. The unemployment rate rose to 4.2%, while annual wage growth fell to just 3%, its lowest level since May 2021. What’s worse, previous months' job growth was corrected to show that our country lost jobs in July.

Small businesses are feeling the pressure, too. A new September report from the National Federation of Independent Business found declining hiring activity as businesses struggle with elevated operating costs and rising expenses of adding workers to the payroll.

“Families are paying more, small businesses are struggling to hire, and wages are failing to keep up. Congressman Eli Crane continues to support policies that make their problems worse,” said Nez. “Arizona deserves a leader who will fight for working people, not make life harder for them.”

Nez’s Warrior Up Agenda outlines his plan to put Arizona workers and small businesses first by:

Reversing crippling and erratic tariff policies that have raised the cost of groceries, household supplies, and goods.
Expanding apprenticeship programs and workforce training in rural areas.
Streamlining small businesses’ access to loans and capital, particularly in rural Arizona communities that get left behind.

President Donald Trump’s tariffs have already cost Americans roughly $317 billion, with small-business importers bearing an average cost of roughly $37,000 per month.

Congressman Crane has had at least six chances to repeal Trump’s tariffs. Every time, he voted to block congressional efforts to roll them back, choosing the administration’s trade agenda over Arizona businesses and families.

“Americans are frustrated by the lack of opportunities right now,” one quote read. “Wage growth fell to a new five-year low and is being wiped out entirely by inflation.”

SEE ALSO:

NBC New York: U.S.-Canada trade war further taxes small businesses struggling with rising costs (9/26/26)
25 News KXXV: Local beef producer warns rising costs are hitting ranchers and shoppers at the dinner table (9/30/26)
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: The Impact of Tariffs on American Businesses