Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, representing Virginia’s 4th district since 2023, has shared insights on the economic challenges faced by small businesses in her region. Her recent tweets highlight issues ranging from increased costs to funding cuts affecting various sectors.
On May 9, 2025, McClellan tweeted about a Petersburg bookstore experiencing higher costs for books sourced from Canada. The store also faced cancellations of two bulk orders from schools due to funding cuts. Additionally, she noted that a Richmond bridal shop owner reported an increase in the cost of wedding gowns made in China, with prices rising between $225 and $800. “A Petersburg bookstore sees higher costs on books from its Canadian supplier and had two bulk orders from schools canceled due to funding cuts. A Richmond bridal shop owner says most wedding gowns are made in China, and the cost of each gown has gone up between $225 and $800.”
In another tweet posted on the same day, McClellan addressed the impact of funding freezes or cuts under the Trump Administration on over 400 small business child care providers between Hanover and Emporia. She expressed concerns regarding potential Medicaid cuts affecting health care providers. “Many child care and health care providers are small businesses. Over 400 small business child care between Hanover and Emporia have been impacted by funding freezes or cuts under the Trump Administration. Health care providers are worried about Medicaid cuts impacting their”
Further highlighting economic difficulties, McClellan tweeted about a Richmond clean farm wine shop facing increased wine costs alongside reduced consumer purchases. Similarly, a Richmond restaurant owner reported rising expenses for liquor, beer, wine, food, and equipment while experiencing decreased patronage due to economic uncertainty. “A Richmond clean farm wine shop has seen the cost of wine go up and fewer folks buying wine. A Richmond restaurant owner has seen the cost of liquor, beer, wine, food and equipment go up and fewer people eating out because of the uncertainty over the economy.”
Jennifer McClellan was born in Petersburg in 1972 and currently resides in Richmond. She holds a BA from the University of Richmond (1994) and a JD from the University of Virginia (1997). Before serving in Congress, she was part of Virginia’s House of Delegates (2006-2017) and Senate.
