Vice President Mike Pence visits Rochester to talk tax cuts

ROCHESTER, Mich. (WJBK) - The vice president came to southeast Michigan talking tax reform and showing support for Attorney General Bill Schuette's campaign for governor.

Mike Pence was in Rochester speaking at a locally-owned construction company about President Trump's tax reform policies and how they're affecting Michigan businesses.

"Let me begin today by bringing greetings from that builder turned president, the 45th president of the United States of America, President Donald Trump," Pence said. "Just before Christmas President Trump signed the largest tax cuts and tax reform in American history. This economy, in Rochester and all across Michigan is responding."

But there was no mention of auto tariffs by Pence as this week Trump threatened to slap 25 percent tariffs on automobiles imported to the US from Canada and Mexico. 

That possibility has the industry here at home on high alert as it could slash sales. 

This trip was all about Trump tax cuts using construction company Rewold & Sons in Rochester as an example. 

"I am fired up, a lot of our company employees are here," said owner Frank Rewold. "Anytime you have the vice president come in and see something you are involved in, that is a really positive thing. I don't care who it is, and I think they are doing a good job."

Rewold's is a fourth-generation business and the owner says he is feeling the trickle down of those tax cuts and it is allowing him to expand his company build a whole new headquarters. 

"We've been hiring and more important than that, we doubled our profit sharing this year," Rewold said. "So that goes right back to the workers."

Pence took a tour of the new facility shaking hands and talking shop with contractors. 

Building contractor Craig Shook said the benefits of tax cuts are being felt.

"Absolutely in every which way," he said. "We are very busy. It was slow but now everything is picking up as far as wages going way up and more to take home."

About 20 protesters were seen outside the event in downtown Rochester.

But Pence points toward the economic turnaround, that it is proof that what is happening in Washington is working in Rochester.

"This economy is reviving," Pence said. "Because of the tax cuts and the economic changes that are encouraging American businesses large and small to invest in American workers once again."