Will the Penny's Demise Shake Victor Valley Businesses? Trump's Move Sparks Debate

Victor Valley businesses could soon feel the ripple effects of a bold economic proposal—former President Donald Trump's push to stop minting pennies. The move aims to cut wasteful government spending, but local entrepreneurs are divided on whether it will help or hurt their bottom line.

Why the Penny Could Disappear

Pennies cost more to produce than they're worth—nearly 2.1 cents per coin in 2023. Trump has long argued that eliminating them would:

• Save taxpayers an estimated $100+ million annually
• Reduce reliance on zinc (a metal mostly imported from China)
• Simplify cash transactions for small businesses

Victor Valley Business Impact

Local reactions reveal stark contrasts:

1. Retailers: "Rounding to the nearest nickel will speed up checkout lines," says Hesperia convenience store owner Mark Rivera.
2. Charities: Penny drives at schools and nonprofits might collapse without the symbolic coin.
3. Cash-heavy businesses: Tattoo parlors and laundromats worry about "psychological pricing" ($9.99 becoming $10).

The Psychological Factor

Behavioral economists warn that removing pennies could:

• Increase perceived costs for budget-conscious shoppers
• Accelerate cashless payment adoption
• Change tipping habits in diners and salons

What Do You Think?

• Is this government overreach or common-sense cost-cutting?
• Would you spend more if prices rounded up?
• Should the U.S. follow Canada's lead after they ditched pennies in 2012?
• Could this disproportionately hurt low-income families?
• Are we witnessing the death of cash transactions?

Breaking Now News will continue tracking this developing story.