TUESDAY: As Holidays Approach, Eau Claire Small Businesses Hold Roundtable on Their Economic Challenges

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

TUESDAY: As Holidays Approach, Eau Claire Small Businesses Hold Roundtable on Their Economic Challenges

Clara Serrano to join area small business owners and Opportunity Wisconsin to discuss tariffs and the war in Iran driving up costs

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – On Tuesday, Opportunity Wisconsin will host a roundtable with Eau Claire small business owners and local leaders to discuss the economic challenges they are facing heading into the holidays as tariffs and the war in Iran continue to drive up costs and make it harder for them to succeed. 

For months, small business owners have struggled as costly tariffs and the war in Iran have driven up costs and threatened their bottom line. Congressman Derrick Van Orden voted in support of tariffs and the war in Iran. Tariffs aren't abstract policy — they're hitting local businesses hard. Not only that, the war in Iran is driving up gas and diesel prices, which is having ripple effects throughout the economy. Costs are up, and customers, squeezed by the same rising prices, are cutting back on everything from their holiday gift budgets to restaurant visits to travel.

Small business owners will share more about the challenges they're facing and be available to answer questions from the media following the discussion. 

WHO:

• Clara Serrano, Eau Claire City Council Member

• Small business owners from the Eau Claire area, including representatives from Thai Orchid Restaurant, Eau Claire Outdoors, YASS Boutique

• Opportunity Wisconsin

WHEN: Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 10:00 AM

WHERE: Eau Claire WI, exact location available upon RSVP

RSVP: Media interested in covering the event should RSVP to press@opportunitywisconsin.org.

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SATURDAY: Opportunity Wisconsin Hosts Free Concert Highlighting Affordability Concerns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

SATURDAY: Opportunity Wisconsin Hosts Free Concert Highlighting Affordability Concerns

Soggy Prairie to headline “Turn Up the Volume, Turn Down the Costs” 

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Saturday night Opportunity Wisconsin will host “Turn Up the Volume, Turn Down the Costs,” a free concert, headlined by bluegrass band Soggy Prairie to shed light on the ongoing affordability crisis Wisconsinites are experiencing.

Families across the Chippewa Valley continue to face mounting daily costs. From soaring gas prices due to the war in Iran to out of control grocery bills and the rising cost of everyday essentials due to tariffs– families are feeling the strain. Representative Derrick Van Orden voted six times to support the war and in support of Trump’s tariffs.  

This event is free, and donations of canned food items to Opportunity Wisconsin’s Fill the Gap Winter Essentials Drive are encouraged to help our neighbors in need as winter approaches. A drink ticket will be provided for a donation of a non-perishable food item.

Turn Up the Volume, Turn Down the Costs Concert

WHEN

Saturday, October 24

6:00 PM-8:00PM

WHERE

Acoustic Cafe 

505 S. Barstow Street 

Eau Claire, WI 54701

MEDIA RSVP

Media interested in covering the show should RSVP to press@opportunitywisconsin.org.

PUBLIC RSVP

Public RSVP here

ICYMI: September Consumer Price Index Report Shows 3.7 Percent Inflation Increase Over Last Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

ICYMI: September Consumer Price Index Report Shows 3.7 Percent Inflation Increase Over Last Year

Report comes as high energy costs from the war in Iran are driving up prices in nearly all consumer categories for Wisconsinites

MADISON, Wis. — In case you missed it, soaring gas and diesel prices due to the Iran war are continuing to ripple through the economy, with the latest Consumer Price Index report showing a 3.7 percent inflation rate over last year. The high prices are taking their toll on Wisconsinites, with Moody’s Analytics estimating that the war has cost the average American household an extra $2,000. Representative Derrick Van Orden voted to continue the war six times. Read more below. 

NBC News: Inflation jumps to 3.7% as gas and diesel prices squeeze consumers ahead of the midterms

The newest Consumer Price Index report shows that inflation rose 3.7 percent over the last year, with nearly every consumer category being impacted. People are paying more for housing costs, clothing, and food from restaurants. The main driver of the price increases is the Iran war, which is ratcheting up energy costs. In the first seven months of 2026, Wisconsin households spent $114 more on electricity than they did in the first seven months of 2024.

• “‘The index for gasoline rose 9.1 percent in September, accounting for over half of the monthly all items increase,’ the BLS wrote in its report.”

• “Since August, oil prices have risen to more than $106 per barrel from about $80. The price of unleaded gas, which most consumers use, has risen 45% since late February, when the United States and Israel launched the Iran war. The price of diesel, which powers businesses, farms, the shipping industry and other critical sectors, has soared 70% over the same period.”

• “As early voting kicks off this week, the data also comes at a precarious moment for Republicans defending majorities in the House and the Senate. Polls consistently find that inflation and the high cost of living are top issues this year for voters in both parties.”

The Hill: Iran war costing US households average of $2K each: Moody’s

New estimates from Moody’s Analytics are putting an actual price tag on the impacts of the war in Iran: $2,000 extra for the average American household – so far. The estimates show that the most significant contributor to the extra cost is rising gas and diesel prices. People across Wisconsin have spent an additional $2 billion on gas since the beginning of the war, which translates to an additional $857 in gas costs for households.

• “‘Consider that the war’s costs taken together have absorbed about half the average American household’s income gain over the past eight months,’ Zandi wrote on social platform X. ‘No wonder the war is so unpopular.’”

• “Zandi wrote that energy prices are the most significant contributor to rising costs. A gallon of gasoline costs $4.34, up from $2.98 a gallon before the conflict started, CNN reported. The average cost of diesel is close to $5.8 per gallon, up from $3.1 a year ago, according to AAA.”

• “‘Altogether, that comes to close to $1,100 per household, paid at the pump and in the higher cost of everything that moves by truck or plane,’ Zandi wrote.”

“Wisconsin families are being squeezed from all sides as inflation rates soar. The war in Iran is driving up energy prices and has cost households an extra $2,000,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Rep. Van Orden voted to support the Iran war. We’re now seeing how disastrous the war’s impacts are for our communities. As prices continue to go up, Wisconsinites are paying the price.”

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ICYMI: Soaring Diesel Prices Impacting City, School Budgets in Western Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

ICYMI: Soaring Diesel Prices Impacting City, School Budgets in Western Wisconsin

As diesel prices skyrocket, the ripple effects are being felt in every part of our communities, from emergency vehicles to buses

MADISON, Wis. — In case you missed it, rising diesel prices are continuing to impact Wisconsinites’ daily lives. As prices soar, critical services communities depend on – like emergency services and schools – are seeing their budgets pushed to the limits as they crunch the numbers on filling the tanks of fire trucks, ambulances, and school buses with diesel. Read more below.

Eau Claire Leader-Telegram: Budget concerns grow as diesel prices surge in Wisconsin

The Eau Claire Leader-Telegram reported surging diesel and gas prices are stretching city budgets in Chippewa Falls. Fire and EMS vehicles run on diesel, and the soaring prices are far exceeding what was originally budgeted, as diesel prices nearly doubled in the last year, due to the war in Iran.

• “Fire & EMS Chief Brian Tonnancour said there isn’t much they can do about spiking diesel prices, which have reached $6.62 per gallon on average in the state, according to AAA. One year ago, the average diesel price in Wisconsin was $3.51 per gallon. The city’s four ambulances and three main fire trucks all run on diesel.”

WEAU: Record fuel prices strain western Wisconsin school districts

School districts are also seeing their budgets strained due to skyrocketing diesel prices and the need to keep school buses running for getting students to and from school as well as for field trips and extracurriculars. WEAU reported the Osseo-Fairchild School District anticipates an additional $7,000 to $10,000 in fuel costs for their next bulk diesel purchase. Because of the rising diesel costs due to the war with Iran, the school district is also seeing increasing prices in other essentials they need for their students, like food for student meals and supplies.

• “The district anticipates an increase of $7,000 to $10,000 in fuel costs alone for the upcoming purchase, according to Superintendent Lori Whelan. Under Wisconsin law, public school districts are required to provide transportation for all eligible students residing within their boundaries, including those attending private schools.”

• “‘We have a set amount of money for the year that we budget,’ Whelan said. ‘We typically try to budget a little bit higher in our transportation so we have some cushion. But we are not only seeing the effects in our transportation costs — we will be seeing it in the food that we have to purchase for our meals that we serve our children and any other supplies.’”

• “Because federal and state funding has not kept pace with inflation, Whelan noted that many Wisconsin districts have increasingly turned to operational referendums to absorb rising overhead. To offset the fuel surge without affecting classroom instruction, Osseo-Fairchild plans to reduce external travel for staff development, cut back on substitute teacher needs, and actively apply for supplementary grants.”

“The war with Iran is driving up gas and diesel prices, and we’re not only feeling the pain at the pump – it’s impacting everything in our lives.” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Rep. Derrick Van Orden voted to support this war. Now, we’re seeing ripple effects on our schools, our emergency services, and our other essentials, which are harming western Wisconsinites.”

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Rep. Jodi Emerson, Opportunity Wisconsin, Climate Power Wisconsin Launch “Fill the Gap Winter Essentials Drive” to Support Eau Claire Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

Rep. Jodi Emerson, Opportunity Wisconsin, Climate Power Wisconsin Launch “Fill the Gap Winter Essentials Drive” to Support Eau Claire Families

Community comes together as costly tariffs and steep cuts to critical programs including energy assistance, healthcare, and SNAP force costs higher

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Rep. Jodi Emerson joined Opportunity Wisconsin, Climate Power Wisconsin, and local Eau Claire residents to launch the “Fill the Gap Winter Essentials Drive” to support families struggling to afford necessities. With temperatures dropping and the cost of fuel to heat homes rising, many families are forced to make tough budget decisions, including how to pay for winter necessities.

“People are feeling really, really squeezed… so I am really excited when there are groups that get together like this to help fill the need,” said Rep. Jodi Emerson. “Let's help our neighbors make sure that they stay warm and help them fill that gap so that they can turn on the heat so that their pipes don't freeze, so that they don't have a bigger expense of home improvement costs that they can't afford as well. We're out there and we hear their stories.”

“Costs keep rising, specifically because tariffs have made everyday goods more expensive. The war in Iran means diesel prices are rising. It's becoming more and more expensive to afford the things that we need, to go where we're going, and to heat our homes. We've seen cuts to healthcare funding, SNAP benefits, and even energy assistance. The result is that parents are making impossible choices. They're asking, do I get coats for my kids or do I pay for groceries?” said Ethan Reed, Eau Claire regional organizer with Opportunity Wisconsin. 

The winter essentials drive comes as Wisconsin families continue to face mounting daily costs. Republicans in Congress, including Rep. Derrick Van Orden, have cut funding for healthcare, energy assistance, and SNAP benefits, while tariffs and the war in Iran have driven up the cost of everyday goods—including winter essentials. 

Specific items needed for the winter essentials drive include: hand warmers, toe warmers, rain ponchos, sleeping bags, tarps, personal care items, food, and drinks. Donations can be dropped off at Acoustic Cafe and will benefit Sojourner House in Eau Claire. The “Fill the Gap Winter Essentials Drive” will run until November 2. 

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Opportunity Wisconsin wraps up back-to-school supply drives as rising costs squeeze Wisconsin families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

Opportunity Wisconsin wraps up back-to-school supply drives as rising costs squeeze Wisconsin families

Drives in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Kenosha collected supplies for local students as tariffs and Republican health care cuts stretch family budgets thin

MADISON, Wis. — Opportunity Wisconsin last week wrapped up back-to-school supply drives in La Crosse, Eau Claire, Kenosha, and Mt. Pleasant, collecting over 100 backpacks, and dozens of school supplies, snacks, and other materials for local students as families across the state struggle with rising costs driven by tariffs and Republican cuts to health care.

The drives, run in partnership with Climate Power, Americans for Healthy Families, the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), and the Eau Claire Hmong PTA, collected pencils, pens, notebooks, backpacks, and other classroom essentials at drop-off locations across all three communities. Community members stepped up throughout August to help ease the burden on families struggling with back-to-school costs, after months of paying more at the checkout thanks to policies backed by Reps. Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden.

Back-to-school shopping has grown noticeably more expensive this year. Back-to-school supplies saw an average price increase of 7.3% because of Republican-backed tariffs, with the cost of some essential items climbing even higher. On top of higher costs for these items, the Republican Tax Law has also sent healthcare costs soaring, forcing families to pay more of their hard-earned money for coverage and care.

Last week the challenges of back-to-school season were apparent as Opportunity Wisconsin hosted a roundtable where parents, educators, and local lawmakers gathered to discuss the rising cost of school supplies and its strain on family budgets.

"No parent should have to choose between buying their kid a backpack and paying their health insurance premium, but that's the reality Republicans in Congress have created for families across Wisconsin," said Meghan Roh, Program Director of Opportunity Wisconsin. "We're proud of every community member who showed up this month to help lighten that load, but generosity shouldn't have to fill the gap left by Republicans' own policy choices."

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ICYMI: Onalaska roundtable addresses rising back-to-school costs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

ICYMI: Onalaska roundtable addresses rising back-to-school costs

Parents, educators and State Rep. Tara Johnson said families are being squeezed by rising costs as Congress fails to act

ONALASKA, Wis. — In case you missed it, yesterday Opportunity Wisconsin, Family Friendly WI, and Americans for Healthy Families hosted a roundtable in Onalaska, where parents, educators and State Rep. Tara Johnson discussed the rising cost of getting kids back to school and the toll federal Republican policy is taking on family budgets. Participants discussed how tariffs are driving up costs on everyday supplies, and parents described the broader financial strain of preparing children for the school year.

Recent reports show that school supply costs have increased 8 percent since last year. Parents and educators shared firsthand how those rising costs are affecting their families and classrooms, even as Rep. Van Orden and Republicans in Congress push policies that squeeze household budgets further.

News 8000 (WKBT): "Onalaska roundtable addresses rising back-to-school costs"

• Parents, school staff and elected officials gathered in Onalaska Tuesday for a back-to-school roundtable focused on rising costs and uncertainty linked to federal cuts.
   

• "'A lot of times it is just bottled ideas or tweets in the wind, and I really believe that we all have a responsibility to take care of children,” said Sydney Grimes, a parent of an Onalaska student.
   

• Reports show back-to-school shopping costs have increased 8% since last year.

WIZM: "From parents to lawmakers, concern about rising school costs is discussed at an Onalaska roundtable"

• Sending kids to public schools in Wisconsin means more families are under a strain to pay for all the supplies that students need.
   

• State Rep Tara Johnson and the group Opportunity Wisconsin have called on Congress to find ways to reduce the cost of supplies…mainly by reducing Republican-sponsored tariffs. Johnson spoke in Onalaska Tuesday, at a news conference blaming GOP leadership for contributing to price increases. She says for entry into school, kids need physicals, and if you pay a high deductible, “your out-of-pocket (expenses) for five kids would be hundreds and hundreds of dollars, at a minimum.”
   

• Long-time La Crosse teachers union leader John Havlicek says critics of programs such as school lunch don’t seem to have empathy for families that struggle. “There’s some kind of a judgement mentality on people’s part, that if you can’t afford lunch, that’s your fault,” says Havlicek.

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Van Orden refuses to participate in La Crosse and Eau Claire town hall meetings this week to answer questions from constituents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

Van Orden refuses to participate in La Crosse and Eau Claire town hall meetings this week to answer questions from constituents

Van Orden’s staff refuses the invitation, writing, “I’m genuinely sorry that so much of your time and energy seems to revolve around hating my Derrick.”

LA CROSSE and EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Congressman Derrick Van Orden has officially declined an invitation from constituents to appear at in-person town hall meetings this week in La Crosse and Eau Claire, refusing to answer for the cost his votes in Congress have placed on working families across Western Wisconsin. Opportunity Wisconsin, local lawmakers, and community leaders will still host the event to give his constituents an opportunity to speak out.

In an email exchange in response to the invitation, Congressman Van Orden’s communications director accused organizations inviting him to the event of “Derrick Derangement Syndrome” and closed the email by saying, “I’m genuinely sorry that so much of your time and energy seems to revolve around hating my Derrick.”

"Congressman Van Orden could have put Wisconsin families first, instead, he has voted time and again for policies that are sending costs higher and making it tougher for them to afford basic necessities," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "Because of his votes on tariffs, an endless war, and on a tax law that cuts health care and takes food from working people to give more tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy, families are paying thousands more each year. He owes constituents an answer, but is once again hiding behind insults instead of being honest about his record."

Van Orden has voted for costly tariffs that are driving up everyday costs, voted to continue the ongoing war in Iran, and backed the Republican Tax Law that showered billionaires and big corporations with tax breaks while gutting Medicaid and food assistance. These votes have left the average American family paying a Republican Price Tag of roughly $3,500 a year — in higher grocery, gas, healthcare, and everyday costs.

Van Orden has repeatedly refused to hold in-person town halls as a member of Congress. Wednesday's invitation gives him a direct opportunity to answer for the Republican Price Tag Wisconsin families are paying because of decisions made in Washington.
Members of the public who are interested in attending may RSVP here for La Crosse and here for Eau Claire.

La Crosse Town Hall

WHO:
Congressman Derrick Van Orden (declined)
State Rep. Tara Johnson
Opportunity Wisconsin
Community Action Wisconsin
Climate Power
Family Friendly Wisconsin
Main Street Action
Protect Our Care
Committee To Protect Healthcare
Americans for Good Policy 

WHEN: Tuesday, August 25th, 4:30 PM

WHERE: La Crosse Public Library, Main Level Auditorium (Auditorium A), 800 Main St, La Crosse, WI

RSVP: Media interested in covering the town hall should RSVP to press@opportunitywisconsin.org.

Eau Claire Town Hall

WHO:
Congressman Derrick Van Orden (declined)
Opportunity Wisconsin
Community Action Wisconsin
Climate Power
Family Friendly Wisconsin
Main Street Action
Protect Our Care
Committee To Protect Healthcare
Americans for Good Policy

WHEN: Wednesday, August 26th, 6:00 PM

WHERE: Menomonie Market Food Co-op, 206 N Barstow St., Eau Claire

RSVP: Media interested in covering the town hall should RSVP to press@opportunitywisconsin.org. 
 

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