100 Days Later: Congressmen Van Orden and Steil Continue To Back Trump-Backed Cuts and Policies That Are Raising Prices for Working Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
CONTACT: PRESS@OPPORTUNITYWISCONSIN.ORG


100 Days Later: Congressmen Van Orden and Steil Continue To Back Trump-Backed Cuts and Policies That Are Raising Prices for Working Families


MADISON, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement marking the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term:

“Over the past 100 days Wisconsin working families have continued to ask President Trump and Republicans in Congress to focus on policies that lower prices and give them the resources they need to succeed. Instead, Trump and Republicans like Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil have doubled down on harmful cuts to hard-earned benefits—like Medicaid and SNAP— in an all-out effort to secure new tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations. From tariffs that are raising costs on everyday items and crushing small businesses to a disastrous budget outline that will force cuts to health care, food assistance, and more, Wisconsin working families and seniors are facing high prices with fewer resources and more uncertainty about the future. From La Crosse to Racine, we’ve hosted events where Wisconsinites have spoken out in record numbers to demand better from their elected officials. Some even traveled all the way to Washington, D.C. to make their voices heard. Over the next 100 days, we urge Van Orden and Steil to reject harmful cuts to health care and food assistance to pay for tax handouts to the rich and support working families instead.”

Over the past 100 days, Wisconsinites have joined Opportunity Wisconsin in speaking out against these harmful cuts and devastating policies, including:


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TUESDAY: Congressman Mark Pocan joins La Crosse town hall meeting as Congressman Derrick Van Orden continues to dodge in-person town halls

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org


TUESDAY: Congressman Mark Pocan joins La Crosse town hall meeting as Congressman Derrick Van Orden continues to dodge in-person town halls

Pocan will answer questions about harmful cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security and more as Republicans in Congress continue to advance cuts in order to fund tax breaks for the ultra-rich


LA CROSSE, Wis. – On Tuesday, Congressman Mark Pocan will join an in-person town hall meeting in La Crosse, hosted by Opportunity Wisconsin and a coalition of grassroots groups, to answer questions from Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s constituents as their own member of Congress continues to dodge in-person town hall meetings. Van Orden was also invited to attend by Opportunity Wisconsin grassroots leaders, but declined to even accept the invitation. 

“We’re grateful that Congressman Pocan is willing to have an open and direct conversation with Wisconsinites about the harmful cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and more that Republicans in Congress continue to pursue just to pay for tax breaks for billionaires and corporations,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Many families across the state are worried about how these devastating cuts would make everyday life more difficult by cutting services and increasing costs. We hope Congressman Van Orden changes his mind and is also willing to show up and have an honest conversation with the people he’s supposed to represent.”

The town hall will take place on Tuesday, April 22nd, beginning at 5:00 PM. Members of the public can RSVP online to attend.

THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT TOWN HALL WITH REP. MARK POCAN

WHO
Congressman Mark Pocan
Opportunity Wisconsin
Main Street Alliance
Climate Power
Protect Our Care
Working Families Power
Family Friendly Wisconsin
Committee to Protect Health Care

WHEN
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025
5 - 7 PM

WHERE
Cappella Performing Arts Center
721 King St, La Crosse, WI

RSVP
Media interested in attending should RSVP to press@opportunitywisconsin.org. 

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TAX DAY: Reps. Steil and Van Orden must start prioritizing working Wisconsin families over tax breaks for the ultra-rich

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org


TAX DAY: Reps. Steil and Van Orden must start prioritizing working Wisconsin families over tax breaks for the ultra-rich

Wisconsinites file taxes today just after Republicans in Congress approved budget resolution that paves the way for devastating cuts to Medicaid and other critical programs in order to pay for new tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations
 

MADISON, WI – As Wisconsinites file their tax returns today, many big corporations and the wealthiest Americans are poised to strike it rich if Representatives Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden get their way.

On the heels of meeting with Rep. Van Orden in Washington, DC last week, Eau Claire community members gathered on Tax Day to highlight how the Republican tax plan benefits the wealthy at the expense of working families.

Last week, Congressional Republicans advanced a budget resolution that paves the way for $1.5 trillion in cuts in order to pay for new tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has previously said the plan would force cuts to Medicaid or Medicare and other essential programs. Wisconsin’s entire Republican congressional delegation, including Reps. Van Orden and Steil, voted in favor of the resolution.

“Wisconsinites work hard, play by the rules, and pay their fair share. But too many big corporations and the ultra-rich get to play by a different set of rules that let them off the hook when it comes to paying their fair share of taxes, costing us trillions and forcing working families to pick up the slack,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Wisconsinites are already paying the price as extreme cuts by Elon Musk’s DOGE are eroding access to services our families and communities depend on. Now, Congress is set to inflict even more damage by advancing a budget resolution that will force disastrous cuts to programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and more – just so they can fund massive tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations. If Congressmen Steil and Van Orden want to help Wisconsin families succeed, rejecting these devastating cuts is the right thing to do.”

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Steil and Van Orden constituents visit Washington D.C. to demand congressmen fight for working families over tax breaks for the ultra-rich

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org


Steil and Van Orden constituents visit Washington D.C. to demand congressmen fight for working families over tax breaks for the ultra-rich

Visit comes after Congress approves budget resolution that will force devastating cuts to Medicaid and other critical programs in order to pay for new tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations


WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Wisconsinites from the 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts visited Washington D.C. to ask their members of Congress directly to prioritize working families and seniors instead of continuing an all-out push to cut programs they depend on.

Grassroots advocates and community leaders with Opportunity Wisconsin traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with their members of Congress and ask them to oppose devastating cuts that will raise costs and make it harder for Wisconsin families and communities to succeed. Participants also joined Fair Share America for a rally in front of the Capitol, calling out the continued push by President Trump and Republicans in Congress to give new tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations instead of delivering relief to those who need it most.

Yesterday, Congressional Republicans advanced a budget resolution, which will force $1.5 trillion in cuts, a move the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office previously said would force cuts to Medicaid and other essential programs. Wisconsin’s entire Republican congressional delegation, including Reps. Van Orden and Steil, voted in favor of the resolution.

Wisconsinites visiting Washington D.C. spoke out against yesterday’s vote for dangerous cuts to programs:

Oliver Winn, Eau Claire: “We’re in Washington D.C. because we’re tired of Republicans in Congress coming after programs that help our most vulnerable family members and neighbors succeed – all in an effort to give more to those who are well-off. Whether it’s making sure healthcare programs are affordable and accessible or protecting access to nutrition assistance to ensure everyone is able to put food on their table, it’s time for our elected officials to fight with us, not stand by while programs his constituents depend on are torn down. During our meeting yesterday, Congressman Van Orden made a commitment to me that he would not make cuts to these critical programs. As a Medicaid beneficiary who also relies on SNAP, his track record leaves me skeptical that he will follow through on that commitment and we will continue to hold him accountable as this process moves forward.”

LuAnn Bird, Hales Corner: “My family is already witnessing what happens when Republicans in Congress refuse to stand up to harmful cuts. My paralyzed husband put his life on the line in Vietnam.  He is completely bed bound now and he depends on the VA to keep him alive. All of his spinal cord doctors and nurses were offered a buyout with no guarantee that their jobs would be there in the future. Now his life is on the line again but this time from the Trump administration. Even more Wisconsinites will suffer unless Congressman Steil starts standing up for us and opposes even more devastating cuts while supporting tax breaks for the wealthy.  It's time for Congress to get back to the basics and fight for our working families, seniors, and veterans.”

Dr. Donn Dexter, Eau Claire: “I’ve spent more than three decades as a doctor working to keep patients healthy and thriving. That’s a mission that becomes even harder as Congress cuts programs like Medicaid and cuts back on lifesaving research that has the power to transform how we treat and prevent diseases. These shortsighted cuts are dangerous and detrimental to public health. It’s time for Congress to protect access to affordable medical care, not raise costs and shutter successful programs.”

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House of Representatives set to move on budget resolution that includes cuts to key programs and gives Trump a green light to keep tariffs in place

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

House of Representatives set to move on budget resolution that includes cuts to key programs and gives Trump a green light to keep tariffs in place

Opportunity Wisconsin calls on Republicans in Congress, including Reps. Van Orden and Steil, to vote no on dangerous blueprint that will raise costs and threaten programs


MADISON, Wis. – This afternoon, the House of Representatives is set to vote on a rule and budget resolution which not only could force steep cuts to programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and more, it also eliminates the power of Congress to end President Trump’s harmful tariffs.

Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement calling on Republicans to reject this proposal:

“Today, Wisconsinites are already paying the price as extreme cuts are eroding access to services our families and communities depend on. Now, Congress is set to inflict even more damage by advancing a budget resolution that will force disastrous cuts to programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and more – just so they can fund massive tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations. The proposed resolution also goes even further and gives up Congress’ own power to override President Trump’s harmful tariffs that are wreaking havoc on our economy and forcing working families to pay more for everyday items. If Congressmen Steil and Van Orden want to help Wisconsin families succeed, voting no on this resolution is the right thing to do.”
 

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ICYMI: Cuts to Social Security administration lead to website crashes, long wait times, and unanswered calls

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org


ICYMI: Cuts to Social Security administration lead to website crashes, long wait times, and unanswered calls

“What’s going on is the destruction of the agency from the inside out, and it’s accelerating”


MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, multiple reports detail how reckless cuts by the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE are making it tougher for seniors to access their Social Security benefits. With cuts to key systems, phone calls are going unanswered, wait times are increasing, and the website has crashed multiple times – all delaying benefits for those who have already paid into the system.

“The reckless cuts from President Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE are hurting seniors and tearing down the Social Security system that so many Wisconsinites depend on,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden like to say they believe in protecting Social Security, but their refusal to speak out against Trump and Musk and these disastrous cuts shows what they really believe. While critical programs are being dismantled and set up to fail, Republicans in Congress are still pushing more massive tax breaks to the ulta-rich and big corporations – it’s time for them to prioritize working families and seniors instead.”
 

Wall Street Journal: Dealing With Social Security Is Heading From Bad to Worse

  • The federal agency that administers Social Security benefits is facing a customer-service mess.

  • The Social Security Administration is cutting staff, restricting what recipients can do over the phone and closing some local field offices that help people in person. The number of retirees claiming benefits has risen in recent years as baby boomers age.

  • Few federal agencies reach as far into Americans’ lives as the Social Security Administration, which delivers a monthly check to some 70 million people. Many fear that the changes, part of President Trump’s push to overhaul the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency, are eroding confidence in the nearly 90-year-old program.

  • Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in a recent podcast interview that if Social Security checks were hypothetically delayed, it might catch those guilty of fraud because they would make “the loudest noise screaming, yelling and complaining.”

  • Starting March 31, people who want to file for retirement, survivor or disability benefits or change their direct deposit information can no longer complete the process by phone, the agency said Tuesday. Instead they must do so online or at a field office.

  • The agency said it is stopping phone claims as part of an effort to reduce fraud and strengthen identity-proofing procedures. The Social Security agency has estimated that improper payments represent 0.3% of total benefits. 

Washington Post: Long waits, waves of calls, website crashes: Social Security is breaking down

  • The Social Security Administration website crashed four times in 10 days this month because the servers were overloaded, blocking millions of retirees and disabled Americans from logging in to their online accounts. In the field, office managers have resorted to answering phones in place of receptionists because so many employees have been pushed out. Amid all this, the agency no longer has a system to monitor customer experience because that office was eliminated as part of the cost-cutting efforts led by Elon Musk.

  • The federal agency that delivers $1.5 trillion a year in earned benefits to 73 million retired workers, their survivors, and poor and disabled Americans is engulfed in crisis — further undermining the already struggling organization’s ability to provide reliable and quick service to vulnerable customers, according to internal documents and more than two dozen current and former agency employees and officials, customers and others who interact with Social Security.

  • “What’s going on is the destruction of the agency from the inside out, and it’s accelerating,” Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) said in an interview. “I have people approaching me all the time in their 70s and 80s, and they’re beside themselves. They don’t know what’s coming.”

  • But current and former officials, advocates and others who interact with the agency — many of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution — said Social Security has been damaged even further by the rapid cuts and chaos of Trump’s first two months in office. Many current and former officials fear that the push is part of a long-sought effort by conservatives to privatize all or part of the agency.

  • “They’re creating a fire to require them to come and put it out,” said one high-ranking official who took early retirement this month.

  • Depending on the time of day, a recorded message tells callers their wait on hold will last more than 120 minutes or 180 minutes. Some callers report being on hold for four or five hours. A callback function was available only three out of 12 times a Post reporter called the toll-free line last week, presumably because the queue that day was so long that the call would not be returned by close of business.

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ICYMI: While Rep. Van Orden hides from town hall meetings, constituents show up in Eau Claire to raise concerns about Medicaid, VA funding, education, and more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org


ICYMI: While Rep. Van Orden hides from town hall meetings, constituents show up in Eau Claire to raise concerns about Medicaid, VA funding, education, and more

Eau Claire town hall draws Van Orden’s constituents while he took screened questions via Zoom instead of facing the people he represents


EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Yesterday a packed room of Third District constituents showed up in Eau Claire with questions for Congressman Derrick Van Orden, who again dodged the opportunity to appear in-person and instead scheduled a competing registration-only virtual town hall where he took pre-screened questions instead.

Attendees showed up with important questions about proposed cuts to Medicaid, Social Security, education funding, and more, while Van Orden’s chair sat empty. Wisconsin Secretary of State and Eau Claire native Sarah Godlewski appeared as a special guest to hear the concerns of attendees and discuss these critical issues.

“Congressman Van Orden’s constituents deserve answers. Instead, they’ve been met with locked doors, canceled meetings, and insults lobbed at them from their congressman,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “It’s disappointing that Congressman Van Orden didn’t take this opportunity to meet with the people he’s supposed to represent and address the serious concerns they have about Medicaid, public education, Social Security, and so many other issues. We hope he’ll take time to listen to stories we collected at this event and work to help working families and seniors in his district succeed.”

Opportunity Wisconsin collected constituents’ questions at yesterday’s town hall and will share them with Van Orden’s office, along with a full recording of the event.

Here’s a look at what Van Orden’s constituents saw yesterday as their congressman refused to appear at the town hall:

WEAU

“Constituents in the 3rd Congressional District attended a town hall meeting in Eau Claireeau claire. The organizers say they invited Representative Derrick Van Orden. Van Orden did not attend the event . . . Constituents shared their concerns about topics including funding cuts for farming, the Department of Education, and Medicare and Medicaid. [Eau Claire Doctor Abby Nou]: ‘I'm really concerned about the proposed cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. I know the congressman has said that the budget that was approved doesn't include those cuts, but looking at it I'm concerned that's really the only thing that can be cut with the proposed legislation.’”

“Many speakers shared their frustration with Van Orden not attending, and in response they all lined up to share stories and say what they would have asked the congressman if he attended. [Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski]: ‘Well the people of Eau Claire and the people of the Third CD deserve answers when a representative votes on a bill to cut 1.5 trillion dollars and this money is going to impact essential services that western Wisconsinites rely on.’ [Attendee]: ‘He says well they're not, the budget is not going to cut Medicare or Medicaid, well I'd like to see that in writing that he's going to oppose any bill that cuts funding.’ [Attendee]: ‘My question for Mr. Van Orden is, where are you? and how can your constituents reach you?’”

“Well, the republican congressman, Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin is dodging in-person town halls, including one today in Eau Claire. But that didn't stop his constituents from showing up and demanding answers. [Attendee]: Elon Musk proposes to cut tens of thousands of jobs from the Veterans Administration. My question is, how is that going to improve services to veterans? [Attendee] I'm a college student here and I guessi guess my question for Derrick Van Orden is, will I have a future?” 

Executive order will dismantle the Department of Education and jeopardize public education for Wisconsin kids

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Executive order will dismantle the Department of Education and jeopardize public education for Wisconsin kids

Trump moves forward with education cuts to clear the way for major tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations

MADISON, Wis. –  This afternoon President Trump signed a new executive order, pushing forward a dangerous plan to further dismantle the Department of Education. This move could threaten funding for Wisconsin public schools, job training programs, and especially target educational opportunities for students with special needs.

“President Trump and Republicans in Congress are once again desperately searching for programs they can cut in order to fund more tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations. It’s shameful that they’re willing to jeopardize access to high-quality public education for Wisconsin kids in order to pay for more handouts to those at the very top,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Republicans in Congress, including Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, need to speak out against this announcement and work with their colleagues to protect resources for Wisconsin public schools.”


Last week in response to the Trump administration’s announcement that it was cutting the Department of Education staff in half, Wisconsin parents and educators were quick to speak out:

“Gutting federal support for public schools, all to pay for more tax breaks for those who are already well off, is just wrong. We should be supporting our public schools and working to ensure that everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable, have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education in their community.” - Teddy Sullivan, teaching student from Spring Valley, Wisconsin

“As a former Head Start teacher, I’ve had the privilege to see so many students succeed thanks to a quality public education. Every kid in Wisconsin deserves that same chance to learn, grow, and thrive. Gutting the Department of Education will hurt our schools and threaten our economic success. Congress needs to stand up to President Trump and ensure Wisconsin students have the support they need.” - Gwen Firmin, a former teacher from Kenosha

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