New billboards call out rising energy costs backed by Reps. Steil and Van Orden

More families will struggle to keep the heat on this winter as Republicans’ government shutdown delays heating assistance following steep cuts in the Republican Tax Law 

Billboards follow coat drive launched by Opportunity Wisconsin and local businesses to help Wisconsin families in need

MADISON, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin has launched new billboards calling out Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden for voting to raise utility costs for Wisconsin families as winter approaches. The billboards highlight how both members of Congress supported the Republican Tax Law that will increase energy bills for Wisconsin households, while the ongoing Republican government shutdown is also delaying heating assistance for those in need.

Wisconsin households are bracing for the impact of the Republican Tax Law, which will raise average annual energy costs by $95 per household by 2030 and $300 per household by 2035. In addition to increasing costs by removing tax credits for clean energy and energy-efficient home improvements, the Republican Tax Law will cut 760,000 jobs nationwide.

At the same time, the Trump administration has proposed eliminating heating assistance programs for low-income families entirely. Earlier this year, the administration even fired every staffer from the office that administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), threatening benefits for millions of households across the country. Now, the Republican government shutdown is also stalling federal LIHEAP payments to vulnerable families. 

"First, Congressmen Steil and Van Orden voted to raise energy bills for Wisconsin families and now the government shutdown they caused is threatening assistance as we head into the coldest months of the year," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "It's unconscionable to make it harder for families to keep the lights on and stay warm in the winter. Wisconsin families deserve representatives who will fight to lower their costs, not raise them."

Last week, Opportunity Wisconsin launched a coat drive in partnership with local businesses to support Wisconsin families as they face the prospect of higher energy bills, potential cuts to heating assistance, and increased costs on everyday necessities as a result of Republican-backed tariffs. 

From now until Christmas, gently used coats may be dropped off at Eau Claire Outdoors in Eau Claire (225 N Barstow St.), Public Brewing Company in Kenosha (628 58th St.), and La Taquiza restaurant in Mount Pleasant (2343 Mead St.). In exchange for their donation participants will receive a voucher that can be redeemed at local businesses.

The digital billboards began running today at locations in La Crosse, Racine, and Eau Claire.

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Groups give away Halloween costumes as families struggle with high costs from tariffs and Republican-backed cuts to SNAP, healthcare, and more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Groups give away Halloween costumes to kids as families struggle with high costs from tariffs and Republican-backed cuts to SNAP, healthcare, and more

Over 50 costumes distributed as families face rising costs and ongoing government shutdown

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin, Americans for Healthy Families, Family Friendly Wisconsin, and Working Families Power came together last week to give away Halloween costumes to local families, helping kids celebrate the holiday as costly tariffs and harmful cuts to Medicaid and SNAP continue to raise costs for Wisconsin families. Over 50 costumes were distributed to local children, with remaining costumes donated to local nonprofits.

The event came as families face mounting financial pressures because of President Trump and Republicans in Congress including Representatives Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil. Record-high tariffs are driving up costs on everyday items, including Halloween goods, with families expected to spend a record $114.45 per person this Halloween season—$11 more than last year. At the same time, Republican cuts to SNAP and Medicaid are forcing families to pay more out-of-pocket, while health care costs are set to spike as Republicans continue to keep the government shut down rather than extending health care tax credits.

"Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil, and Republicans in Washington shut down the government rather than reverse their disastrous cuts to Medicaid and SNAP or stop health care costs from spiking," said Ethan Reed, Opportunity Wisconsin Regional Organizer. "Wisconsin families are paying the price for Republicans' decision to prioritize tax breaks for billionaires over working people. As tariffs and harmful cuts send prices of everyday items soaring, too many families are paying the price. Events like this show what our community is made of, but families shouldn't have to rely on costume giveaways because their representatives in Congress refuse to do their jobs."

Eau Claire City Council Member Nate Otto, who attended the event Thursday, emphasized the importance of community support during difficult times. "It's wonderful to see neighbors coming together to make sure every kid can enjoy Halloween. Times are tough for a lot of families right now and knowing there are people and organizations willing to help makes a real difference. This is what community looks like."

TJ Atkins, Executive Director of The Community Table, a local Eau Claire nonprofit, highlighted the growing challenges facing families in the area. "We're seeing more and more families coming through our doors who are struggling to afford basic necessities like food," said Atkins. "The cuts to federal programs like SNAP are putting incredible strain on local organizations like ours, and families are making impossible choices every day. When people can't afford to put food on the table, something as simple as a Halloween costume becomes a luxury they just can't manage. That's why events like this matter so much—and why we need Congress to reverse these harmful cuts."

In Wisconsin, 110,000 people will lose health care coverage and 17,600 people will lose SNAP benefits as a result of the Republican Tax Law. Without action from Congress to extend health care tax credits, millions of Americans face an average 75% increase in their health insurance premiums starting in November.

Congressmen Van Orden and Steil have voted multiple times for President Trump’s costly tariffs and has refused to support a vote that will reopen the federal government and prevent healthcare costs from skyrocketing.
 

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“Don't Leave Wisconsinites Out In the Cold Coat Drive” Launches Wednesday to Support Wisconsin Families in Partnership With Local Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

“Don't Leave Wisconsinites Out In the Cold Coat Drive” Launches Wednesday to Support Wisconsin Families in Partnership With Local Businesses

As families struggle with rising costs from tariffs and Republican-backed cuts to energy assistance, healthcare and SNAP, organizers are collecting coats at three locations across the state, press events planned Wednesday

Tomorrow, Opportunity Wisconsin, Family Friendly Wisconsin, Climate Power Wisconsin, and local businesses across the state are launching the "Don't Leave Wisconsinites Out In the Cold Coat Drive" to support families struggling to afford necessities as costly tariffs and steep Republican-backed cuts to critical programs including energy assistance, healthcare and SNAP force costs higher. 

From Wednesday through Christmas, anyone who brings in a gently used coat to participating locations will also receive a voucher that may be redeemed at the participating business. Drop-off locations are Eau Claire Outdoors in Eau Claire (225 N Barstow St.), Public Brewing Company in Kenosha (628 58th St.), and La Taquiza restaurant in Mount Pleasant (2343 Mead St.).

The coat drive comes as Wisconsin families are being squeezed from all sides. Republicans in Congress, including Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil, have slashed funding for healthcare, heating assistance, and SNAP benefits, while tariffs have driven up the cost of everyday goods—including winter clothing. With temperatures dropping, many families are forced to make tough budget decisions, including how to pay for necessities like winter clothing.

"No family should have to decide between a winter coat and putting food on the table, yet that's exactly what's happening across Wisconsin," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "We're proud to partner with local businesses to help families stay warm this winter while supporting our communities."

Collected coats will be distributed to families in need through local organizations. Participants who donate will receive vouchers redeemable at the drop-off locations, supporting both families in need and Wisconsin small businesses.

With WIC funding in jeopardy, Wisconsin families demand Republicans end shutdown and address healthcare costs

After forcing a shutdown by refusing to stop healthcare costs from skyrocketing, Republicans are now threatening critical nutrition program for pregnant women and infants could run out of money within days

MADISON, Wis. – With funding for the WIC nutrition program on the verge of running out, Wisconsin families and community leaders are demanding that Congressional Republicans immediately reopen the government and take action to prevent skyrocketing healthcare costs.

Experts warn that funding for WIC—the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children—could expire as soon as this week, leaving more than 90,000 Wisconsinites in jeopardy of losing access to critical nutrition support. The program serves over 104,000 Wisconsin residents annually, including 38% of all babies born in the state, providing them with healthy food and formula. While contingency funding may bridge a temporary funding lapse, families and children deserve long-term funding for this essential program.

Republicans in Congress, including Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, forced the government to shut down last week after refusing to prevent massive increases to healthcare costs which will force premiums to increase by more than double for millions of Americans.

"Congressional Republicans forced a government shutdown by refusing to address skyrocketing healthcare costs while protecting tax breaks for billionaires. Now, pregnant women, new mothers, and babies across Wisconsin could pay the price," said Meghan Roh, Program Director at Opportunity Wisconsin. "Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden need to vote to reopen the government and keep healthcare costs low before more Wisconsin families get hurt.”

JoLee Boland, a Wisconsin mother of four, explained how WIC made it possible for her family to get by. "Even though it doesn't cover everything, WIC is the reason my family made it through. When you're trying to raise multiple kids on a tight budget, every bit of help matters. WIC didn't make us rich—it just made it possible for us to feed our children properly. If Congress lets WIC funding run out, families will face real hardship. They'll be making choices no parent should have to make—like whether to buy formula or pay a bill."

Dr. Abby La Nou, an emergency medicine physician in Eau Claire, warned of severe health consequences if WIC funding expires. “From a physician's perspective, access to proper nutrition in early childhood is absolutely critical for brain development and lifelong health. Support from programs like WIC is essential to support families, facing hardship, especially with rising prices. As a physician, I'm urging our representatives in Congress—including Congressmen Steil and Van Orden—to put the health and wellbeing of Wisconsin families first. That starts by funding WIC, extending the ACA tax credits and properly funding Medicaid.”

Wisconsinites gather to protest Republican shutdown and demand Congress act to lower health care costs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2025
CONTACT: PRESS@OPPORTUNITYWISCONSIN.ORG

Wisconsinites gather to protest Republican shutdown and demand Congress act to lower health care costs

As the ongoing shutdown threatens benefits and increases economic uncertainty, Congressmen Van Orden and Steil must vote to reopen the government and protect access to care

Earlier this week constituents of Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden gathered at their offices to demand they stop a government shutdown by voting to extend health care tax credits that help millions of Americans access care. 

By failing to act, Steil and Van Orden ignore the urgent health care crisis approaching, even as Wisconsinites receive notices that rates will increase dramatically ahead of the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period in November. Now, with the government shutdown continuing, Republicans in Congress owe constituents answers as access to services, including Social Security benefits, W.I.C., and more will be restricted in the coming days.

On Tuesday evening, constituents in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Saint Francis delivered a final plea to their congressmen.

News8000 reported on the gathering in La Crosse: “Local protesters gathered to voice their frustration with Washington lawmakers, demanding action to keep the government operational. ‘They need to get back to work and keep the government open. They're not in session... like go to work. Fix this,’ said Kristie Tweed, Health Care Action Coordinator for Citizen Action Wisconsin. A government shutdown would disrupt non-essential government services and suspend thousands of federal workers. The duration of any potential shutdown remains the critical factor in determining its impact on everyday Americans.

Also in Eau Claire, Harry Jedd spoke about the importance of health care coverage, saying, “the Affordable Care Act for young families and young married couples is necessary in order to keep them healthy. If a catastrophic illness was to hit someone, it could wipe them out financially and end up with them in bankruptcy. . . I don't think Derrick Van Orden or any of the Republicans are thinking about things like that.”

Local pediatrician Dr. John Perryman spoke outside Steil’s office in Saint Francis, saying, “look at people who get [health care tax credits]. It’s small business owners, you know it’s people who work for small businesses, people who are self-employed, farmers. That’s half of the people who get plans on the exchange and their premiums are going to go up, on average, 75 percent. Most of them are not going to be able to afford that.

With the government shutdown threatening the wellbeing of Wisconsin families and our economy – while new costly tariffs threaten to drive prices even higher for everyday items – it’s time for Republicans in Congress to reopen the government and protect access to health care. 

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New tariffs on pharmaceuticals, trucks, and furniture will drive up costs for small businesses and families as Republicans shut down government to avoid lowering health care costs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org 
 

New tariffs on pharmaceuticals, trucks, and furniture will drive up costs for small businesses and families as Republicans shut down government to avoid lowering health care costs 

After shutting down the government to avoid lowering health care costs, Republicans are set to implement new widespread tariffs that will hurt our economy even more

MADISON, Wis. – Republicans shut down the federal government because they refused to reverse Medicaid cuts or lower health care costs for Wisconsin working families. Now, even with the government shut down, Republicans are continuing to implement and collect tariff revenues that force higher costs on Wisconsin families and small businesses.

Last week, President Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on heavy-duty trucks, furniture including kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, and even a new 100% tariff on pharmaceutical products. New reports also suggest the administration is considering dramatic new tariffs on electronic devices manufactured overseas. 

The Trump Administration announced that tariff revenue would continue to be collected while the government is shuttered. That means families and small businesses will continue to face higher costs for everyday items, and could also face increased health care costs, reduced access to Social Security benefits, and uncertainty over critical federal programs as the shutdown drags on.

Wisconsin Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have voted repeatedly to protect Trump's tariffs while also voting for the Republican Tax Law that forced massive cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. Steil and Van Orden joined Republicans in forcing a government shutdown by refusing to prevent health care costs from increasing for millions of working families.

"Republicans just shut down the government because they refused to reverse Medicaid cuts or stop health care costs from skyrocketing for Wisconsin families," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "Now they're continuing to implement and collect tariffs that will drive costs even higher on everything from kitchen cabinets to prescription drugs. The government may be shut down, but Republicans are still finding ways to hurt small businesses and working families while protecting tax breaks for billionaires. Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden need to vote to roll back these job-killing tariffs and reopen the government by reversing Medicaid cuts and lowering health care costs for Wisconsin families."

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Republicans shut down federal government instead of lowering health care costs for working families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025
CONTACT: PRESS@OPPORTUNITYWISCONSIN.ORG 
 

Republicans shut down federal government instead of lowering health care costs for working families

While families are already struggling with high costs due to Republican-backed tariffs, and face cuts to health care and SNAP benefits, a government shutdown could further damage our economy

MADISON, Wis. – Congressional Republicans, including Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, have forced a government shutdown, risking further economic damage instead of acting to lower health care costs for working families. As families already struggle with high costs thanks to costly tariffs, and face cuts to SNAP and Medicaid thanks to the Republican Tax Law, the government shutdown will make it even more difficult for Wisconsinites to get ahead.

"Republicans, including Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, would rather shut down the government than make sure working families across Wisconsin can afford health care," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "Wisconsin families are struggling with high costs from Republican tariffs,and face cuts to their health care and food assistance—and this shutdown will only make things worse. Republicans need to stop playing political games, support plans to reverse their harmful health care cuts and prevent costs from rising even more, and reopen the government immediately."

The government shutdown comes after Republicans refused to address massive health care cost increases or prevent health insurance costs from rising, even as Wisconsinites are already receiving notices of higher premiums ahead of the ACA open enrollment period beginning in November. Without an extension of health care tax credits, millions of Americans will see their premiums rise by an average of 75 percent.

Earlier this year, Congressional Republicans, including Steil and Van Orden, passed a tax law that ripped health care away from 110,000 Wisconsinites and made drastic cuts to SNAP – forcing costs higher on necessities for many Wisconsin families. At the same time, Republican-backed tariffs are forcing costs higher on groceries and everyday items.

The shutdown could force millions of Americans to go without paychecks, delay Social Security and access to vital services for veterans', cut off nutrition assistance for pregnant women and young children through WIC, and make it even harder for families already struggling with high costs from Republican policies to make ends meet.

Wisconsinites are speaking out against the Republican-led shutdown and highlighting the real harm it could cause:

"Republicans chose to shut down the government rather than stop a health care cost crisis they created in the first place," said Jennifer Weinstein from Kenosha. "As a former teacher who depends on disability benefits, I know how crucial federal programs are for families across Wisconsin. By shutting down the government, Republicans are making it harder for people to access the benefits and services they need, including Medicare and Social Security. It's time for them to reopen the government and stop health care cost increases before even more damage is done."

"No mother or child should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, but Republicans have decided to shut down the government, which could take away food assistance from women and their young children," said Bobbi Schmidt from La Crosse. "This didn't have to happen. Republicans decided to make life difficult for vulnerable families, just because they don't want to prevent health care costs from skyrocketing. It's time for Republicans to get their priorities straight, reopen the government, and make sure health care is affordable."

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Congressional Republicans refuse to reverse health care cuts ahead of potential government shutdown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

Congressional Republicans refuse to reverse health care cuts ahead of potential government shutdown

Instead of supporting a proposed continuing resolution which reverses Medicaid cuts and extends health care tax credits, Reps. Steil and Van Orden double down on harmful cuts that will leave more than 100,000 Wisconsinites without health care 
 

MADISON, Wis. – This morning, Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden once again stood by disastrous cuts to Medicaid by voting for a Republican-backed funding package that fails to reverse these cuts. Ahead of a September 30 deadline to fund the federal government, Republicans have refused to consider proposals that would protect access to health care and reverse steep Medicaid cuts.

"Congressmen Steil and Van Orden had an opportunity to reverse the damage they've caused to Medicaid and extend tax credits that would help thousands of Wisconsinites afford health care. Instead, they doubled down on extreme cuts and have refused to negotiate as a potential shutdown approaches at the end of September," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. 

Democrats in Congress released an alternate plan that would have kept the federal government funded through October 31 and reverse cuts that are set to rip health care away from over 15 million Americans. This plan also extends tax credits that help lower-income families afford health care premiums and access care.

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