FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
Kenosha families rally at free BBQ to demand Rep. Steil lower costs
Community members highlighted the $3,500 "Republican Price Tag" facing Wisconsin families thanks to votes by Steil and Republicans in Congress
KENOSHA, Wis. — This weekend, Opportunity Wisconsin hosted a free community BBQ at Anderson Park in Kenosha, bringing together local residents, advocates, and community leaders to highlight how Rep. Bryan Steil's votes in Congress are driving up costs for working families.
Attendees heard directly from community members about the real-world toll of rising costs, from grocery bills to health care, as Steil's votes on the Republican Tax Law and tariffs continue to squeeze family budgets. According to the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, the average American household is now paying an estimated $3,500 more annually for health care, food, energy, and other basic needs.
April Guenther, Food Services Director at The Shalom Center in Kenosha, spoke about the rising cost of food and the growing number of families turning to the Center for help.
"The reason why I came today is to speak to the rising food costs and how Shalom Center can be a resource to you all in the midst of what's going on in our government and our current circumstances right now," said Guenther. "Food costs are rising. People have to make decisions about whether or not they're going to have food or necessities, and at the Shalom Center, we are doing our very best to provide everybody with those basic human needs."
"Every week, families across Kenosha are having to choose between groceries and other basic needs. That's not an accident, it's the direct result of the votes Rep. Steil has taken in Washington," said Meghan Roh, Program Director of Opportunity Wisconsin. "He voted for the largest Medicaid cuts in our nation's history, he's voted to protect tariffs that are raising prices at the grocery store, and he still hasn't acted to bring back the health care tax credits that are spiking premiums for working families."
Opportunity Wisconsin will host additional “Republican Price Tag” events across the state in the coming weeks as part of a nationwide campaign to demand Congress act to lower costs.
