Homepage takeovers on local news sites highlight how tariffs, backed by Reps. Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, are a nightmare for family budgets as the cost of costumes, candy, and more are skyrocketing
MADISON, Wis. – This Halloween, Opportunity Wisconsin is highlighting how Republican tariffs are driving up costs for Wisconsin families and haunting them as they shop for candy, costumes, and more. The ads, which will appear as homepage takeovers on the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, La Crosse Tribune, Lake Geneva News, The Journal Times, and Kenosha News, highlight Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden’s repeated votes to protect costly tariffs.
The ads come as families face record-high Halloween costs, with the average person expected to spend $114.45 this season—$11 more than last year, according to the National Retail Federation. President Trump's tariffs on imported goods have contributed to rising prices on everything from Halloween decorations to candy, adding financial strain to families already struggling with Republican cuts to SNAP and Medicaid.
"Wisconsin families are paying more for everything this Halloween because of Republican tariffs and their decision to cut critical programs like SNAP and Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires. These policies are treating billionaires while tricking working families, and it’s wrong," said Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director. "From candy to costumes, the costs keep climbing while Republicans keep the government shut down rather than addressing rising health care costs. These ads are a reminder that the choices made by Republicans in Congress have real consequences for families trying to celebrate the holidays."
The digital campaign follows Opportunity Wisconsin's Halloween costume giveaway in Eau Claire last week, where local organizations distributed over 50 costumes to families struggling with increased costs.
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