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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