FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
New data shows economic damage done by costly tariffs Steil and Van Orden voted for
Wisconsin small businesses and families already paying the price after months of Republican-backed tariffs driving up costs
MADISON, Wis. – With a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on Republican-backed tariffs looming, new data shows the economic damage that has already been done as small businesses and families face skyrocketing costs on everyday items.
Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil voted for the tariffs multiple times and refused to stand up for Wisconsinites harmed by rising costs as a result of them. The economic damage continues to build:
$2.7 Billion In Tariffs Paid By Wisconsin Small Businesses: A new report shows the toll that tariffs are taking on small businesses in the state. Data through October shows Wisconsin businesses have already paid $2.7 billion in tariffs, forcing them to raise prices or scale back.
85% Of U.S. Manufacturers In Decline: In a new survey of American manufacturers, 85% of them report they’re in decline as tariff policies drive up their costs.
Prices End 2025 2.7 Percent Higher: Bureau of Labor Statistics data through December confirmed that prices remain high – coming in at 2.7 percent higher than the year before.
"Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden voted for tariffs that are raising prices and damaging our economy," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "By voting for and continuing to stand by these tariffs, they’re forcing constituents to pay more for groceries and making it tougher for small businesses to succeed. It's time for Van Orden and Steil to vote to end these tariffs and stand up against harmful economic policies that raise costs for working families."
Opportunity Wisconsin previously launched a seven-figure advertising campaign in the 1st Congressional District with a TV ad featuring Joey, a Kenosha firefighter and father of five whose family is paying more for groceries and basic necessities because of tariffs.
In addition to backing tariffs, both congressmen have consistently supported policies that raise costs for working families, including voting earlier this year for the Republican Tax Law that forces massive cuts to Medicaid and SNAP just to fund tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations.
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