President Biden Signs Baldwin’s Historic Respect for Marriage Act into Law

Bipartisan bill becomes law despite WI Congressional Republicans’ refusal to support basic rights and freedoms for same-sex and interracial couples

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

MADISON, Wis.—Today President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act into law during a White House ceremony celebrating the historic legislation which guarantees basic rights and freedoms for same-sex and interracial couples. Despite overwhelming support for the bill among Wisconsinites and bipartisan backing from Republicans in Congress, Representatives Scott Fitzgerald, Glenn Grothman, and Tom Tiffany recently joined Senator Ron Johnson in voting against the commonsense measure.  

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director: 
“Wisconsin families are incredibly lucky to have elected leaders like Senator Tammy Baldwin and President Biden fighting for their basic freedoms and rights. The bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act gives those in same-sex and interracial marriages the peace of mind and respect they deserve. It’s incredibly disappointing that Representatives Fitzgerald, Grothman, and Tiffany have sided with Senator Johnson’s outdated and out-of-touch position, putting extreme politics over the people of Wisconsin. We’re calling on these elected leaders to start working on behalf of the people they represent.”  

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Congressional Delegation Split on Respect for Marriage Act Vote

Representatives Fitzgerald, Grothman, and Tiffany join Senator Johnson in his refusal to support basic rights and freedoms for same-sex and interracial couples

Thursday, December 8, 2022

MADISON, Wis.—Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to pass the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act, bringing the historic bill one step closer to becoming law. The bill guarantees basic rights and freedoms for same-sex and interracial couples. Despite overwhelming support for the bill among Wisconsinites and bipartisan backing from Republicans in Congress, Representatives Scott Fitzgerald, Glenn Grothman, and Tom Tiffany joined Senator Ron Johnson in voting against the commonsense measure.  

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director: 
“Wisconsin families are incredibly lucky to have elected leaders like Senator Tammy Baldwin fighting for their basic freedoms and rights. The bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act gives those in same-sex and interracial marriages the peace of mind and respect they deserve. It’s incredibly disappointing that Representatives Fitzgerald, Grothman, and Tiffany have sided with Senator Johnson’s outdated and out-of-touch position, putting extreme politics over the people of Wisconsin. We’re calling on these elected leaders to start working on behalf of the people they represent.”  

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Baldwin Passes Historic Bill Protecting Wisconsin Families

Respect for Marriage Act clears Senate despite Senator Johnson’s refusal to support basic rights and freedoms for same-sex and interracial couples

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

MADISON, Wis.—Today the U.S. Senate, led by Senator Tammy Baldwin, passed the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act, bringing the historic bill one step closer to becoming law. The bill guarantees basic rights and freedoms for same-sex and interracial couples. Despite overwhelming support for the bill among Wisconsinites and bipartisan backing from Republicans in Congress, Senator Ron Johnson today voted against the commonsense measure.  

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director: 
“Wisconsin families are incredibly lucky to have an elected leader like Senator Tammy Baldwin fighting for their basic freedoms and rights. The bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act gives those in same-sex and interracial marriages the peace of mind and respect they deserve. Once again, Senator Ron Johnson continues to put politics over the people of Wisconsin, voting against a bill that has seen broad, bipartisan support in Congress and across Wisconsin. When will Senator Johnson start doing his job and stop playing politics with our lives?”  

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Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Marks One Year of Benefitting the Badger State

To date, over $2.7 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been announced and is headed to Wisconsin with 160 specific projects identified for funding

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

MADISON, Wis.—One year ago today, President Joe Biden signed the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law. To date, over $2.7 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been announced and is headed to Wisconsin with 160 specific projects identified for funding. Over the past year, Opportunity Wisconsin has been traveling the state as part of their “Paving the Way” statewide tour, sharing how this historic law is benefitting the Badger State.   

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director: 
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a historic investment in our state, and will improve the quality of life we have in Wisconsin - whether we’re spending less on car repairs due to updated roads and bridges, having access to safe drinking water, or improved mass transit opportunities, this law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our state’s infrastructure and competitiveness. This law will also drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably so that everyone in the Badger State gets ahead for decades to come.

“We would like to thank our elected leaders like Senator Tammy Baldwin for voting in favor of this law that will make historic investments in communities across the state. Additionally, we’re grateful to Governor Tony Evers, for putting these policies to work across the Badger State.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is benefitting the Badger State: 

• Since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed, Wisconsin is set to receive more than $2.4 billion for transportation to invest in roads, bridges, public transit, ports and airports and over $150 million for clean water.

• As of today, more than 279,000 households across the state are receiving affordable internet due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

• By reaching communities all across Wisconsin – including rural communities and historically underserved populations – the law makes critical investments that will improve lives for Wisconsinites and position the state for success.

Learn more about how the law is a win for Wisconsin.

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On Trump Tax Law Anniversary, Wisconsin Workers and Families Still Waiting on Benefits

A loophole in the law championed by Senator Ron Johnson delivered an average of just $20 to middle-income families, while it was a boon of over $25,000 to the wealthiest one percent.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

MADISON, Wis.—Five years ago today the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressional Republicans. President Donald Trump signed the law in December of that year, after Senator Ron Johnson pushed to include a loophole that benefited his own family's business and his wealthy donors. After the bill became law, Senator Johnson cashed out of the company for at least $5 million.

This anniversary comes as Congressional Republicans are sharing plans to make permanent several provisions in the TCJA. Reports indicate they will also push for scrapping some of the law’s tax increases on corporations. Many economists have indicated this move would make inflation worse.  

While Senator Johnson called his Trump tax loophole his “crowning achievement,” economists have determined that it delivered an average of just $20 to middle-income families, while it was a boon of $25,700 to the wealthiest one percent. In April, Senator Johnson admitted that the tax loophole benefitted his family business and his wealthy donors.  

Opportunity Wisconsin has spent over $9 million in TV, digital, mail, and radio since early 2021 to hold Senator Johnson accountable to his constituents for his legislative record and to demand he vote for policies that support Wisconsin residents.   

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director:
“Not only did Senator Johnson push through a loophole in the Trump tax law that benefited his family’s business and disproportionately benefits the wealthy, including his mega donors, but it was done at the expense of working Wisconsinites. In fact, most low and middle-income Wisconsin residents will actually see tax hikes by 2027.

“Meanwhile, Senator Johnson continues to stand against laws to bring new, good-paying jobs to the state, bring down the costs of health care and prescription drugs, and cut taxes for families with children. We’re calling on Senator Johnson to oppose any extension or expansion of the Trump tax scam and address the economic needs of his constituents.”

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Millions to Benefit from Inflation Reduction Act Expanded Savings as ACA Open Enrollment Begins Today

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, over 187,000 Wisconsinites will save on monthly health insurance premiums

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

MADISON, Wis.—The open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces begins today and, thanks to the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats, high-quality health care coverage is more affordable than ever. Millions of Americans - including over 187,000 Wisconsinites - stand to benefit from extended premium subsidies that were included in the Inflation Reduction Act. These enhanced subsidies will continue to lower costs and provide a critical lifeline for families across the Badger State. Visit HealthCare.gov to find a plan that works for you.   

 Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director:
“Health care lies at the heart of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the provisions to reduce costs and expand care are overwhelmingly popular with Wisconsinites across the political spectrum.  We’re incredibly grateful to our elected leaders like President Joe Biden and Senator Tammy Baldwin who have heard our voices and supported the Inflation Reduction Act.

“Unfortunately, the only voices Congressional Republicans seem to listen to are those of the wealthy and well-connected. Wisconsinites are struggling to make ends meet and instead of voting for a bill to bring down health care costs, our other Senator, Ron Johnson, continues to prioritize himself and those like him. As someone who loves to talk about rising costs and inflation, Senator Johnson’s ‘no’ vote on the Inflation Reduction Act shows us that his words are nothing but empty rhetoric.”

Read more from Protect Our Care on how Wisconsinites will save big during ACA open enrollment.

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ICYMI: Republicans Pledge to Extend 2017 Trump Tax Scam to Benefit the Wealthy

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, championed by Senator Ron Johnson, was a boon for the wealthy and well-connected, while Wisconsin’s working families saw next to nothing

Opportunity Wisconsin: “We’re calling on Senator Johnson to oppose any extension or expansion of the Trump tax scam.”

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

MADISON, Wis.—According to the Washington Post, Republicans are currently sharing plans to make permanent several provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Reports indicate they will also push for scrapping some of the law’s tax increases on corporations. Many economists have indicated this move would make inflation worse. In April, Senator Ron Johnson admitted to pushing through a loophole in the TCJA that benefitted his family’s business, before cashing out of the company for at least $5 million. Senator Johnson also called his tax loophole a “significant accomplishment” and one of his “crowning achievements.”  

Opportunity Wisconsin has spent over $9 million in TV, digital, mail, and radio since early 2021 to hold Senator Johnson accountable to his constituents and to demand he vote for policies that support Wisconsin residents.   

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director:
“Not only did Senator Johnson push through a loophole in the Trump tax law that benefited his family’s business and disproportionately benefits the wealthy, including his mega donors, but it was done at the expense of working Wisconsinites. In fact, Senator Johnson’s ‘crowning achievement’ was projected to deliver an average of just $20 to middle-income Wisconsin families in 2019, while giving a payday of over $25,000 to the richest one percent.

“Meanwhile, Senator Johnson continues to stand against bringing new, good-paying jobs to the state, bringing down the costs on health care and prescription drugs, and tax cuts for families with children. 

“It’s time for Senator Johnson to focus his work in Washington on addressing the economic needs of his constituents, and to stop putting his personal profits over the people of Wisconsin. We’re calling on Senator Johnson to oppose any extension or expansion of the Trump tax scam.”

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ICYMI: Historic Inflation Reduction Act Provision to Stop Drug Company Price Hikes Takes Effect

As of October 1, drug companies will now be charged a penalty when they raise drug prices faster than the rate of inflation

Friday, October 7, 2022

MADISON, Wis.—According to Forbes and Protect Our Care, this week the first health care provision in the Inflation Reduction Act took effect, an important step to deliver lower costs to Wisconsin workers and families. As of October 1, 2022, drug companies will now be charged a penalty when they raise drug prices faster than the rate of inflation. In recent years, Wisconsinites have been paying three times more than people in other countries for the same prescription drugs. Just last week, the Department of Health and Human Services found that drug companies hiked prices more than the rate of inflation on over 1,200 medications.

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director:
“Thanks to our elected leaders like President Biden and Senator Baldwin, this week prescription drug prices will come down and patients will be able to breathe a little easier. And despite efforts from folks like Senator Ron Johnson, the historic Inflation Reduction Act is set to make health care more affordable, accessible, and equitable for Wisconsin workers and families.”

Read more from the Wisconsin Examiner

Under The Inflation Reduction Act:

• 29,610 Medicare Part D enrollees in Wisconsin who experienced out-of-pocket costs over $2,000 in 2021 will now have their prescription drugs capped at $2,000 per year.

• Wisconsinites on Medicare will be protected from Big Pharma’s arbitrary price hikes that raise drug prices faster than inflation.

• 80 prescription drugs will have Medicare price negotiation by 2030.

• 58,965 Wisconsinites on Medicare will have insulin copays capped at $35 per month.

• 187,555 Wisconsinites will save on monthly health insurance premiums.

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