Rep. Bryan Steil voted against funding for Wisconsin’s high-speed internet expansion

Steil voted against the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will invest $1 billion in Wisconsin broadband projects

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

RACINE, Wis. – Yesterday the White House announced Wisconsin will receive $1 billion to connect more homes and businesses with high-speed internet access, funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Congressman Bryan Steil voted against. 

Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement reminding Wisconsinites that Steil tried to prevent this investment in Wisconsin communities:

“This funding means more Wisconsinites will have access to reliable high-speed internet than ever before. These projects will make it easier for small businesses to succeed and for families to have the affordable and reliable access they deserve, regardless of where they are in our state. Wisconsinites won’t forget that Rep. Bryan Steil tried to stand in the way of this much-needed funding. If Rep. Steil had his way, this funding for high-speed internet expansion and so many critical infrastructure projects in the 1st Congressional District wouldn’t exist. We need elected officials to fight for working families and small businesses and make sure they have the tools they need to succeed.”

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New Opportunity Wisconsin ad highlights Rep. Van Orden’s support of big corporations over working families

As Republicans in Congress push for massive corporate tax breaks, Opportunity Wisconsin calls on Van Orden to prioritize working families

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin’s latest ad highlights Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s consistent support for big corporations over working families in the 3rd Congressional District. The new ad comes amid a renewed effort from Republicans in Congress to extend massive handouts to the wealthy and big corporations. 

“Congressman Van Orden has refused to stand with the working families he represents. Instead, he has been a consistent supporter of tax breaks for big corporations, refusing to make them pay their fair share,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Wisconsinites understand the values of hard work and fairness, but Rep. Van Orden has voted to make working families shoulder more of the burden while letting those at the top off the hook. Republicans in Congress want to pass even more tax breaks for the most well-off Americans and big businesses, but it’s time for Rep. Van Orden to do the right thing and start fighting for working families.”

The new ad features Tim, a dairy farmer in the 3rd Congressional District, who calls on Van Orden to fight for Wisconsin workers over big corporations, saying, “When you go to Washington, you’re supposed to support your people. Derrick Van Orden is not looking out for families like mine, he’s taking care of somebody else.” 

The ad will begin running on digital platforms in the 3rd Congressional District this week as part of Opportunity Wisconsin’s previously-announced seven-figure media buy across the state.

Click here to watch the ad

Full Transcript: 

Dairy farming is not easy. We work seven days a week. You sit there and milk cows for eight hours, ten hours a day. Sometimes you don’t get much sleep. Sometimes you’re just so doggone tired, but you still have to get the job done. 

So it feels like when the rich don’t pay their fair share, it all falls back on our back. Derrick Van Orden voted to give tax breaks to large corporations. I think they should pay their taxes just like we do. 

When you go to Washington, you’re supposed to support your people. Derrick Van Orden is not looking out for families like mine, he’s taking care of somebody else.

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One year after Roe v. Wade was overturned, Wisconsin Republican Congressional delegation still opposes access to reproductive health care

Congressmen Steil, Van Orden, and Tiffany continue to stand in the way of essential care for Wisconsinites as 1849 criminal ban prevents abortion access with few exceptions

Friday, June 23, 2023

MADISON, Wis. – As we approach the first anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v. Wade tomorrow, Wisconsin’s Republican members of Congress have refused to work to restore access to essential reproductive health care services as the state’s 1849 criminal abortion ban has virtually eliminated access in the state.

“Wisconsinites should have the freedom to choose when they want to start a family, but Republicans like Congressmen Bryan Steil, Derrick Van Orden, and Tom Tiffany have refused to protect access to essential reproductive care, leaving Wisconsin women without that freedom,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Their refusal to protect abortion access at the federal level has left Wisconsin’s archaic 1849 abortion ban on the books, leaving Wisconsinites without the care they need and threatening doctors and nurses with jail time just for doing their job.”

In addition to making care unavailable to Wisconsinites, the state’s 1849 abortion ban is likely to exacerbate the state’s OB-GYN shortage as residency programs report a decline in enrollment due to the inability of residents to receive training in-state. That could lead to fewer appointments and higher health care costs for Wisconsinites for basic reproductive health care. Additional research shows that women who are denied access to abortion have higher rates of poverty and economic distress than those who have the freedom to decide when to start a family.

Since the state’s abortion ban – the oldest in the nation – went into effect last year, Wisconsin’s Republican members of Congress have continued to stand in opposition to reinstating the protections of Roe v. Wade. Last year, Congressmen Steil and Tiffany voted against the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would have guaranteed abortion access and reproductive freedom at the federal level. Congressman Van Orden has also been outspoken against abortion access, even comparing abortion to genocide and voting for a bill that takes away families’ freedom to make their own medical decisions and threatens to put doctors in prison. 

“It’s time for Wisconsin’s members of Congress to do the right thing to protect reproductive freedom for Wisconsin families. Everyone in our state should have the right to make these deeply personal decisions and decide what’s best for them, without interference from politicians,” added Roh.
 

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Budget proposal from group including Rep. Steil would raise prescription drug prices, increase Social Security retirement age

Republican Study Committee’s budget would hurt Wisconsin seniors and working families

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

RACINE, Wis. – Last week the Republican Study Committee, which Congressman Bryan Steil is a part of, released their 2024 budget proposal that includes drastic rollbacks of protections that are already lowering the costs of prescription drugs for Wisconsin seniors. The proposed budget would also raise the Social Security retirement age. 

“Congressman Bryan Steil continues to stand in the way of what’s best for Wisconsin seniors and working families as he fights to keep prescription drug prices high,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Not only has he voted multiple times against lowering out-of-control drug prices, but Rep. Steil is also a member of the Republican Study Committee, which is promoting an extreme plan that would roll back protections and raise prescription prices. Wisconsinites expect their elected officials to work to lower costs and make life-saving medication more affordable, but Rep. Steil and Republicans in Congress would rather look out for big pharmaceutical companies and force us to pay more.”

The proposed budget could dramatically roll back protections recently signed into law as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, including allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices and measures that are already delivering savings to consumers when drug prices rise faster than the rate of inflation. 

In addition to increasing prescription drug prices, the budget proposal also makes extreme changes to Social Security, including raising the retirement age to receive full benefits to 69.

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Wisconsin’s congressional delegation must reject radical GOP Tax Scam 2.0

Extreme GOP plan would extend massive handouts to the wealthiest and big corporations while leaving working families behind

Friday, June 16, 2023

MADISON, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin is calling on Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to oppose a radical GOP tax plan that provides massive handouts to the wealthy and big corporations instead of helping working families succeed.

Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh: “In April, Congressmen Bryan Steil, Derrick Van Orden, and Tom Tiffany voted for an extreme plan that would’ve drastically cut services for Wisconsin seniors, veterans, and children. Now, Congressional Republicans are proposing a tax scam that will give billions of dollars to big corporations, the wealthiest Americans, and even foreign investors. This tax scam blows a hole in our deficit and doesn’t help everyday Americans succeed. Wisconsin’s Republican congressional delegation should immediately reject radical legislation and start fighting for the working families they represent.”

Earlier this week, portions of the GOP Tax Scam 2.0 were passed by the House Ways and Means Committee. The package includes expansions and extensions of provisions from the Trump-backed tax bill in 2017, which disproportionately benefited the wealthy and big corporations. Nonpartisan budget experts estimate the package will cost nearly a quarter of a trillion dollars over the next decade as a result of massive handouts to the most well-off individuals and big corporations.

The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimates that the richest 1 percent of Americans would receive an average windfall of $16,550 each year – that’s nearly half the median income of an average Wisconsinite. Meanwhile, the poorest 20 percent of Americans would receive an average savings of only $40 a year. Even wealthy foreign citizens would benefit from this plan, with foreign investors who own stock in American companies receiving nearly $24 billion in savings next year alone if this plan is enacted.

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Mobile billboards hold Republican congressmen accountable during state convention for turning their backs on working people

Opportunity Wisconsin’s mobile billboards highlight Reps. Steil, Van Orden, Tiffany, and Gallagher’s votes against Wisconsin working families, seniors, and veterans

Friday, June 16, 2023

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin, a grassroots coalition of Wisconsin residents fighting for working people, will highlight recent votes from Wisconsin’s Republican congressmen with mobile billboards outside the Republican Party of Wisconsin’s annual convention this weekend in La Crosse.

“Wisconsinites expect their elected officials to fight for working families, not big corporations and special interests,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Unfortunately, Republican Congressmen Derrick Van Orden, Mike Gallagher, Tom Tiffany, and Bryan Steil have taken countless votes that make it harder for Wisconsin families, veterans, and seniors to succeed in our state. Opportunity Wisconsin is committed to holding them accountable for these votes and working with Wisconsinites to demand better from their members of Congress.”

The billboards will circle the convention center and through downtown La Crosse on Friday, June 16th and Saturday, June 17th. Reporters interested in recording b-roll of the billboard truck or arranging an interview with Opportunity Wisconsin during the convention should email press@opportunitywisconsin.org to make arrangements.

The following images will rotate on the mobile billboard truck throughout the Republican convention:

Rep. Derrick Van Orden

Background on Rep. Van Orden’s Vote:

Rep. Derrick Van Orden voted for the “Default on America Act,” an extreme bill that would’ve made devastating cuts to programs that benefit seniors and veterans. According to a Politifact report, these cuts “could translate to 13 million fewer health care appointments for veterans and significant cuts to benefit payments, staffing, and clinic construction, according to the agency.” In addition to reducing funding for veterans, the “Default on America Act” would have threatened food assistance for Wisconsin seniors, women, and children. 

Rep. Mike Gallagher

Background on Rep. Mike Gallagher’s Vote:

Rep. Mike Gallagher voted for the “Default on America Act,” an extreme bill that would’ve made devastating cuts to programs that benefit seniors and veterans. According to a Politifact report, these cuts “could translate to 13 million fewer health care appointments for veterans and significant cuts to benefit payments, staffing, and clinic construction, according to the agency.” In addition to reducing funding for veterans, the “Default on America Act” would have eliminated at least 5,500 child care and preschool slots across Wisconsin, making it more difficult for families to access the child care services they need.

Rep. Tom Tiffany

Background on Rep. Tom Tiffany’s Vote:

Rep. Tom Tiffany voted for the “Default on America Act,” an extreme bill that would’ve made devastating cuts to programs that benefit seniors and veterans. According to a Politifact report, these cuts “could translate to 13 million fewer health care appointments for veterans and significant cuts to benefit payments, staffing, and clinic construction, according to the agency.”

Rep. Bryan Steil

Background on Rep. Bryan Steil’s Votes:

Rep. Steil voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, which reduced health care and prescription drug costs for hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites. The legislation included a cap on out-of-pocket prescription expenses for Medicare recipients, gave Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices, and established a $35 monthly cap on insulin costs for seniors.

In addition to opposing the Inflation Reduction Act, Rep. Steil previously voted against the Affordable Insulin Now Act, a targeted piece of legislation designed to cap the cost of insulin at $35. While repeatedly voting against a cap on insulin costs, Steil received more than $100,000 in campaign contributions from the pharmaceutical industry.

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ICYMI: Inflation Reduction Act lowers copays for additional prescription drugs

“The Biden administration released on Friday the names of 43 prescription drugs that may have lower copays between July and September of this year for Medicare Part B recipients. The drugs, which range from blood thinners to antibiotics, are subject to reduced copays under the Inflation Reduction Act if their prices rise faster than the rate of inflation.”

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, the Inflation Reduction Act continues to lower prescription drug prices for thousands of Wisconsin Medicare Part B recipients. 

Last week, the Biden administration announced that 43 prescription drugs will have lower copays through at least the end of September. The reduced copays are a result of the Inflation Reduction Act’s drug pricing measure that requires pharmaceutical companies to pay a rebate to Medicare when drug prices increase more than the rate of inflation. 

Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act caps the cost of insulin at $35 for Medicare recipients and will allow Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices. Wisconsin’s Republican Congressmen, including Bryan Steil, Mike Gallagher, and Tom Tiffany, voted against the bill. 

Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh: “The Inflation Reduction Act is working, and thousands of Wisconsinites are already seeing relief from high drug prices because of it. Wisconsinites expect their elected officials to find common sense solutions that lower costs for families and seniors while holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for exorbitant price increases that make it harder for people to access the care and treatment they need.”
 

Spectrum News: Biden admin. announces some drug copays will drop for Medicare recipients

[. . .]

The Biden administration released on Friday the names of 43 prescription drugs that may have lower copays between July and September of this year for Medicare Part B recipients

The drugs, which range from blood thinners to antibiotics, are subject to reduced copays under the Inflation Reduction Act if their prices rise faster than the rate of inflation

Medicare Part B is additional coverage Medicare recipients can pay for to cover diagnostic, ambulance, mental health, and outpatient prescription drug services

The price adjustments will kick in on July 1 and run through Sept. 30, but will be reevaluated each quarter

[. . .]

“The Medicare prescription drug inflation rebate program is strengthening Medicare by making prescription drugs affordable for millions of people and discouraging drug companies from increasing prices faster than inflation,” said Dr. Meena Seshamani, a deputy administrator at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, on a press call Thursday. “It's also protecting Medicare for the future. Inflation rebates are just one of the important tools we have to address rising drug costs.”

Pharmaceutical companies are required to pay a rebate to Medicare for drugs whose prices increase faster than the rate of inflation, but the government won’t invoice the companies for rebates owed through 2023 and 2024 until 2025.

Medicare Part B spending on drugs per recipient grew an average of 9.2% a year between 2008 and 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services said in a new report released on Friday.

Starting in 2026, Medicare will be able to negotiate costs for some drugs for Part B recipients, though the negotiated prices won’t kick in until 2028.

[. . .]

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Kenosha parents, child care professionals, and local leaders call out Steil for default brinkmanship

Constituents highlight Rep. Bryan Steil’s recent support for devastating cuts to child care programs

Tiara Harvey speaks during a recent press conference hosted by Opportunity Wisconsin. She is joined by (L to R) Debbie Nehs, Assistant Director at Lakelands Little Learners, Ruth Dyson, and Cierra Chesir. 

Friday, June 2, 2023

KENOSHA, Wis. – Yesterday, Opportunity Wisconsin, For Our Future Wisconsin, Diaper Depot & More, and Family Friendly Wisconsin, along with Kenosha area child care professionals, parents, and community leaders, joined together to call on Congressman Bryan Steil to fight for working families instead of supporting the wealthy and corporate special interests. The event coincided with a diaper drive aimed at ensuring Kenosha-area families have access to these critical supplies as potential default threatened access to child care funding.  

Cierra Chesir, Opportunity Wisconsin Regional Lead: 
“The only reason Wisconsin workers and families have been brought to the brink of economic disaster is that politicians like Congressman Bryan Steil are doing the bidding of billionaires and big corporations instead of fighting for Wisconsin workers and families. He risked over 7,000 area jobs and critical funding for child care, all so that corporate special interests and billionaires could avoid paying their fair share in taxes. We’re calling on Congressman Steil to do the right thing, take on big corporations, and fight for the people he’s actually supposed to represent.”

Thursday's event came as Congressman Steil has been playing politics with the well-being of Wisconsin workers and families. With a potential default looming, Congressman Steil and his colleagues pushed forward with their extreme “Default on America Act,” which would strip nutrition food assistance from 24,000 women, infants, and children in the state and eliminate at least 5,500 preschool or child care slots in Wisconsin. 

Tiaria Harvey, Kenosha: 
“I’m a single mother of two who is working hard each and every day to provide for my kids. Due to the high costs of childcare, I have had to rely on government support to help make ends meet and ensure my kids are cared for while I’m at work. If that wasn’t enough - I heard about how our Congressman - Bryan Steil - recently voted to slash food assistance and childcare funding for folks here in southeast Wisconsin. It really makes you wonder if he has ever sat down across the table with single working moms like me, who are doing their best to get by. Honestly, I doubt it. All he seems to care about is the super-rich and big corporations who give him money in return for favors.”

Ruth Dyson, Kenosha City Council and CEO of Diaper Depot & More:
“Much of my life has revolved around service - serving God, serving the less fortunate, and serving others. Unfortunately, the only people Congressman Steil serves are the wealthy and well-connected. It’s shameful that he and his colleagues would play politics with the lives of the people he’s supposed to serve by pushing our country to the brink of economic disaster.”

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