TAX DAY: Reps. Steil and Van Orden want even more giveaways to the ultra-rich and big corporations

As Wisconsinites file taxes today, Republicans in Congress continue to support extensions of Trump-era handouts to those at the top and other tax policies that leave working families behind

Monday, April 15, 2024

MADISON, Wis. – As Wisconsinites file their tax returns today, many big corporations and the wealthiest Americans continue to benefit from loopholes and giveaways that let them avoid paying their fair share. If Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden had their way, some of these handouts for those at the top would be made permanent.

“Wisconsinites work hard, pay by the rules, and pay their fair share. But too many big corporations and the ultra-rich get to play by a different set of rules that let them off the hook when it comes to paying their fair share of taxes, costing us billions and forcing working families to pick up the slack,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “If Congressmen Steil and Van Orden had their way, many of these disastrous tax policies would be made even worse. We need tax policies that are fair – that means supporting working families and small businesses while making those at the very top finally pay what they should.”

Congressman Bryan Steil is a co-sponsor of H.R. 976 – a permanent extension of major Trump-era tax cuts which have primarily benefited the wealthiest Americans. If this bill were passed, the richest 1% of Americans would see a $44 billion tax cut in 2026 alone. 

Both Steil and Van Orden are also co-sponsor of H.R. 4721, which also contains major tax giveaways to those at the top. Like Steil’s TCJA Permanency Act, this bill would make the pass-through business tax deduction permanent, a provision that owners of large, successful businesses, including oil and gas companies, have used to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.

Meanwhile, Steil and Van Orden have failed to take a position on President Biden’s proposal to lower taxes on working families, while holding billionaires and big corporations accountable. The President’s budget would raise minimum tax rates for billionaires and large, successful corporations, while expanding the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit to support working families. Biden’s plan also cracks down on corporate tax loopholes, removes subsidies for gas and oil companies, and strengthens Medicare and Social Security.

To mark Tax Day, Opportunity Wisconsin previously announced billboards in both the 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts highlighting Steil and Van Orden’s support for tax giveaways to the richest 1%. The billboards will continue to run through the end of this week.

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Report details potential savings for Wisconsinites under Medicare price negotiation

Tens of thousands of Wisconsin Medicare beneficiaries will save money on prescriptions thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act

Friday, April 12, 2024

MADISON, Wis. – Tens of thousands of Wisconsinites will be able to save money on prescription drugs thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act’s provision allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices. 

The Center For American Progress outlines the potential savings in a new state-specific report which shows savings for the initial 10 prescription drugs selected for negotiation. The 68,000 Wisconsinites on Medicare who use the popular drug Eliquis, for example, could save $123 on a 30-day supply following negotiations. More costly specialty drugs would see even more significant savings, like the cancer treatment Imbruvica, which could be lowered by more than $6,500 per month thanks to price negotiations.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will announce finalized prices for the selected drugs later this year and prices will take effect in 2026. In his recent budget, President Biden also proposed accelerating the pace of negotiations and including even more prescription drugs each year.

“The Inflation Reduction Act is already lowering costs for Wisconsinites and tens of thousands of Medicare recipients will soon see even more savings thanks to these price negotiations,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Congress should protect the progress that the Biden administration has made to lower the cost of prescription drugs and work to expand this program to deliver relief to even more Americans.”

Read the full report here
 

ICYMI: “President Biden’s budget is a blueprint for how we can help working families succeed”

“This budget is an opportunity for bipartisan action that will lower costs, support working families, and strengthen our economy”

Thursday, April 11, 2024

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, a new op-ed in Up North News details President Biden’s recent budget proposal and the opportunity Congress has to lower costs and support working families.

President Biden’s budget proposal lowers taxes for working families, forces billionaires and large corporations to pay their fair share, lowers prescription drug costs, strengthens Social Security, and more. Wisconsin Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, have not taken a position on the proposal. 

“President Biden’s plan supports Wisconsin’s working families, lowers costs, and strengthens Social Security and Medicare,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “It’s time for Congress to work with President Biden to make these proposals a reality. Wisconsin families and communities are counting on them to break the gridlock and find support for these common sense proposals that make our economy stronger.”

Up North News – Opinion: President Biden’s budget is a blueprint for how we can help working families succeed

In his State of the Union address and budget proposal for the next fiscal year, President Joe Biden delivered a blueprint for helping working families, seniors, and small businesses in Wisconsin succeed. By continuing to lower costs, asking big corporations to pay their fair share, delivering tax relief for the middle class, and protecting important programs like Social Security and Medicare, his plan addresses some of our most critical challenges. Now, it’s time for Republicans in Congress to work with him to make these ideas a reality. 

First, the President prioritizes tax fairness in his budget and delivers a common sense plan to hold big corporations and billionaires accountable while cutting taxes for lower and middle income families across the country. For too long, tax policies have let the biggest corporations and wealthiest Americans pay lower rates than others. 

[. . .]

His budget increases the minimum tax rate for billion-dollar corporations, closes costly loopholes in the tax code, and forces billionaires to pay their fair share. Meanwhile, millions of children will be lifted out of poverty and working people will see lower taxes thanks to an expansion of the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit. 

[. . .]

One way the President’s budget accomplishes this is by doubling down on successful programs, like the Inflation Reduction Act. Already, this law is lowering prescription drug costs for Wisconsin seniors on Medicare. His budget would extend key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act to those with private insurance. That means expanding the $35 cap on insulin and inhaler costs and annual $2,000 out-of-pocket prescription drug cost cap – helping even more Wisconsinites afford the life-saving and life-sustaining medication they need. 

[. . .]

And while Republicans in Congress continue to threaten the future of Social Security and Medicare, the President’s budget takes serious steps to extend the solvency of these programs. With additional taxes on the wealthiest Americans, these programs – as well as access to them – can be preserved for future generations.

Now, it’s time for Republicans in Congress to work with President Biden and Democrats to make these ideas a reality. This budget is an opportunity for bipartisan action that will lower costs, support working families, and strengthen our economy. After months of failing to pass government funding for the current fiscal year, Republicans in Congress need to start doing their job and support programs that will improve the lives of so many Americans. 

[. . .]
 

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Ahead of Tax Day, new billboards highlight Congressmen Steil and Van Orden’s support for tax giveaways to the ultra-rich

Steil and Van Orden have supported billions in tax giveaways for the wealthiest Americans and big corporations, while pushing cuts to programs that support working families

April 8, 2024

MADISON, Wis. – Ahead of Tax Day next week, Opportunity Wisconsin has launched new billboards highlighting Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden’s support for tax giveaways to the richest one percent of Americans.

Both Steil and Van Orden have continued to support tax policies that primarily benefit those at the top, while also threatening to cut programs that support many working families and seniors in Wisconsin. One proposal co-sponsored by Rep. Van Orden would extend portions of Trump-era tax laws and give an additional $34 billion in tax giveaways to the ultra-rich in 2026, and Rep. Steil has co-sponsored an extension of Trump-era policies that would give an additional $44 billion in handouts to the top one percent of Americans that same year.

“Wisconsin working families and small businesses pay their fair share and play by the rules, but Congressmen Steil and Van Orden would rather prioritize handouts to corporations and the wealthiest Americans,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Deputy Program Director Elisabeth Montemurro. “It’s time for our members of Congress to take action and support policies that improve tax fairness, provide relief for working families, and grow our economy.”

President Biden recently announced proposals to improve tax fairness by increasing minimum tax rates for large corporations and billionaires, while cutting taxes for working families and the middle class. The President’s plan also expands the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit to help families keep more of their hard-earned money.

The billboards began running today, and will continue through the end of next week at locations in the 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts as part of Opportunity Wisconsin’s previously-announced seven figure paid media campaign.


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WATCH: New ad calls on Rep. Van Orden to make big corporations pay their fair share

Wisconsin dairy farmer calls out Van Orden’s votes in favor of big corporations while family farmers and small businesses are left behind

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

LA CROSSE, Wis. – In a new ad from Opportunity Wisconsin, a third generation dairy farmer from La Crosse calls out Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s votes to give tax breaks for big corporations, while family farmers and small businesses are left behind. 

The ad also asks Van Orden to support President Biden’s new proposal to ensure large corporations pay their fair share by raising the corporate minimum tax rate. The President’s proposal also improves tax fairness by cutting taxes for working families, including an increase in the Child Tax Credit and an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

“While Congressman Derrick Van Orden has voted for tax giveaways to big corporations, too many small businesses and family farms here in Wisconsin are struggling to make ends meet,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “President Biden has a plan to improve tax fairness by delivering relief to working families and ensuring those at the top pay their fair share. Congressman Van Orden should listen to his constituents and support the President’s plan that improves tax fairness and makes big corporations play by the same rules the rest of us do.”

The ad began running earlier this week on digital platforms across the Third Congressional District and is part of Opportunity Wisconsin’s previously-announced seven-figure media buy across the state.

Ad Transcript: I’m a third generation Wisconsin dairy farmer. I call it God’s country, and I’ve lived here all my life. The thing about most dairy farmers is we pay our taxes that are due, unlike some large corporations. Derrick Van Orden is not looking out for us. He voted for tax cuts for large corporations that don’t even need them. It’s not right that those of us that play by the rules get left behind. Derrick Van Orden is looking out for large corporations, while family farms’ futures are in jeopardy. 

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New TV ad asks Rep. Bryan Steil to support an expanded cap on insulin costs

Steil has voted against multiple bills to cap insulin costs as the Biden administration introduces a plan to expand the $35 insulin cap to everyone

Monday, March 25, 2024

KENOSHA, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin’s latest TV ad asks Congressman Byran Steil to support the Biden administration’s recent proposal to expand the Inflation Reduction Act’s $35 cap on monthly insulin costs to all Americans.

The ad features Diana, a 1st Congressional District constituent, who has previously had to skip insulin doses due to the high cost of her prescription. In Congress, Rep. Bryan Steil has opposed lowering prescription drug prices, including voting against the Inflation Reduction Act which capped monthly insulin costs and created an annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription costs for people on Medicare. Steil previously voted against the Affordable Insulin Now Act, which was written specifically to cap insulin costs. Since insulin costs were capped, more Wisconsinites have already begun to fill prescriptions.

In his State of the Union address and FY 2025 budget, President Biden proposed an expansion of the Inflation Reduction Act which would extend many of the drug price protections to all Americans, instead of only those with Medicare coverage. 

“Although Congressman Bryan Steil has spent years voting against lowering insulin costs, the Inflation Reduction Act has proven that these caps are successful. Now, he has the opportunity to do the right thing and support President Biden’s proposal to lower prescription drug prices for even more Americans,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh.

The ad began airing Monday as part of Opportunity Wisconsin’s previously announced seven-figure paid media campaign. 

Ad Transcript: “Insulin used to cost hundreds of dollars. I didn't take the amount that I was supposed to take because I couldn't afford it. Finally, Congress did something. Insulin prices were capped at $35 for seniors on Medicare. It was a huge relief but Bryan Steil voted to keep the price high. He sided with the drug industry. Now he wants more tax breaks that would benefit rich drug company executives. I don't think Bryan Steil cares if we pay more.”
 

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House passes final FY24 funding package without harmful cuts to programs Wisconsinites depend on

Democrats secure increased funding for child care, Head Start, and programs to support small businesses and workers

Friday, March 22, 2024

MADISON, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin Deputy Program Director Elisabeth Montemurro released the following statement after the House passed the final government appropriations package to cover FY24 spending:

“After six months of gridlock and inaction caused by harmful, Republican-backed proposals, the House has finally passed the remaining funding packages to cover the current fiscal year. Thankfully, these proposals abandon many of the dangerous cuts Republicans in Congress have tried to push through, including restricting access to Social Security and Medicare benefits and slashing food assistance programs for women, children, and seniors. The funding passed by the House today will help make meaningful investments in child care and Head Start programs, fund programs to support small businesses and job training, and strengthen public education programs. Congress now has the opportunity to build on these investments by supporting President Biden’s recent budget proposal, which will continue to lower costs, improve access to health care, and support working families.”


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Report: Expanding IRS Direct File program could save Wisconsinites $141 million in filing fees

The money-saving Direct File pilot program was created as part of the Inflation Reduction Act and is currently open in 12 pilot states

Friday, March 15, 2024

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, a new report by the Economic Security Project details how an expansion of the new IRS Direct File program could save Wisconsinites $141 million in annual filing fees and generate $339 million in value for the state.

The IRS Direct File pilot program launched earlier this week in 12 states, creating a free and easy way for many Americans to file their annual tax returns. In addition to saving taxpayers time and money in preparing their returns, the Direct File program also makes it easier for individuals and families to claim tax credits they qualify for. 

The program was created as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which is already helping Wisconsinites keep more money in their pockets by capping prescription drug prices, lowering energy rates, and more. 

“Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, many Americans now have access to a free and easy way to file their tax returns. Expanding the Direct File program to Wisconsin will save millions and help working families access tax credits and keep more of their hard-earned money,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh.
 
Economic Security Project: The Impact of Direct File—by the Numbers

Direct File is the Internal Revenue Service’s revolutionary new project to provide free, simplified, public online tax filing for the first time in U.S. history. The program launched in 2024 with a pilot program that is intentionally restricted in scope to a small share of the taxpayers that could ultimately benefit from the service. At scale, its potential benefits for American taxpayers are extraordinarily large. A public option for tax filing, Direct File can make the tax preparation market more equitable, inclusive, and competitive.

This report is the first to estimate the total financial benefits of the Direct File program for American taxpayers. It finds that, at maturity in five years, Direct File would save the average user $160 in filing fees and hours of their time each year, which saves Americans a total of $11 billion annually between filing fees and time costs. By breaking down barriers to filing, Direct File would also deliver up to $12 billion each year in additional tax credits to low-income families currently missing out. Appendix A breaks down the projected taxpayer savings and impact by state. 

These savings represent an enormous return on investment given the small net cost of the program. For every dollar invested in the program, Direct File delivers $106 in benefits to American taxpayers, between savings on tax preparation fees and access to untapped tax credits. Few programs deliver this kind of bargain. 

Specifically, Direct File would deliver two types of benefits to taxpayers: 

  • Saving tax preparation costs and time for existing filers. Direct File could save existing tax filers $8 billion in filing fees and an additional $3 billion in time costs. In addition, it could spare more than 400,000 filers a year from the stress of IRS correction proceedings and audits. This does not even consider additional gains to these taxpayers in terms of increased privacy and not having their data sold to third parties.

  • Closing the tax credit uptake gap. Direct File could meaningfully close the long-standing refundable credits coverage gap — tax benefits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) that low-income households are entitled to but do not claim. In total, Direct File could deliver $5-12 billion in federal refunds per year to families who currently do not file returns. If EITC and CTC expansions from the American Rescue Plan were re-enacted, this figure would increase to $19-47 billion per year. These estimates do not consider additional federal credits, or additional benefits from state credits and refunds that currently go unclaimed.

Download the full report [PDF]


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