ICYMI: 235,000 Wisconsinites could pay more for health insurance if ACA tax credits expire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

ICYMI: 235,000 Wisconsinites could pay more for health insurance if ACA tax credits expire

Congress has an opportunity to extend tax credits and create a fairer tax code in 2025

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, without congressional action, 235,000 Wisconsinites could be forced to pay more for health insurance as tax credits extended by the Inflation Reduction Act are set to expire in 2025—the same year as provisions of the 2017 Republican Tax Law are set to expire. 

Thanks to the current extension in tax credits, enrollment in the Affordable Care Act has reached record highs. Currently, 235,587 Wisconsinites are saving money thanks to premium tax credits. Without these cost savings, Wisconsinites would pay an  annual increase of $1,200 for their health insurance, an increase of 85%. States that have not expanded Medicaid, including Wisconsin, would be harder hit by this increase as many families would be left without options to access affordable coverage.

Next year, Congress has the opportunity to create a fairer tax code – one where the ultra-wealthy and corporations pay their fair share in taxes – when provisions of the 2017 Republican Tax Law expire next year. Increased revenue from a fair tax code could then be used to invest in programs that lower costs for Wisconsinites—like extending the ACA premium tax credits. 

“Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, enrollment in the Affordable Care Act has reached all-time highs. That means more Wisconsinites are able to afford health coverage and access the care they deserve,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “If Congress fails to act, next year hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites will watch their health care premiums skyrocket. More than ever, we should be working to make sure the ultra-wealthy and corporations pay their fair share in taxes, lower health care costs, and invest in successful programs that support working families – that’s why Congress needs to take action before it’s too late.”

NEW YORK TIMES: Millions Could Lose Insurance Subsidies, Depending on the Election

[Margot Sanger-Katz, 9/30/24]

• Subsidies that help around 20 million Americans pay for health insurance could disappear after next year, depending on the outcome of November’s election.

• The subsidies, which reduce the price of health insurance for people who buy their coverage in the Obamacare marketplaces, were passed as a temporary measure in 2021, then extended as part of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. In that time, Obamacare enrollment has nearly doubled. If Congress doesn’t extend them, the subsidies will expire at the end of 2025
  

• Obamacare enrollment has risen to a record high with the extra tax credits, which make insurance effectively free for people earning less than around $20,000 in most states, and which decrease premiums for higher-earning households. That rising enrollment has also led to a more robust insurance market, with more consumer choice of health plans.

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ICYMI: Wisconsinites join national leaders and advocates to call for fairer taxes during Capitol Hill visit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

Opportunity Wisconsin advocates discussed the importance of tax fairness with Rep. Bryan Steil, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, and others during visit to Washington D.C. last week

MADISON, Wis. – Last week members of Opportunity Wisconsin’s coalition joined 200 advocates from 22 states, along with national leaders, to demand that Congress prioritize tax reform that supports working families, seniors, and small business owners in 2025. 

With many provisions of the 2017 Republican Tax Law set to expire in 2025, Congress has an opportunity to pass major tax reform that improves fairness, supports families, and ensures big corporations and the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share. The current Republican Tax Law disproportionately cuts taxes for those at the top, while Wisconsinites who play by the rules have been forced to carry more of the burden.
 

Opportunity Wisconsin coalition members discussed tax fairness with Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin

“Next year, Congress has the opportunity to finally do the right thing and create a tax code that’s fair. That means giving working families and seniors the support we need to succeed, pay the bills, and get ahead,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Southeast Wisconsin Regional Lead Cierra Chesir. “It also means finally asking those at the top, like big corporations and billionaires, to pay their fair share. For too long they’ve benefited from tax policies that put them first, even though they’re raking in massive profits. It’s time for that to change.”

“We expect our members of Congress to listen to our concerns and fight to create an economy where everyone can succeed,” said Janet Mitchell, an Opportunity Wisconsin advocate from Racine. “While we appreciated the opportunity to meet with Congressman Steil on Capitol Hill, we were left without a commitment to hold big corporations and the ultra-wealthy accountable. We hope he listens to the working families in his district who are demanding tax relief and a tax code that ensures the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share.” 

In addition to visiting with members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, Opportunity Wisconsin coalition members participated in educational programming and attended a press conference on Capitol Hill. Advocates from across the country were convened by Fair Share America, an organization working to pass state and federal tax reforms in 2025. 

NEW: Reps. Steil and Van Orden vote for spending bill that jeopardizes veterans’ health care and access to Social Security benefits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

NEW: Reps. Steil and Van Orden vote for spending bill that jeopardizes veterans’ health care and access to Social Security benefits

Republicans in Congress continue to push dangerous spending plans that jeopardize our economy and fail to support working families

MADISON, Wis. – Last night Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden voted in favor of a dangerous short-term spending plan that fails to provide much-needed funding for veterans’ health care programs and the Social Security Administration.

“After failing to pass spending packages that support working families, seniors, and small businesses here in Wisconsin, Republicans in Congress have now voted for a plan that doubles down on harmful policies that jeopardize veterans’ health care, make it tougher for people to access Social Security benefits, and more,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Wisconsin veterans and seniors shouldn’t be left without access to the care and benefits they’ve earned. It’s time for Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution without harmful cuts.”

Last year Steil and Van Orden also voted in favor of the Default on America Act, a devastating proposal that also included cuts to programs that support Wisconsinites. The Default on America Act would’ve cut staffing at VA clinics, reduced access to Social Security and Medicare benefits, and given more handouts to big corporations. 

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President Biden’s visit highlights key Biden-Harris administration investments that are growing Wisconsin’s economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

President Biden’s visit highlights key Biden-Harris administration investments that are growing Wisconsin’s economy

The Inflation Reduction Act continues to support working families by lowering costs and investing in communities across Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement today ahead of President Joe Biden’s visit to Westby, Wisconsin where he will announce the first award of a $7.3 billion nationwide investment in rural power: 

“The Biden-Harris administration’s support for working families and communities in every corner of Wisconsin is already transforming our state. With President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership, the Inflation Reduction Act is lowering costs, creating jobs, and investing in projects that will help grow Wisconsin’s economy for decades to come. President Biden’s announcement today will support even more rural communities, family farmers, and small businesses to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed.”

Despite the success of the Inflation Reduction Act, Republicans in Congress have continued to oppose it. Congressman Derrick Van Orden, whose district is hosting President Biden today, opposed the Inflation Reduction Act and has voted multiple times to repeal portions of the law. Congressman Bryan Steil voted against the law’s passage and has also supported repealing provisions since it was signed into law. Republicans in Congress should oppose any attempt to repeal or weaken the Inflation Reduction Act.

Additional ways the Inflation Reduction Act has supported Wisconsin include:

• Lower Health Care and Prescription Drug Costs: The Inflation Reduction Act is delivering lower prescription drug prices and health insurance premiums for hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin families. Many Wisconsinites will save an average of $475 on the life-saving medication that they need thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act’s cap on annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Thanks to the new cap on insulin costs for Medicare recipients, recent data shows more Wisconsinites are already filling prescriptions as medication becomes more affordable. Last month, the Biden-Harris administration announced the results of the first round of Medicare’s prescription drug price negotiations, which will save Medicare recipients an estimated $1.5 billion in the first year alone.
   

• $1 Billion Recovered From Ultra-Wealthy Tax Cheats: The IRS recently announced it has recovered more than $1 billion from millionaires who previously owed at least $250,000 in unpaid taxes. Funding for increased enforcement was made possible thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, which is also cracking down on large corporations and partnerships, as well as personal use of private jets owned by large corporations.
   

• New Good-Paying Jobs for Wisconsin: The Inflation Reduction Act’s investments in clean energy are also supporting new manufacturing and other jobs across Wisconsin, with recent announcements already showing the state’s potential to manufacture clean energy infrastructure. A report shows nearly two thousand  new jobs are being created in Wisconsin. The Inflation Reduction Act’s historic tax credits are boosting manufacturing in the United States and supporting good-paying jobs here in Wisconsin.
   

• Lowering Energy Costs: The Inflation Reduction Act includes support for programs that help families lower utility bills, including rebates on energy-efficient appliances and funding to improve renewable energy infrastructure. Already the law has supported $920 million in climate and clean energy projects across the state.

Inflation Reduction Act’s success shows the importance of holding corporations accountable and building an economy that supports working families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Inflation Reduction Act’s success shows the importance of holding corporations accountable and building an economy that supports working families

Additional action to tackle corporate price gouging and support working families will grow our economy and create new opportunities

MADISON, Wis. – Two years after the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law, it continues to deliver significant cost savings for many Wisconsin families, while creating new jobs and growing our economy. The success of this law highlights the importance of policies that put working families first and hold big corporations accountable, and the need for even more action.

“Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress, the Inflation Reduction Act is already delivering relief to Wisconsin families. From delivering significant savings on prescription drugs and health care premiums, to major investments that are creating jobs and growing our economy, the Inflation Reduction Act has been an incredible success,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Over the past two years we’ve seen what’s possible with economic policies that support working families. We have to protect our progress and also continue to tackle corporate greed, lower costs for Wisconsinites, and build an economy where everyone can succeed.”

“Too many Wisconsinites have had to make the tough decision on whether they’re able to afford essential prescription drugs or not. The Inflation Reduction Act finally took action to lower costs and hold big drug companies accountable,” said Linda Spaulding, a retiree from Kenosha. “We can’t go backwards. We need to protect the Inflation Reduction Act and continue to make sure every Wisconsinite can access the prescription drugs and health care they need.”

Since it was signed into law two years ago, the Inflation Reduction Act has continued to benefit Wisconsin: 

• Lower Health Care and Prescription Drug Costs: The Inflation Reduction Act is delivering lower prescription drug prices and health insurance premiums for hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin families. Many Wisconsinites will save an average of $475 on the life-saving medication that they need thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act’s cap on annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Thanks to the new cap on insulin prices for Medicare recipients, recent data shows more Wisconsinites are already filling prescriptions as medication becomes more affordable. Yesterday the Biden-Harris administration announced the results of the first round of Medicare’s prescription drug price negotiations, which will save Medicare recipients an estimated $1.5 billion in the first year alone.
  

• $1 Billion Recovered From Ultra-Wealthy Tax Cheats: The IRS recently announced it has recovered more than $1 billion from millionaires who previously owed at least $250,000 in unpaid taxes. Funding for increased enforcement was made possible thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, which is also cracking down on large corporations and partnerships, as well as personal use of private jets owned by large corporations.
  

• New Good-Paying Jobs for Wisconsin: The Inflation Reduction Act’s investments in clean energy are also supporting new manufacturing and other jobs across Wisconsin, with recent announcements already showing the state’s potential to manufacture clean energy infrastructure. Reports show at least hundreds of new jobs have already been created in Wisconsin. The Inflation Reduction Act’s historic tax credits will ensure these products are made in the United States and support good-paying jobs here in Wisconsin.
  

• Lowering Energy Costs: The Inflation Reduction Act includes support for programs that help families lower utility bills, including rebates on energy-efficient appliances and funding to improve renewable energy infrastructure. Already the law has supported $920 million in climate and clean energy projects across the state.
  
  

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Medicare announces significant price reductions following first negotiations with drug companies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Medicare announces significant price reductions following first negotiations with drug companies

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, Wisconsin seniors will save money on 10 commonly prescribed medications

MADISON, Wis. – Earlier today the Biden-Harris administration announced the results of Medicare’s price negotiations with drug companies, which was made possible thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. The announcement details significant savings for many commonly prescribed medications, with $1.5 billion in expected out-of-pocket savings in the first year of the program alone. Of the 10 drugs subject to negotiation, the price of 9 of them will be discounted by more than 50% for patients. You can see a full breakdown of discounts secured for each medication here. 

“Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress, Wisconsin seniors will see significant savings on the prescriptions they need,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “After years of skyrocketing prescription drug costs, the Inflation Reduction Act is helping lower costs and holding big drug companies accountable. It’s more important than ever that Congress protects the progress we’ve made instead of attempting to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act.”

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, tens of thousands of Medicare Part D recipients in Wisconsin will benefit from lower prescription drug prices thanks to this successful negotiation. For example, more than 67,000 enrollees in Wisconsin are currently prescribed Eliquis, a common blood thinner used to treat heart conditions. Currently, these individuals pay an average of $534 out-of-pocket, but the newly negotiated price for the same 30-day supply of the drug is $231.

Along with giving Medicare the ability to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices, the Inflation Reduction Act has taken additional steps to lower costs for seniors, including capping insulin costs at $35 per month, implementing new protections against price gouging, and capping out-of-pocket prescription costs.

Wisconsin Congressman Bryan Steil voted against the Inflation Reduction Act and both Steil and Congressman Derrick Van Orden have taken multiple votes to repeal many of the law’s provisions that are already benefiting Wisconsinites. Steil also belongs to the Republican Study Committee, which released a proposed federal budget to fully repeal the Inflation Reduction Act’s prescription drug provisions.

The initial ten drugs included in price negotiations are Eliquis, Jardiance, Xarelto, Januvia, Farxiga, Entresto, Enbrel, Imbruvica, Stelara, and NovoLog/Fiasp. Lower prices will go into effect on January 1st, 2026 and the administration will announce the list of prescription drugs to be included in the next round of negotiations early next year.
 

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Two years after CHIPS and Science Act signing, major investments are growing Wisconsin’s economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Two years after CHIPS and Science Act signing, major investments are growing Wisconsin’s economy

CHIPS and Science Act, championed by Senator Baldwin and Democrats in Congress, is creating Wisconsin jobs, lowering costs, and investing in our state

MADISON, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement on the second anniversary of President Biden signing the CHIPS and Science Act into law:

“Thanks to the CHIPS and Science Act, which was championed by Senator Baldwin and Democrats in Congress, major investments are already transforming Wisconsin’s economy. The CHIPS and Science Act has helped spur billions of dollars in investments in our state, creating tens of thousands of new highly skilled jobs, and securing funding that will help Wisconsin be a national leader in innovation and cutting-edge industries.”

Last month Wisconsin was designated as a national Tech Hub, a program included in the CHIPS and Science Act. Along with $49 million in investments, this program is projected to create more than 30,000 jobs and over 111,000 indirect jobs over the next decade, as well as $9 billion worth of economic development are projected with the designation.

The CHIPS and Science Act has also supported investments by leading tech companies. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced it would invest $3.3 billion on the former Foxconn site near Racine to create a new AI data hub. 

More information on the CHIPS and Science Act and key programs included in the law is available here.

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ICYMI: Congress starts August recess early after extreme Republican-backed proposals stall spending bills

Republican proposals including cuts to food assistance and keeping credit card fees high force Congress to adjourn until September

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, Congressional Republicans announced they are beginning their August recess today, adjourning until September after extreme Republican-backed proposals stalled progress on multiple spending bills.

Multiple appropriations packages have failed to even be brought up for a vote after extreme Republican proposals have eroded support from both Democrats and Republicans, despite Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s previous pledge to pass all appropriations bills before recess. Earlier this week, Republicans pulled a vote on their Financial Services spending bill from the floor, in part because of opposition to the bill’s significant cuts to consumer protections, including gutting funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and removing a proposed cap on high credit card fees. 

Progress on the new Farm Bill has also been delayed indefinitely, following criticism of drastic cuts to food assistance programs that would raise costs for Wisconsin families. Congressman Derrick Van Orden previously supported these cuts, voting to advance the Farm Bill out of committee last month.

With seven appropriations bills remaining to be passed, Congress will have just weeks to take action once they return in September before facing a government shutdown or passing another continuing resolution.

“Thanks to extreme Republican-written proposals, Congress remains gridlocked and dysfunctional. That means working families, family farmers, small businesses, and more are left without the ability to plan ahead and prepare for the future,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Members of Congress need to start prioritizing policies that help Wisconsin families succeed, and look for ways to grow the middle class and make our economy stronger.”

Roll Call: House lawmakers to start summer break Thursday morning

House leaders canceled votes scheduled for next week as the GOP majority struggles to pass its fiscal 2025 appropriations bills.

The decision to scrap next week’s session came a day after Republican leaders had to yank the Energy-Water spending bill from the floor amid growing doubts they could muster enough votes to pass it with their razor-thin majority.

Democrats have been marching in lockstep against the GOP-written spending measures, and some Republicans signaled Tuesday night they might oppose the Energy-Water bill amid concerns over Energy Department permitting standards and a Georgia port expansion project, among other things.

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., chair of the Energy-Water Appropriations Subcommittee, said his bill won’t be brought back to the floor until September at the earliest, as the House prepares to leave town after Thursday morning votes for an extra-long August recess.

[. . .]

Punchbowl News: Congress limps into August

[. . .]

The House will adjourn today until mid-September with only five of the 12 annual spending bills passed — and those on party-line votes. The Senate will be gone after next week. It hasn’t passed any spending bills, although the Senate Appropriations Committee is marking up several bills today.

Lawmakers will need to pass a CR when they come back in September in order to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the month. House GOP conservatives want to attach the SAVE Act — a bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections — to that CR and dare Senate Democrats to shut down the government five weeks before Election Day, but we doubt they can really make it happen.

[. . .]