ICYMI: Increased tariffs could hurt Wisconsin small businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

ICYMI: Increased tariffs could hurt Wisconsin small businesses

“The Trump tariffs really couldn't come at a worse time for small businesses.”

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, Wisconsin small business owners are speaking out against proposals from President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress to raise tariffs, warning consumers that new tariffs will increase costs and threaten Wisconsin’s economy.

Under the proposed tariffs, goods imported from major trading partners would lead to higher costs for Americans, including basic household items like food, clothing, and more. Trump has already doubled down on his pledge to cut the corporate tax rate, giving more handouts to large, successful corporations, while working families and small businesses are left without the relief they deserve.

“Small businesses and working families are the heart of our economy – increased tariffs are only going to make it harder for them to succeed,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Republicans in Congress need to stand up to President-elect Trump and find ways to support Wisconsin families, empower entrepreneurs, and create an economy that works for everyone.”

An Eau Claire small business braces for Trump tariffs

Thursday, December 19, 2024   

As the new year quickly approaches, Wisconsin business owners and shoppers alike are bracing for the prospect of tariffs from a new administration that could affect both their livelihoods and families. Eau Claire Outdoors is a shop that sells gear for camping and backwoods experiences.

Kate Felton, shop owner, said she carries products manufactured both in the U.S. and elsewhere. She worries about shoppers being able to afford the brands she stocks if U.S. manufacturers increase prices as a result of tariff backlash.

"The Trump tariffs really couldn't come at a worse time for small businesses. Certainly, there's no good time for this to come - but this moment in particular is just a very dangerous moment for prices to increase on small businesses," she explained.

Eau Claire small businesses saw record-low sales this past year, she added, including the lowest turnout for Small Business Saturday in over a decade. Felton said the uncertainty has also made her and her husband reconsider plans to start a family. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to impose a new slate of tariffs as soon as he enters office in January.

Tariffs, or taxes on imports, are paid by businesses purchasing goods from other countries. Economists say tariffs are typically passed on to consumers of anything the U.S. imports, from electronics and home goods to gas.

Thomas Kemp, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire economics department chair, suspects a significant number of businesses in the state would feel the effects.

"Let's say a small Wisconsin business is dependent upon a Chinese supplier for, say, machinery and equipment, that's going to impact them significantly. Or if they're a retailer that sells primarily goods and services made in China, they're going to be impacted by this," he explained.

In 2022, Wisconsin, imports totaled $41-billion, the highest level recorded in state history, according to Wisconsin Economic Development. The state ranks 20th nationally for imports.

###

Opportunity Wisconsin Statement on Congressional Republican Chaos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Opportunity Wisconsin Statement on Congressional Republican Chaos

Congressional Republicans on course to shut down the government over the holidays, leaving Wisconsin workers and families out in the cold

MADISON, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement as Congressional Republicans scramble to fund the government before Friday night while paychecks for members of the military and nutrition benefits for low-income Wisconsin families hang in the balance. Yesterday, Congressman Derrick Van Orden announced he would not be supporting the bipartisan government funding proposal, paving the way for a government shutdown. 

“This holiday season, Wisconsin families, farmers, small business owners, and seniors deserve long-term funding for programs that support our communities and make our state stronger. What they don’t need is this confusion and chaos from Congressional Republicans at the behest of President-elect Trump and his billionaire buddies. What’s past is prologue and given the do-nothing disarray we saw from Congressional Republicans over the past two years, Wisconsin workers and families can, unfortunately, expect more of the same in the New Year. 

“As folks in the Badger State prepare to see loved ones this holiday, the last thing they need is their elected leaders playing politics with essential government funding and services. We’re calling on Wisconsin’s Congressional Republicans to stand up for their constituents and fund the government and get to work in the New Year on a long-term funding plan free from cuts to programs that support Wisconsinites.” 

###

President-elect Trump: Grocery prices will stay up, corporate taxes will go down

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

President-elect Trump: Grocery prices will stay up, corporate taxes will go down

President-elect Trump backs away from his promise to lower grocery prices while doubling down on his pledge to give more handouts to big corporations

MADISON, Wis. – Bad news for anyone tired of sticker shock at the grocery store: President-elect Donald Trump is already backing down from his promise to lower food prices. But if you’re a large, successful corporation, you can expect to keep more of your money with massive new tax cuts next year.

After months of promising quick action to lower costs, including at the grocery store, Trump revealed to Time this week, “It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up. You know, it’s very hard.” Trump’s admission comes as his proposed policies, including increasing tariffs, threaten to send grocery costs even higher. New tariffs would force families to pay more for cereal, vegetables, and other imported food items, and threaten Wisconsin’s agricultural economy by jeopardizing billions in export sales.

Trump had better news today for big corporations. While families are bracing for higher costs, Trump reassured large, successful companies that they’ll soon receive even more massive tax cuts. According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump told business leaders today that he wants to cut the corporate tax rate, adding “For those that are running the big companies, those great big beautiful companies, nobody is going to be leaving us.”

During his first term, Trump and congressional Republicans passed trillions in tax cuts that predominantly benefited the wealthiest Americans and big corporations, even allowing many successful companies to get away with paying nothing in federal taxes.

“President-elect Trump is making his priorities clear: If you’re a family trying to put food on the table, you’re going to keep paying more and your budget is going to be stretched thinner, but if you’re a large corporation, you’re getting even more handouts to increase your bottom line,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Working families are tired of corporate price gouging and high costs for basic necessities. Wisconsin families, small businesses, and seniors deserve relief – that’s why Congress has to stand up to Trump’s plan and do what’s best for the people they represent.”

ICYMI: Trump administration tariffs could cost farmers billions in exports

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

ICYMI: Trump administration tariffs could cost farmers billions in exports

Proposed tariffs would raise costs and could restrict trade for industries vital to Wisconsin’s economy

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently detailed how new tariffs proposed by President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress could reignite a global trade war and cost farmers billions in export sales.

According to the report, expected retaliatory tariffs from major U.S. trading partners would shrink markets for agricultural products, including beef, pork, corn, and other commodities. During the first Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates American farmers lost $27 billion in export sales as a result of tariffs and the ensuing trade war. 

In addition to hurting Wisconsin farmers, tariffs would force Wisconsin families to pay more for necessities, including common grocery items like coffee, cereals, and vegetables imported from other countries. Household items including clothes and shoes, appliances, and toys could also see higher costs as a result of proposed tariffs.

“If President-elect Trump and Republicans in Congress want to hurt Wisconsin farmers and force families to pay more at the grocery store, then increasing tariffs is a great idea. But if they want to lower costs and grow Wisconsin’s economy, they need another plan,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Working families, seniors, and small businesses in Wisconsin need relief from higher costs. That’s why it’s critical that Congress holds big corporations accountable, passes tax reform that prioritizes the middle class, and lowers costs. It’s time for our leaders to bring people together to build an economy where everyone can succeed.”

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: In another Trump trade war, farmers could lose billions in export sales

• If President-elect Donald Trump ignites a trade war with China, Mexico and Canada, many Wisconsin farmers may find themselves caught in the crossfire.

• U.S. agriculture hasn’t fully recovered from a trade fight that Trump started in his first administration when he imposed higher tariffs, essentially a tax, on $370 billion in products from China.

• The Chinese government retaliated with countervailing tariffs of up to 25% on over $100 billion worth of U.S. products, targeting soybeans, beef, pork, wheat, corn and sorghum. It then turned to Brazil and other countries, rather than the United States, for those commodities.

• American farmers lost $27 billion in export sales in 2018 and 2019, largely from the China tariffs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Even now, the share of China's soybean imports from the U.S. - the top American export to China - has dropped to 18% from 40% in 2016, Reuters reported in November.

• With Trump threatening more trade sanctions, farmers could again suffer market losses.

• “When farms go out, other businesses close, schools close and churches close, because farmers are the backbone of everything,” said Hinchley, a Democrat.

• Over the past 12 months alone, Wisconsin has lost more than 350 dairy herds and is now at fewer than 5,400 herds, the lowest point on record. Since 2019, more than 2,000 dairy farmers have called it quits, according to the state Agriculture Department.

• “We can’t continue this way and still be America’s Dairyland,” Hinchley said.

• A generous share of Wisconsin milk production ends up in dairy products outside of the United States, with much of it going to Mexico.

• Proposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China — three main export destinations for U.S. dairy — are likely to reduce dairy exports to a degree that would harm farm milk prices and processor profitability, according to Charles Nicholson, an associate professor of agricultural and applied economics at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

• Wisconsin farmers have come to rely on exports for selling beef, pork, soybeans, cranberries, cherries, ginseng and dairy products. In another trade war, farmers may once again find themselves at the mercy of federal government programs that act as a safety net when commodities prices fall.

###

New mobile billboard and digital ads highlight spooky consequences of the GOP Tax Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

New mobile billboard and digital ads highlight spooky consequences of the GOP Tax Law 

Ahead of the seven-year anniversary of the GOP Tax Law’s introduction, Opportunity Wisconsin highlights the law’s massive giveaways for big corporations and the ultra-wealthy

MADISON, Wis. – This Halloween, Opportunity Wisconsin is highlighting the spooky consequences of the 2017 Republican Tax Law, including massive handouts to the ultra-wealthy and big corporations. With mobile billboards traveling across Wisconsin’s First and Third Congressional Districts and homepage takeovers of newspaper websites, Wisconsinites can’t miss the frightening reality of our current tax code.

Seven years ago this Saturday, Republicans in Congress introduced the initial version of the 2017 Republican Tax Law. Since it was signed into law, it has predominantly benefited the ultra-wealthy and big corporations. Not only have billionaires paid lower tax rates than middle class families for the first time in history, the law has helped successful corporations avoid paying any federal taxes. 

“For too long, Republicans in Congress have tricked working Wisconsinites while treating those at the top to massive tax breaks,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “It’s horrifying that big corporations are being given massive tax breaks that they don’t need, while teachers, first responders, and everyday Wisconsinites are left paying more.”

Mobile billboards will travel across the state today, along with digital ads in the La Crosse Tribune, Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, Racine Journal Times, and Kenosha News. More information about the GOP Tax Law is available online at OpportunityWisconsin.org/tax-law.

ICYMI: “I asked Congressman Bryan Steil to fight for fair taxes. Will he listen?”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

ICYMI: “I asked Congressman Bryan Steil to fight for fair taxes. Will he listen?”

In new op-ed, Racine resident highlights the importance of tax reform that helps working families instead of prioritizing handouts for those at the top

MADISON, Wis. – In a new op-ed published on Up North News, Racine retiree and community advocate Janet Mitchell discusses the importance of reforming the federal tax code to provide relief for working families and seniors, and her recent visit with Congressman Bryan Steil which left her, “without the assurance that he would fight for a tax code that supports people like me.”

With many provisions of the 2017 Republican Tax Law set to expire next year, Congress has an opportunity to prioritize tax policies that support middle-class families across the country. Since its passage, the current law has disproportionately benefited large corporations and the ultra-rich, leaving small businesses and families to carry more of the burden. 

Last month advocates from Wisconsin and 21 other states visited Washington, DC to share their experience and directly ask their members of Congress to reform the tax code.

Up North News: Opinion: I asked Congressman Bryan Steil to fight for fair taxes. Will he listen?

[Janet Mitchell, 10/16/24]

Recently, I had the opportunity to join hundreds of advocates and leaders from 22 states to visit our elected officials in Washington and ask them directly to support a tax code that helps working families and seniors succeed, while making those at the top finally pay their fair share. I even told my congressman, US Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Janesville), how important this issue was to me. Now, I hope he listens.

In 2018, for the first time in history, billionaires paid taxes at a lower rate than middle class families. Thanks to this law, from 2018 to 2022 there were also 23 successful and profitable companies who paid zero federal taxes. I don’t know many small business owners or working families in Wisconsin who could get away with this, do you?

These conversations gave me an opportunity to tell them directly that Wisconsinites expect better. We’re tired of seeing our hard-working family members and neighbors being asked to carry more of the burden, while those at the very top are given even more in handouts. 

But my visit with Congressman Steil left me without the assurance that he would fight for a tax code that supports people like me. He didn’t agree that today’s tax system disproportionately benefits those at the top and he didn’t commit to allowing provisions of the 2017 Republican Tax Law to expire. This matches closely with his record in Congress. He has co-sponsored legislation which would not only extend many of the law’s provisions, but would make some of them permanent.

###

As Medicare open enrollment begins, improvements to coverage will save seniors money

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

As Medicare open enrollment begins, improvements to coverage will save seniors money

Starting in 2025, Medicare recipients will see additional savings on prescription drugs and expanded benefits

MADISON, Wis. – With the beginning of Medicare’s open enrollment period this week, Wisconsin seniors will soon see even more savings on prescription drugs thanks to improvements to the program included in the Inflation Reduction Act.

The Inflation Reduction Act has already capped insulin costs at $35 per month, it gave Medicare the ability to negotiate for lower drug prices, and has begun to crack down on price gouging from pharmaceutical companies. Now, the law’s full cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs will go into effect next year, limiting these expenses at $2,000 annually. 

With nearly 1.2 million Medicare recipients in Wisconsin, these improvements will help families across the state keep more money in their pockets, and access the care and prescription drugs they need. 

“Wisconsin seniors are already saving money thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act’s improvements to Medicare. Now, they’re set to save even more beginning next year thanks to the law’s cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “These improvements mean more financial security for seniors and ensure they’re able to access the care they need.”

Medicare’s open enrollment period began Tuesday and runs through December 7th. More information on enrollment and benefits is available in the 2025 edition of Medicare & You.

###

Statement on President Biden’s Visit to Milwaukee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Statement on President Biden’s Visit to Milwaukee

Biden’s visit highlights success of programs that are strengthening our economy, creating jobs, and improving infrastructure in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement ahead of President Joe Biden’s visit to Wisconsin this afternoon:

“The investments championed by the Biden-Harris administration are transforming communities across Wisconsin. With funding for lead pipe removal and critical infrastructure projects, the administration is helping to create jobs, improve public health, and strengthen our economy. As one of nine Investing in America Workforce Hubs nationwide, Milwaukee is leading the way on solving workforce challenges and expanding job training programs that support working families. These are the kinds of common-sense economic policies that help everyone succeed and we’re proud to welcome President Biden back to Wisconsin to raise awareness of this success.”

###