Rep. Van Orden defends cuts to federal grants and loans while admitting “real people” and “real programs” in his district are hurting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Rep. Van Orden defends cuts to federal grants and loans while admitting “real people” and “real programs” in his district are hurting

In a new interview Van Orden supports President Trump’s cuts which have thrown preschools, aid for veterans, and school lunch programs into chaos 

MADISON, Wis. – In a new interview with Newsmax, Congressman Derrick Van Orden today defended President Trump’s decision to immediately cut federal grants and loans, even as he admits the plan is affecting programs and families in the Third Congressional District.

In the interview, Van Orden admits that his constituents are being hurt as a result of these funding cuts, saying “I personally have people in my district that depend on these. . .This is real money. These are real programs. These are real people.” Van Orden goes on to say that he supports these cuts and the blame “lies solely on the shoulders of the Democrat Party and the deep state” and that they should continue until they comply with President Trump’s demands.

Van Orden gave the interview from House Republicans’ retreat in Doral, Florida—where he and his colleagues are discussing making cuts to Medicaid and SNAP to pay for their plan to give more tax handouts to corporations and billionaires.

“Congressman Van Orden had an opportunity to speak out against these cuts that are hurting his constituents and the chaos that President Trump has unleashed, but he defended them instead. Rather than listening to his constituents, he’s spent his week at a luxury resort in Florida plotting more harmful program cuts that will hurt Wisconsinities all to pay for tax breaks for corporations and billionaires,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “While so many community organizations and preschools are being forced to close their doors or stop providing services that families depend on, Van Orden doesn’t seem concerned. Whether it’s supporting family farmers, ensuring students have access to school lunches, or programs to support homeless veterans, it’s time for Van Orden to realize that the well-being of his constituents shouldn’t be used as a bargaining chip.”

Watch the full interview

Transcript: “Here's the problem: the executive branch and the deep state, which is real. Think that they are running the government, and they're not. They're unelected bureaucrats that better damn well get on board with the plan of the elected president and the elected Congress, or they need to find something else to do. They're going to be held accountable because they are not in charge, constitutionally or lawfully. They simply are not. So if the deep state, Democrat permanent party would actually do their damn job for the American public, the President would not have to do this. So I personally have people in my district that depend on these. And Don Bacon spoke very eloquently about it earlier. This is real money. These are real programs. These are real people. And as soon as the Democrat Deep State gets off their ass and starts working lawfully and follows the executive orders and the laws that Congress have put out. This money goes straight back. This is not a permanent thing. This is a temporary thing, and it lies solely on the shoulders of the Democrat Party and the deep state that's been working against the American public for an extended period of time. It's their fault, and President Trump is just bringing this around to make sure that they comply with the law.” 

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Federal grant and loan cut will hurt Wisconsin families and communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Federal grant and loan cut will hurt Wisconsin families and communities

Trump’s unprecedented cut throws essential programs into chaos and threatens funding for school lunches, home heating assistance, and even Meals on Wheels

MADISON, Wis. – Last night’s unprecedented announcement from President Trump that federal grants and loans will be frozen this afternoon threatens funding for key programs that support Wisconsinites. In response, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement calling on Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to demand the White House stop this plan and support our communities:

“President Trump’s announcement is going to hurt Wisconsin communities and families. Instead of being a partner for Wisconsinites  and successful programs that help families succeed, Trump’s announcement puts critical services at risk and is creating chaos that hurts millions of Americans. This funding supports school lunch programs, preschool, Meals on Wheels, and even programs for home heating assistance and homeless veterans. If Trump follows through with his plan, he’s literally leaving Americans out in the cold. Congress has the power to make spending decisions, and it’s time for Republicans in Congress—including Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil—to tell Wisconsinites where they stand on Trump’s plan. They should oppose this move to rip essential funding from our communities, stand up for their constituents, and publicly call on the President to roll back this proposal before more damage is done.”

Background on Programs Impacted By Trump’s Freeze:

  • According to Roll Call, “as written the pause could affect a big swath of programs that aid lower-income households, including: Medicaid; school breakfast and lunch programs; Section 8 rental assistance; Title I education grants; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; state grants for child care; Head Start; and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.”

  • Meals on Wheels’ spokesperson said, “the uncertainty right now is creating chaos for local Meals on Wheels providers not knowing whether they should be serving meals today. Which unfortunately means seniors will panic not knowing where their next meals will come from."

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Bryan Steil’s “listening sessions” are disconnected from his record and Republican priorities in Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Bryan Steil’s “listening sessions” are disconnected from his record and Republican priorities in Congress

 Steil’s promises to lower costs and help seniors don’t hold up as Congress pushes measures that will raise costs and cut programs that support Wisconsinites to fund tax breaks for the rich

MADISON, Wis. – Earlier this month Congressman Bryan Steil visited with constituents across the 1st Congressional District. Despite promoting events as “listening sessions,” Steil’s own recap of the events shows he was more focused on hiding his own record and House Republicans’ plans to raise costs and cut successful programs.

While Steil was quick to run from his own record, his listening session failed to mention the top priority of House Republicans and President Trump: Extending tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations and cutting key programs to pay for it. New reporting by The New York Times yesterday detailed a list of cuts Republicans are considering, including cutting Medicaid benefits, slashing tax credits that lower the cost of Affordable Care Act coverage, and raising taxes for students and homeowners.

“Congressman Steil doesn’t seem to be listening to constituents, the facts about his own record, or what Republicans in Congress are saying,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “The truth is, Republicans are about to implement tariffs that will raise the prices of everyday items, like gas and groceries, stretching household budgets even thinner – and that’s just the beginning. Congressional Republicans are willing to put everything on the table in order to pay for an extension of tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations, whether that’s cutting Medicaid, nutrition assistance programs, or rolling back access to healthcare. It’s time for Bryan Steil to be honest about his legislative priorities and actually listen to his constituents, who want to see lower costs, not more tax breaks for billionaires.”

Here’s a look at what Steil said to constituents vs. his record and upcoming measures that Republicans are eager to enact:

Steil’s Claim: “I’ll continue working to bring down costs”

Reality: Steil has opposed legislation that has helped lower costs and has been silent on President Trump’s tariff proposals which would increase costs of gas, groceries, and more

President Trump has pledged to impose new tariffs on key trading partners in the coming days, which companies and economic experts have said will result in higher costs on everyday items like gas, groceries, clothing, and more. Steil has been silent on these proposed tariffs, and the possibility of Congress enacting them through legislation, despite the fact that his constituents will be forced to pay more of their hard-earned money just to put food on their tables.

Steil also talked about the importance of lowering energy costs, but failed to mention that he opposed the Inflation Reduction Act, which has already supported hundreds of millions of dollars in climate and energy projects across Wisconsin, helping families lower utility bills while strengthening our infrastructure. 

Steil’s Claim: “I support Social Security and Medicare”

Reality: Steil has voted against lowering prescription drug costs and voted for legislation that would cut access to Social Security and Medicare benefits.

When Bryan Steil has had the opportunity to support lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, he has refused. Today, monthly insulin prices are now capped at $35 for Medicare beneficiaries, thanks to a law, the Inflation Reduction Act, that Steil voted against. The Inflation Reduction Act also allowed Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices, lowering costs on many common prescriptions seniors depend on. During the last Congress, Steil also voted in favor of extreme plans which would have reduced access to Social Security and Medicare benefits, while giving more tax breaks to big corporations.

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Republicans float tying disaster aid to tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Republicans float tying disaster aid to tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations

Republicans in Congress and President Trump suggest holding wildfire relief hostage to secure passage of a tax plan that prioritizes those at the top over working families

MADISON, Wis. – Republicans in Congress have suggested they may tie disaster recovery funding to a massive spending bill that includes President Trump’s key priorities, namely massive tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations. Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement calling on Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to oppose this plan and prioritize policies that help families succeed:

“Instead of delivering relief to those who need it, President Trump and Republicans in Congress are following a playbook that has become too familiar: Prioritizing tax breaks for the ultra-rich and lining the pockets of big corporations at all costs. Disaster recovery for families and communities that have lost everything shouldn’t be controversial, but Republicans in Congress are willing to use it as a bargaining chip to help those at the top do even better. Whether it’s holding disaster aid hostage, or proposing cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance programs to pay for more tax breaks for the wealthy, it’s time for Wisconsin’s Republicans in Congress to speak out and oppose these dangerous policies.”

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ICYMI: House Republicans considering cuts to Medicaid, Affordable Care Act, and more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

ICYMI: House Republicans considering cuts to Medicaid, Affordable Care Act, and more

House Republicans may cut key programs to pay for President-elect Trump’s tax proposals, which primarily benefit big corporations and the ultra-wealthy

MADISON, Wis. – With the new Congress underway and President-elect Trump set to take office next week, new reporting hints at a renewed push from House Republicans to cut programs that support many Wisconsin families. The push comes as Republicans look for ways to pay for an extension and expansion of Trump’s 2017 tax law, which would include massive tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations. 

According to a new report from Politico, Republicans are likely to target cuts to Medicaid, limit access to coverage under the Affordable Care Act, and roll back provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which have lowered costs for Wisconsinites and helped strengthen American manufacturing and infrastructure. According to the report, some House Republicans have already warned leadership against some of these repeals. Republicans in Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation have stayed silent on these proposed cuts, but they have a long record of supporting similar proposals that would jeopardize things Wisconsinites rely on while also backing costly tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations. 

Trump has repeatedly called for an extension of his 2017 tax policy. The extension would mean additional tax breaks primarily aimed at the ultra-wealthy and big corporations, some of which have been able to avoid paying any federal tax as a result of the 2017 law. Wisconsin Republicans including Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have previously been supportive of extensions to Trump tax policies aimed at giving breaks to those at the top.

“Millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites are able to access care, make ends meet, and succeed with the help of programs like Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and nutrition assistance programs. Instead of helping working families succeed, House Republicans are threatening these successful programs,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation can’t stay silent any longer: It’s time for Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden to speak out against these proposed cuts and reject efforts to give more tax breaks to those at the top. We need policies that strengthen our communities, lower costs for families, and grow our economy.”

POLITICO: House GOP puts Medicaid, ACA, climate measures on chopping block

[1/10/25, By Ben Leonard, Meredith Lee Hill, and Kelsey Tamborrino]

  • House Republicans are passing around a “menu” of more than $5 trillion in cuts they could use to bankroll President-elect Donald Trump’s top priorities this year, including tax cuts and border security.

  • The early list of potential spending offsets obtained by POLITICO includes changes to Medicare and ending Biden administration climate programs, along with slashing welfare and “reimagining” the Affordable Care Act.

  • Cuts to Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and the country’s largest anti-hunger program would spark massive opposition from Democrats and would also face some GOP resistance. House Speaker Mike Johnson can’t afford any Republican defections if he wants to pass a package on party lines.

  • Even proposed cuts to green energy tax credits, worth as much as $500 billion, could be tricky — as the document notes, they depend “on political viability.” Already 18 House Republicans — 14 of whom won reelection in November — warned Johnson against prematurely repealing some of the IRA’s energy tax credits, which are funding multiple manufacturing projects in GOP districts.

  • Johnson and GOP leaders are hunting for trillions of dollars in cuts, with lawmakers estimating Trump’s domestic policy agenda — including tax cuts and border security proposals — costing as much as $10 trillion over the coming decade.

  • Johnson, with scores of House Republicans this week to chart the way forward, and groups of GOP members are set to meet with Trump in Florida this weekend.

  • In addition to Medicaid and ACA cuts, the document floats clawing back bipartisan infrastructure and Inflation Reduction Act funding.

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Opportunity Wisconsin gives back to communities during the holiday season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Opportunity Wisconsin gives back to communities during the holiday season

MADISON, Wis. – This holiday season, Opportunity Wisconsin is giving back by supporting community organizations helping their neighbors in need across the state. Opportunity Wisconsin staff has volunteered their time and the organization has donated goods to toy drives ahead of the holidays.

“Organizations across Wisconsin do so much to support the community and provide resources to those in need. During the holiday season, and throughout the year, supporting their work is an easy way to make our state stronger and get involved,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “More than ever, we need to support organizations and policies that help every Wisconsinite succeed.”

As many families continue to struggle with higher costs and economic uncertainty, Opportunity Wisconsin is also continuing to advocate for policies that create an economy where everyone can succeed. In the new year, the group will continue to push Congress to pass policies that prioritize relief for working families, put an end to a tax system that gives tax breaks to corporations and the ultra-wealthy, and stop the implementation of tariffs that will raise costs even higher.

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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.

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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.” 

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