House Republicans prepare massive funding cuts to nutrition assistance, health care, and other crucial benefits to pay for new tax breaks for those at the top

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

House Republicans prepare massive funding cuts to nutrition assistance, health care, and other crucial benefits to pay for new tax breaks for those at the top

As communities across the country were thrown into chaos this week because of surprise cuts to federal loans and grants, House Republicans huddled in Florida to consider cutting vital benefits that support Wisconsinites

MADISON, Wis. – While Head Start programs, domestic violence shelters, and food pantries scrambled this week in response to federal grant and loan programs being cut, House Republicans huddled out-of-sight in Florida to prepare their plan to force massive cuts to nutrition assistance and other programs. The proposal is the latest attempt to pay for massive tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations as part of an extension of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Plan.

As part of these cuts, the Agriculture Committee, which Congressman Derrick Van Orden is a member of, will consider massive reductions to nutrition assistance benefits that help Wisconsinites put food on the table. Punchbowl News reported, “The House Agriculture Committee is targeting between $100 billion and $250 billion in cuts. Some would impact SNAP, aka food stamps. Mandating states pay more for SNAP benefits with a cost-share requirement, changing the Thrifty Food Plan process and expanding work requirements were among the options.”

“Cutting programs like SNAP not only hurts the more than 700,000 Wisconsinites who depend on SNAP to put food on the table, it affects family farmers across Wisconsin by reducing demand for products,” said Hans Breitenmoser, a dairy farmer in Lincoln County. “Our members of Congress, and particularly those on the Agriculture Committee, should understand that when they force families to pay more for groceries and basic necessities, it weakens our economy and makes it tougher for all of us to succeed. We need agricultural policies that support family farmers and make sure Wisconsinites can access the nutrition their family needs.”

“Congressman Van Orden has a decision to make: Will he stand by while his constituents watch their grocery bills go up or will he fight back against these disastrous funding cuts?” asked Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Republicans in Congress need to be honest with the people they represent. They’re planning for funding cuts that will hurt Wisconsin families and small businesses, just to turn around and give that money away through tax breaks that predominantly benefit the ultra-rich and big corporations.”

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ROUND UP: What Wisconsinites Are Hearing and Saying About Devastating Cuts to Federal Grants and Loans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

ROUND UP: What Wisconsinites Are Hearing and Saying About Devastating Cuts to Federal Grants and Loans


While Reps. Steil and Van Orden refuse to call for an end to Trump’s attempted cuts to loans and grants , community leaders and organizations speak out about its impact 

MADISON, Wis. – While President Trump has rushed to cut federal grants and loans this week, all as part of Republicans’ plan to pay for massive tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations, Wisconsin Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have refused to call on Trump to reverse this action. Meanwhile, community leaders and organizations across the state are speaking out. 

“President Trump’s cuts to federal grant and loan programs show the extremes he’s willing to go to in order to pay for the tax breaks he promised to the ultra-rich and big corporations,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “These cuts have led to chaos that threatens access to Head Start programs, services for homeless veterans, aid to Wisconsin farmers, and more. While Wisconsinites are speaking out about the dangerous consequences of these cuts, Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have refused to stand up to President Trump and support the communities they represent.”

Geri Segal the Executive Director of Family Support Center in Chippewa Falls said, “At Family Support Center, we provide lifesaving services to close to 1000 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking every year. Those services are funded, in large part, by federal funds. A federal funding freeze would be catastrophic for our communities.”

Here’s what Wisconsinites are hearing and saying about these dangerous cuts which will hurt communities and force cuts to programs that support individuals and families in every corner of the state:

Wausau Pilot and Review: City, nonprofits scramble amid Trump’s executive order suspending federal grant

  • Wausau City Council President Lisa Rasmussen said what the pause means in the short-term for communities is “uncertainty and chaos.”

  • “That should alarm residents on both sides of the aisle,” Rasmussen said. “Almost everyone has some connection to some federally funded agency or program even if it is not direct benefits. One would think a directive for federal agencies to review programming could’ve been done without creating total confusion nationwide.”

  • This pause affects various programs, including the $100,000 designated for general administration and the $50,000 allocated for homeowner rehabilitation loans aimed at assisting low- to moderate-income residents. Other impacted initiatives comprise the $35,000 awarded to Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Home Repairs Program, $75,000 for curb ramp reconstruction to meet ADA standards, and $20,000 for school crossing improvements at Bridge Street and 6th Avenue.

  • Public service projects facing uncertainty include $10,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentoring center, $15,000 for CASA of Marathon County’s advocate program, $20,000 for Children’s Imaginarium’s Access for All initiative, and $25,000 for Community Partners Campus to support homeless residents. The duration of the funding freeze remains unclear, leaving the future of these local projects in question.

  • Jane Graham Jennings, executive director of The Women’s Community in Wausau, said federal grant dollars make up about 20 percent of the agency’s total budget.

  • “The biggest devastation is for our Domestic Violence Housing First Project which gives us funding to provide rental assistance for 12-18 months for survivors,” she said. “All of those funds are federal so that means we will not be able to pay the rent they have been promised.”

FOX 6: Federal funding freeze on hold; Wisconsin programs concerned for future

  • Head Start programs in Waukesha and Washington counties have been shut down until further notice. This will affect parents with children enrolled in the Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Waukesha and Washington counties.

  • The executive director at National Centers for Learning Excellence, Dr. Tim Nolan, said the program won’t resume until he can guarantee his staff will be paid.

  • The closure is impacting Shateria Brown, a young single mother.

  • "I was just in shock," Brown said. "Not everybody got the funds like most. It is harder to pay, you know, for child care and it's harder to pay for most stuff. Some people are actually out here struggling, hustling to get the funds."

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump orders temporary freeze on federal grants. Here's how that could affect Wisconsin

  • Carie Poser, who as executive director of the Balance of State Continuum Care oversees housing and homeless agencies of 69 counties, called the decision to freeze federal funds "catastrophic."

  • As she emphasized in an email Tuesday morning that went out to stakeholders and recipients of federal grants, anyone attempting to serve clients must reach out to federally elected local officials.

WEAU

Senator Tammy Baldwin: “This is defying all the checks and balances. This is virtually a Trump government shutdown, and we're already hearing from constituents, police departments, fire departments are wondering whether their grant funding is going to come through. School lunch programs are wondering whether tomorrow they'll be able to serve students in their schools…”

WBAY

“The salvation of Fox City, says a federal freeze on that grant and loan funding could directly impact people relying on them for basic needs. Basic needs like housing and meals. . .You know, it's unfortunate when there is a gap in receiving funding or no funding at all because we have to take a good look at how are we going to make that happen? We're all humans. We all need to eat. We all need to stay warm. We all need to have a, you know, a safe home, a safe place to sleep. So what are we going to do?” 

WEAU

“In a memo from the Office of Management and Budget, they did declare that federal loan and grant programs must cease operations by 5:00 yesterday. The reason it made it into the farm news is this would include loans and grants from the FSA office for farmers, aid to nonprofits, and food programs.”

TMJ4

  • Reporter: “Right now we do know the state Medicaid programs across the country are reporting they've lost access to federal payment portals. The decision could also cause widespread disruption in healthcare research, education programs and other initiatives.”

  • Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson: “There are organizations that feed the folks who are hungry in our community. There are organizations out there that help people who've been abused by domestic abusers and like that, rely on the services of these organizations that then rely on federal funding.”

WISN

“Parents with kids enrolled in the Head Start program in Waukesha walked out of the Child and Family Centers of Excellence Tuesday with no word on when the free early education program, that's often a lifeline for low income families, would return. ‘Yesterday, life was normal, then we were basically told to shut down.’ Doctor Tim Nolan is the CEO for the National Centers for Learning Excellence, he runs the head start program in Waukesha and sent this notice to parents Tuesday, saying the White House is pausing all funding for most federal grant or loan programs and by 4:00 Tuesday, they'd shut down until directed to reopen.”

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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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