New tariffs will raise prices and threaten Wisconsin’s economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

New tariffs will raise prices and threaten Wisconsin’s economy

As new tariffs go into effect today, farmers, small businesses, and working families will pay the price

MADISON, Wis. – As new tariffs go into effect against key trading partners China, Mexico, and Canada today, some as high as 25 percent, Wisconsin working families, small businesses, and farmers will pay the price as costs increase and markets for U.S. exports are restricted. President Trump’s announcement yesterday triggered retaliatory tariffs from China and Canada, including new tariffs on U.S. agriculture exports, which are vital to Wisconsin’s economy. 

Statement from Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh: 

“Tariffs as high as 25 percent on key trading partners won’t make our economy stronger or help Wisconsin families succeed, it will do the opposite. President Trump’s announcement means working families will pay more for necessities, including groceries, clothing, and gas, and our farmers and the agriculture industry are going to be squeezed even more, just so that Trump and congressional Republicans can pay for more massive tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations.  With so much economic uncertainty, it shouldn’t be difficult for Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil to speak out against this chaos and the harm these tariffs are doing to the people they represent. It’s time for them to use their voice and stand up to President Trump so we can focus on economic policies that help our state succeed instead of fall behind.”

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Steil and Van Orden back budget resolution with steep cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Steil and Van Orden back budget resolution with steep cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and more

House Republican budget resolution passes, including cuts to programs Wisconsinites depend on

MADISON, Wis. – Tonight, Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil voted in favor of a budget resolution that green-lights serious cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical programs. With their support, the budget process will move forward in Congress and President Trump has joined Republicans in Congress in demanding massive cuts in order to pay for new tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations.

“By supporting this resolution, Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil are giving a green light to devastating cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical programs their constituents depend on,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “These cuts will force vulnerable families to pay more for groceries and health care, all to give corporations and billionaires more tax breaks they don’t need. It’s time for Van Orden, Steil, and Republicans in Congress to reverse course and stop these cuts before they do real damage to our economy, communities, and families.”

Earlier this week, NBC News reported on the devastating cuts included in this proposal: “The House’s budget blueprint for a tax, energy and immigration package, which the Budget Committee advanced last week, calls for at least $1.5 trillion in spending cuts. That includes $880 billion in spending cuts from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has Medicaid in its jurisdiction, and $230 billion from the House Agriculture Committee, which oversees SNAP.”

Hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites already use Medicaid and SNAP to receive care and put food on their table. With cuts to these programs and others, Wisconsin families will be forced to pay more out-of-pocket for everyday necessities.

Potential Impact Of Medicaid and SNAP Cuts By The Numbers:

• WI-01: 

• 143,955 covered by Medicaid/CHIP

• $1.8 billion potential funding loss in the district

• 37,790 households participating in SNAP

• WI-03:

• 140,131 covered by Medicaid/CHIP

• $1.75 billion potential funding loss in the district

• 34,393 households participating in SNAP

[SOURCES: Center for American Progress, USDA]

During House Recess, Opportunity Wisconsin, along with other grassroots groups and 35 constituents, gathered at Congressman Bryan Steil’s St. Francis office to demand he oppose these massive Medicaid cuts and more tax cuts for billionaires and corporations. 

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Statement on House Republican Budget Resolution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Statement on House Republican Budget Resolution

Resolution with dangerous cuts to SNAP and Medicaid set to be voted on by the full Congress as early as today

MADISON, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement on House Republicans’ budget resolution, which advanced out of the Rules Committee last night and could be voted on by members as early as today:

“The Republican budget resolution would be devastating for Wisconsin families who rely on Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical programs, while delivering more tax breaks to those at the top. If it’s enacted, this plan will force steep cuts and force Wisconsinites to pay more out of their own pockets, including the 1.2 million people enrolled in Medicaid – 300,000 of which are kids. During House Recess, Opportunity Wisconsin, along with other grassroots groups and 35 constituents, gathered at Congressman Bryan Steil’s St. Francis office to demand he oppose these massive Medicaid cuts and more tax cuts for billionaires and corporations. 

“Wisconsin’s Republican congressmen, including Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil, have an opportunity to vote against this budget plan and send a clear message that these devastating cuts are off the table.”

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TOMORROW: Will Van Orden defend harmful cuts to agriculture or duck tough questions from Wisconsin farmers?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

TOMORROW: Will Van Orden defend harmful cuts to agriculture or duck tough questions from Wisconsin farmers?

While proposed SNAP cuts, tariffs, and cuts to agriculture programs raise farmers’ concerns, Van Orden has continued to back President Trump’s policies

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Tomorrow, Congressman Derrick Van Orden has an opportunity to hear directly from working Wisconsin farmers about the challenges facing them because of proposed cuts to SNAP benefits, new tariffs that increase their costs, and reckless cuts that threaten the nation’s response to the avian flu outbreak. One question remains: Will he show up?

Congressman Mark Pocan has confirmed he will attend Friday’s meeting with members of the Wisconsin Farmers Union and state legislators.

In recent weeks, Republicans have floated major cuts to nutrition assistance programs, including SNAP, while farmers have been stuck with millions of dollars in bills following President Trump’s surprise cuts to federal grant and loan programs. President Trump and Republicans have also continued to pursue tariffs as high as 25 percent on key trading partners, which will raise costs of groceries and restrict export markets for American agricultural products. And recently the Trump administration admitted to firing key USDA personnel working to contain the avian flu outbreak.

Last week Van Orden visited an Eau Claire food bank where he told reporters he was surprised to hear how many members of the community relied on this resource, but declined to mention that recent Republican proposals have threatened the success of these programs.

At an Eau Claire Food Pantry, Van Orden expressed surprise at how many local families depend on the services they provide.

Here are questions Congressman Van Orden needs to answer if he refuses to meet directly with Wisconsin farmers: 

• Will you commit to opposing any cuts to SNAP as part of budget negotiations?

• Do you support tariffs as high as 25 percent on key trading partners even though they will increase grocery prices and limit export markets for agricultural products?

• Does he stand by the Trump administration’s decision to fire USDA personnel working to contain the avian flu outbreak?

• Will he continue to support new tax breaks for big corporations instead of relief for working families, seniors, and family farmers?

"Wisconsin's economy depends on supporting family farmers, our agricultural industry, and rural communities. As drastic cuts and reckless proposals threaten to drive up costs and make it harder for farmers and farm families to succeed, Congressman Van Orden owes it to his constituents to tell them where he stands,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “We hope he takes this opportunity to meet with them and that he starts speaking out against these harmful cuts that will hurt Wisconsin’s economy.”

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Special Valentine’s delivery asks Rep. Steil to break up with big corporations

While Steil’s heart is set on more tax breaks for big corporations and the ultra-rich, working families in Wisconsin are asking to be put first instead

ELKHORN, Wis. – This Valentine’s Day, Wisconsinites have one request for Congressman Bryan Steil: Break up with the ultra-rich and corporations and show you’re ready to put us first. This message, along with balloons and Valentine’s treats, was delivered to Steil’s Elkhorn office yesterday to kickoff the festivities.

The message left with Steil, said: “You admire tax breaks for big corporations, who too often pay next to nothing in federal taxes. You want even more tax breaks for billionaires who don’t need them. You’ll break the bank on presents for those at the top, and those lavish rewards will be paid for with cuts to Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, nutrition assistance, and even education – the worst kind of Valentine’s Day proposal. We can’t keep going like this – it’s time for you to break up with the ultra-rich and corporations and show you’re ready to put us first.”

The delivery comes as Congress continues advancing massive cuts to programs that support Wisconsin families. These cuts will raise costs and reduce services that Wisconsinites rely on everyday. Already Republicans are pushing to dismantle an agency tasked with cracking down on corporations who take advantage of consumers. The chair of the House Financial Services Committee, which Steil is a member of, has also introduced legislation to lift caps on overdraft fees.

This push is part of a larger effort to cut popular programs in order to pay for new tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations. New tax breaks would expand the 2017 Trump Tax law, which has predominantly helped those at the top avoid paying their fair share, while delivering little relief to working families and small businesses. Republicans have also proposed devastating cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and dozens of critical programs. 

“It would break our hearts if Congressman Steil chose big corporations and the ultra-rich over working families here in Wisconsin. This Valentine’s Day, we hope he’ll cut these devastating proposals loose, and start fighting for us instead,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “It’s not too late for Congress to put a stop to these devastating cuts and prioritize tax relief that helps everyone succeed, not just those at the top.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

New billboard highlights Republicans’ plan to raise prices and give more tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy

Digital billboard ads in the Wisconsin Dells remind visitors “Family vacations shouldn’t break the bank”

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – New digital billboard ads from Opportunity Wisconsin remind visitors to the Wisconsin Dells about President Trump’s plan to raise costs of gas, groceries, and even winter getaways, all in an effort to pay for new tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.

The billboards, which began running today and will continue for the next month, urge constituents to demand Congressman Derrick Van Orden to stand up to Trump’s proposed tax plan. 

First signed in 2017, the Trump Tax Law has disproportionately benefited those at the top, instead of providing meaningful relief to working families and small businesses who need it. Now, Republicans in Congress are working to give even more tax breaks to those at the top – and they’re targeting critical programs that working-class Wisconsinites rely on to pay for them. In recent weeks, Republicans have floated cuts to Medicaid, nutrition assistance and health care programs, and have even pushed to end federal grant and loan programs that support the community through Head Start and more. Trump and his allies are also pushing new tariffs as high as 25 percent on key trading partners, raising costs of everyday items that Wisconsin families need, including gas and groceries.

“Wisconsin families are sick and tired of high costs. Whether it’s paying more at the pump, watching grocery prices climb, or breaking the bank to afford a family vacation, something needs to be done to provide relief to families in Wisconsin,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “New tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy don’t strengthen our communities or help our families succeed – especially when they’re paid for with massive cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other successful programs that many of us depend on. It’s time for Congressman Van Orden to stand up to Donald Trump and oppose this dangerous tax plan.”

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Big corporations splurging on Super Bowl ads could soon get massive tax breaks

As President Trump and Congressional Republicans push for handouts that prioritize the ultra-wealthy and big corporations, they’re cutting funding for working families

MADISON, Wis. – As some of the largest corporations prepare to shell out as much as $8 million for a single 30-second television ad this weekend, President Trump and Republicans in Congress are continuing to push for trillions in new tax breaks that will help these successful corporations and the ultra-rich pay even less.

First signed in 2017, the Trump Tax Law has disproportionately benefited those at the top, instead of providing relief to working families and small businesses who need it. Under the law, the top 1 percent of income earners received an average tax break of over$61,000 a year, while an average Wisconsin household received just $910 in savings per year. Meanwhile, large corporations have used the law to avoid paying their fair share in taxes, withmany paying nothing at all in federal taxes.

Even some corporations set to spend big on TV ads this Sunday have paid extremely low federal taxes as the result of the current law:

• Salesforce is set to air multiple spots during the big game. According to an analysis from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), the company paid a tax rate of just 2.9% during the first five years of the current tax plan.
   

• Ads for Coors Light will also hit screens this Sunday. Parent company Molson Coors also used the current tax plan to pay just 4.8% in taxes over a five-year period according to ITEP.
   

• And if you happen to tune in through Dish Network this weekend, the study found that Dish Network paid nearly nothing in federal taxes during the same five-year period, with a rate of just 0.7%.

Now, Republicans in Congress are working to give even more tax breaks to those at the top – and they’re targeting critical programs that working-class Wisconsinites rely on to pay for them. In recent weeks, Republicans have floatedcuts to Medicaid,nutrition assistance and healthcare programs, and have even pushed toend federal grant and loan programsthat support programs like Head Start and more.

President Trump and Republicans are also pushing tariffs as high as 25% on key trading partners, which could soon increase costs on groceries, gas, and other everyday items that working families need. 

“While Chiefs and Eagles fans support their teams this weekend, Republicans in Congress are cheering for the ultra-rich and corporate special interests by working to give them even more tax breaks,”said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh.“Meanwhile, Wisconsin families are being left on the sidelines as Congress pushes for cuts to key programs, including Medicaid and SNAP, and threatens to increase tariffs that drive costs of groceries and gas even higher—all to pay for more tax handouts for billionaires and corporations. It’s time for Wisconsin’s members of Congress to oppose this tax plan, stop cuts to successful programs, and send relief to the working families who need it.”

Trump’s tariff Executive Order will raise costs for Wisconsin families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Trump’s tariff Executive Order will raise costs for Wisconsin families

President Trump’s new tariffs will raise the cost of groceries, gas, and household items Wisconsinites need

MADISON, Wis. – Today, President Trump enacted new tariffs on key trade partners, signing an Executive Order that will trigger price hikes on gas, groceries, and everyday items in the coming weeks. Increased tariffs are a key piece of Trump and House Republicans’ plan to pay for massive tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations, even though they will force everyday Americans to pay more for everyday goods.

“President Trump has made his priorities clear: If you’re a family working hard to make ends meet, you’re going to pay even more for gas, groceries, and basic necessities, just so those at the very top can get even more tax breaks,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “We need an economy where everyone can get ahead, not just billionaires and big corporations. These tariffs will make it harder for everyday Wisconsinites to get by, and a tax plan that prioritizes handouts for those at the top will make things even worse. We need our members of Congress, including Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, to speak out against these tariffs, oppose Trump’s tax breaks for the rich, and have the backs of the working people they represent.”

Hans Breitenmoser, a dairy farmer from Lincoln County, Wisconsin, added, “Wisconsinites work hard, they give back to their communities, and they do the right thing. It’s time for Congress to do the same: Reject proposals that drive costs even higher, and deliver relief for families who can really use it. As a lifelong Wisconsinite and dairy farmer, I know we’re strongest when we have economic policies that help everyone get ahead.” 

Trump signed an executive order implementing tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico by 25% and from China by 10%. Major companies and economists have said tariffs will force Americans to pay more at the checkout for household items, including groceries, clothing, and more. 

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