Congressional Republicans set to vote on funding package that continues Medicaid and health care cuts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Congressional Republicans set to vote on funding package that continues Medicaid and health care cuts

Ahead of a September 30th shutdown deadline, Reps. Steil and Van Orden have an opportunity to restore healthcare access for over 100,000 Wisconsinites 

MADISON, Wis. – As early as tomorrow, Congress will vote on a Republican-backed federal funding proposal that would temporarily fund the government without addressing massive cuts that will rip health care away from 110,000 Wisconsinites.

Ahead of a September 30 deadline to avoid a federal government shutdown, Congressional Republicans have so far refused to consider reversing their cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, or their decision to end tax credits that help lower health care premiums for millions of Americans. If they fail to address these serious concerns, Republicans in Congress, including Reps. Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, are pushing closer toward a federal government shutdown at the end of the month.

An alternative plan released by Democrats in Congress would keep the federal government funded through October 31 and reverse cuts that are set to rip health care away from over 15 million Americans. This plan also extends tax credits that help lower-income families afford health care premiums and access care.

"This moment is an opportunity for Congress to work together and ensure working families and seniors can access the health care they need. We hope Steil and Van Orden take it," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh.
 

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Van Orden and Steil vote to protect costly tariffs through March

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Van Orden and Steil vote to protect costly tariffs through March

Congressmen vote to protect costly tariffs through March as inflation continues to increase costs for families and small businesses

MADISON, Wis. – This afternoon Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden voted once again to protect President Trump’s tariffs by preventing members of Congress from terminating them until at least the end of March. The vote is the third time Steil and Van Orden have supported Trump’s tariffs, even as costs continue to increase for Wisconsin families. 

Today’s vote comes after the Bureau of Labor Statistics released data last week showing inflation continues to rise, hitting Wisconsin families where it hurts most – at the grocery store and gas pump. Consumer prices rose in August, driving the annual inflation rate to 2.9%, the highest since January. Food prices also saw the highest monthly increase in nearly three years – while gas prices climbed 1.9%.

Yesterday, Steil and Van Orden also voted in favor of keeping 50 percent tariffs in place on goods imported from Brazil, which will continue to make common items like coffee and groceries more expensive. 

"Congressmen Van Orden and Steil are choosing to protect Trump's failed tariff policies instead of protecting Wisconsin families who are struggling to afford groceries and gas," said Kate Felton, an Eau Claire small business owner. "These tariffs are hurting small businesses like mine, forcing families to pay more for everyday items, and hurting our economy. It's time for Congress to end these costly tariffs and start supporting policies that support small businesses and working families instead."

"Congressmen Van Orden and Steil are making Wisconsin families pay twice – first through higher prices from their tariffs, and then by stripping away healthcare and food assistance that families desperately need," said Sharon Dillon, an Eau Claire resident. "They're forcing us to choose between putting food on the table and paying for medicine, while they hand out tax breaks to the ultra-rich. Enough is enough, we need to put an end to these harmful tariffs and restore cuts that are hurting so many of our neighbors here in Wisconsin."

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ICYMI: Van Orden and Steil just voted to make your morning coffee more expensive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

ICYMI: Van Orden and Steil just voted to make your morning coffee more expensive

Wisconsin Congressmen voted to keep 50 percent tariffs in place on Brazil, which are already raising costs on morning routines and grocery bills as Republicans in Congress are set to protect even more tariffs this afternoon

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, last night Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil voted to keep 50 percent tariffs in place on goods imported from Brazil, making it even more expensive for families filling up their coffee cups. This move to protect costly tariffs comes ahead of an expected vote this afternoon which would protect more of President Trump’s tariffs through March.

Last night both Steil and Van Orden voted in favor of keeping tariffs on Brazil in place even as reports show coffee prices have been forced up nearly 21 percent over the past year as a result — the largest spike in coffee prices since the 1990s. Consumers could bear the brunt of even more of the cost increase as businesses are forced to pass on more of the tariff burden to consumers. 

“Costly tariffs are making everyday life more difficult for working families across Wisconsin. Whether it’s stopping for a morning coffee or stocking up on groceries, prices are increasing thanks to tariffs that Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden continue to vote for,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “It’s time for them to wake up and realize that tariffs, along with the disastrous cuts to healthcare and SNAP they voted for, aren’t helping their constituents get ahead. It’s time for them to restore funding and put an end to these tariffs that are stretching family budgets even thinner.”

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NEW ADS: Rep. Van Orden’s birthday party just got more expensive thanks to his costly tariffs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

NEW ADS: Rep. Van Orden’s birthday party just got more expensive thanks to his costly tariffs

Opportunity Wisconsin’s new ad campaign shows how Van Orden will be paying more to celebrate his birthday today thanks to tariffs he supported

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. – As Congressman Derrick Van Orden celebrates his birthday today, his budget is going to be busted thanks to costly tariffs that are increasing the costs of everyday items. Opportunity Wisconsin is joining in the birthday festivities with a full page ad in the Prairie du Chien Courier and Trader and digital ads across the district asking him to stop supporting tariffs that are driving costs higher.

"Thanks to Congressman Van Orden, even birthday celebrations can bust the budgets of working families across Wisconsin. The costly tariffs and drastic cuts that he voted for mean Wisconsinites are paying more at the grocery store, gas pump, and even when they shop online," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "As Congressman Van Orden blows out his candles today, we hope he has a change of heart and starts fighting for his constituents instead of the ultra-rich and big corporations. It's time to put an end to these tariffs and restore cuts to healthcare and SNAP so everyone has something to celebrate."

Recent reports show that tariffs continue to force prices higher for working families, even on everyday staples. Consumer prices rose in August, driving the annual inflation rate to 2.9%, the highest since January. Food prices also saw the highest monthly increase in nearly three years. President Trump and Republicans in Congress have continued to back costly tariffs, even as economists agree they are leading to soaring costs.

In addition to tariffs, many Wisconsin families are seeing budgets stretched even thinner thanks to the Republican Tax Law, which Van Orden also voted for. The law makes drastic cuts to health care and SNAP, forcing families to spend more of their hard-earned money on basic necessities. In the coming weeks, Van Orden and his colleagues have an opportunity to restore these cuts ahead of a September 30th deadline to fund the federal government.
 

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NEW REPORT: Prices continue to rise as families pick up the tab for Republican-backed tariffs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

NEW REPORT: Prices continue to rise as families pick up the tab for Republican-backed tariffs

Soaring gas and grocery costs are stretching family budgets even thinner, as more tariffs continue to go into effect

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, new data released from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows inflation continues to rise, hitting Wisconsin families where it hurts most – at the grocery store and gas pump. Consumer prices rose in August, driving the annual inflation rate to 2.9%, the highest since January. Food prices also saw the highest monthly increase in nearly three years – while gas prices climbed 1.9%.

Costs are on the rise as tariffs backed by President Trump and Republicans in Congress including Representatives Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden continue to go into effect, including new tariffs at the end of August which will increase prices on small online purchases. Wisconsin families are also being hit with new costs thanks to the Republican Tax Law passed earlier this year, which cuts access to health care, SNAP, and more, all to fund new tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and big corporations. 

"Wisconsin families are paying the price for the disastrous Republican Tax Law and Trump's tariffs that Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden supported," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "While they voted to give massive tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations, working families are now struggling to afford basic groceries and fill up their gas tanks. It’s time for Congress to restore cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, and start giving struggling families the support they deserve."

CNN: Double whammy for Americans: Inflation continues to rise as jobs outlook grows weaker

• The cost of living continues to increase for Americans at a time when the job market appears to be on shakier footing, creating a complicated economic problem that could be tricky to solve.
   

• Consumer prices rose 0.4% in August, driving the annual inflation rate to 2.9%, the highest since January, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Thursday. The reading marked an acceleration from the 2.7% increase seen in July, with price hikes driving up the cost of Americans' most basic needs.
   

• Grocery and fuel prices shot higher in August after falling the month before. Food at home prices rose 0.6% — the highest monthly jump in nearly three years — and gas prices climbed by 1.9% after falling 2.2% the month before.
   

• The latest Consumer Price Index provided further evidence that some costs from President Donald Trump's policies, such as sweeping immigration reform and steep tariffs, are slowly being passed along to consumers, economist Dean Baker, co-founder of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, told CNN on Thursday.
   

• Paychecks also aren't going as far as they used to: Real (inflation-adjusted) hourly earnings slowed to 0.7% in August, the lowest gain in more than a year, BLS data shows.

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On National Food Bank Day, Opportunity Wisconsin launches “Pints for a Purpose” food drive in partnership with Public Brewing Company

As cuts to SNAP and rising costs threaten access to food, organizers are supporting local food banks by encouraging donations through September 19th

KENOSHA, Wis. – Today, on National Food Bank Day, Opportunity Wisconsin and Public Brewing Company in Kenosha are kicking off the “Pints for a Purpose” food drive to support local organizations working to prevent hunger. Through September 19th, anyone who brings in non-perishable food items to the brewery will receive a token for a free pint, with donations supporting the Shalom Center and The Sharing Center—two organizations fighting hunger in Kenosha and Kenosha County.

The food drive comes after steep cuts to SNAP included in the Republican Tax Law are threatening to take food away from tens of thousands of Wisconsin families. These cuts, along with tariffs increasing the cost of food and other goods, make local food banks more crucial than ever.

"No family should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from or how they'll afford groceries, yet that is the current reality for too many Wisconsinites. We’re excited to partner with Public Brewing Company to encourage members of the community to support local organizations who are fighting hunger and supporting families in need," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. 

The drive runs through September 19th, with donations accepted at the bar or in collection bins by the host stand. Participants who donate today will also receive an extra bingo card for Granny Bingo with host Ester Flonaze, which runs from 8:00 - 10:00 PM. Public Brewing Company is located at 628 58th St., Kenosha, WI.

Opportunity Wisconsin recently partnered with local ice cream parlors in Eau Claire and La Crosse for food drives which secured over 550 pounds of non-perishable food items and household goods to support local organizations.

TODAY: New Trump tariffs go into effect targeting small online purchases

TODAY: New Trump tariffs go into effect targeting small online purchases

Online shopping could be more expensive as new Republican-backed tariffs force prices on clothing, accessories, and more to increase

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, starting today, new tariffs backed by Republicans will go into effect on small packages shipped internationally, making it harder and more expensive for Wisconsin families and small businesses to get everyday items they rely on.

The tariffs apply to individual items with a value of $800 or less – affecting clothing, footwear, accessories, and health and cosmetic items that are ordered online. This will significantly impact small businesses who rely on imported goods, shuttering local businesses. Previously, these smaller purchases were exempt from tariffs, but that exemption was rolled back by President Trump as part of his continued push to increase tariffs and force prices to increase. Republicans in Congress, including Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have been silent on Trump’s latest escalation after voting for tariffs earlier this year.

The changes are hitting Wisconsin families at a time when they're already struggling with higher costs from the Republican Tax Law, which cut health care and SNAP to pay for massive tax breaks to billionaires and corporations.

“If you were planning to spend time shopping online over the weekend, you’re in for a shock. Thanks to President Trump and Republicans in Congress, everyday items purchased online are going to cost even more,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Deputy Program Director Rowan Gravlin. "Whether it's clothing, shoes, or accessories, Republican tariffs are driving up costs and limiting options for working families and small business owners while he hands out tax cuts to the wealthy.”

The de minimis shipping rules are slated to change this week. Here's what that means for you. – Business Insider, August 25, 2025

• Many delivery companies are pausing services to the US as they adapt to the new rules, citing a lack of clarity over how to comply and who pays for and enforces the changes.
   

• This means consumers may not be able to receive their favorite products, at least for a while, and may be met with rising prices.
   

• The libertarian CATO think tank said in February that the change would have 'serious implications for average Americans,' particularly those in the poorest zip codes, where a higher proportion of di minimis shipments are sent.

Trump suspends tax exemption for cheap shipments– CNN Business, August 3, 2025

• Trump eliminated the so-called “de minimis exemption,” which had admitted duty-free shipments of goods worth $800 or less into the United States.
   

• When Trump's executive order goes into effect on August 29, most goods shipped internationally will be subject to the tariffs of the country of origin. Those duties will be about $80 per item for a country with a tariff rate less than 16%, $160 per item for a country of a tariff rate between 16% and 25%, $200 per item for a country with a tariff rate above 25%.

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"Cones for a Cause" food drive collects over 550 lbs of food and supplies as Wisconsin families face Republican cuts to SNAP and rising costs from tariffs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025 

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

"Cones for a Cause" food drive collects over 550 lbs of food and supplies as Wisconsin families face Republican cuts to SNAP and rising costs from tariffs

Community partners in Eau Claire and La Crosse stepped up to help neighbors in need while Republicans continue to drive up prices and cut food assistance

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin today announced the conclusion of its "Cones for a Cause" food drive, which collected more than 550 pounds of food and hygiene supplies to support Wisconsin families in need. 

The food drive was launched in response to devastating Republican cuts to SNAP benefits, included in the recently enacted Republican Tax Law that Congressmen Bryan Steil and Van Orden voted for. The law rips food away from up to 90,000 Wisconsin families, while tariffs continue to drive up the cost of groceries and other essentials for working families across the state. 

The drive collected 250 pounds of food at Ramone's Ice Cream Parlor in Eau Claire for The Community Table and over 300 pounds of food and hygiene supplies at The Pearl in La Crosse which were donated to The Hunger Task Force and Hope Restores in La Crosse. Customers who donated a non-perishable food item at the ice cream shops received a free cone in exchange for their donation.

Federal data continues to show the crushing impact of Republican policies on Wisconsin families. Recent Consumer Price Index data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows consumer prices rising thanks to expanded tariffs, with economists warning that consumers could soon see additional increases as tariffs continue to be implemented.

Both Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden voted multiple times to support these tariff policies and have remained silent as costs continue to increase for Wisconsin families. 

"Wisconsin families are getting hit twice—first with higher prices at the store thanks to Trump's tariffs, then with major cuts to health care and food assistance included in the Republican Tax Law that will drive up their costs—all to pay for tax breaks for the wealthy," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “We’re so grateful to the Wisconsinites who stepped up to support this food drive and our local partners, Ramone’s and The Pearl, for making this event a success."