House votes to end the government shutdown without addressing affordability crisis created by Republicans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

House votes to end the government shutdown without addressing affordability crisis created by Republicans

Following the government shutdown, Wisconsin families are still facing skyrocketing health care costs, rising prices from tariffs, and devastating Medicaid and SNAP cuts – all backed by Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden

MADISON, Wis. – After the House voted tonight to end the government shutdown, Opportunity Wisconsin called on Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden to urgently address the affordability crisis they’ve created as health care, food, and energy costs continue to increase.

"While the Republican shutdown crisis is over, costs of health care, groceries, and energy prices will continue to skyrocket. The pain they caused to millions of families during the shutdown is just a preview of what's to come unless they address the devastating cuts that Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have voted for," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "Earlier this year, Steil and Van Orden voted to slash funding for SNAP and Medicaid, threatening access to care and food for so many Wisconsin families. Along with costly tariffs – which they’ve also voted for – there’s no end in sight to this affordability crisis unless they act. It’s time to permanently extend health care tax credits and reverse harmful cuts that are sending prices soaring for working families."

The government shutdown disrupted food assistance for nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites who use the SNAP/FoodShare program. These threats to food assistance come on top of massive cuts to the program from the Republican Tax Law earlier this year, all to pay for tax breaks for billionaires and corporations.

“As one of the many Wisconsinites who relies on SNAP to afford food, this shutdown has highlighted how critical these benefits are and the risks of jeopardizing access to this program. Unfortunately, although the government is set to reopen, Republicans in Congress have already done tremendous damage to this program with the cuts they voted for earlier this year,” said Isra Canada from Eau Claire. “The shutdown crisis exposed how vulnerable members of our community are. This is exactly why Republicans in Congress need to reverse these cuts and work to lower costs for everyone before more families suffer.”

Meanwhile, health care premiums are still set to more than double in 2026 as Republicans refuse to permanently extend health care tax credits that help 26,000 people in Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District and 30,000 people in the 3rd District afford coverage. With the tax credits set to expire at the end of December, and families already receiving notices of increased premiums, time is running out for Republicans to act.
 

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Following Supreme Court Hearing on Challenges to Trump's Tariff Authority, Wisconsinites Call on Reps. Van Orden and Steil to Oppose Cost-Raising Tariffs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

Following Supreme Court Hearing on Challenges to Trump's Tariff Authority, Wisconsinites Call on Reps. Van Orden and Steil to Oppose Cost-Raising Tariffs

Wisconsin small businesses struggle as tariffs drive up costs on everyday items, while Van Orden and Steil continue to support policies that raise prices for working families

MADISON, Wis. – Following oral arguments in front of the U.S.Supreme Court yesterday on whether President Trump has the authority to unilaterally impose sweeping tariffs, Wisconsin small business owners and working families are calling on Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil to oppose tariffs that have driven up costs on everything from groceries to building materials. While paying the price of costly tariffs, the ongoing Republican government shutdown is also throwing families into chaos as funding for SNAP is threatened and healthcare costs skyrocket because of the refusal of Republicans in Congress to extend healthcare tax credits. 

The Republican tariffs, which have been backed by Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil, have forced dramatic price increases across the economy. As tariffs on goods, including groceries, clothing, and other essentials skyrocket, working families are left picking up the tab.

Kate Felton, an Eau Claire small business owner, is already seeing the impact of tariffs on her bottom line and her customers' ability to afford her products.

"Many of the brands I work with to stock my store have notified us of mandatory price increases on their products explicitly because of tariffs. It has always been hard to succeed as a small business but as brands increase the prices of my products and people have less money due to increasing prices everywhere else, how is a small business supposed to succeed now? Small businesses bring a unique identity to our communities, they employ local people and stimulate our local economy," said Felton.

Both Van Orden and Steil have previously voted to protect Trump's tariffs and have consistently supported policies that raise costs for Wisconsin families. Forcing family budgets even tighter, earlier this year both congressmen also voted for the Republican Tax Law that forces massive cuts to Medicaid and SNAP—meaning families will pay more out-of-pocket for food and healthcare just to fund tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. 

"Wisconsinites are being squeezed from every direction—tariffs are raising prices at the grocery store and checkout lines, while Congressmen Van Orden and Steil vote to cut the programs that help families afford food and healthcare," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "Working families shouldn't have to pay more for everything just so billionaires can get tax breaks. It's time for Van Orden and Steil to stand up to Trump's cost-raising tariffs and start fighting to lower costs for Wisconsin families instead of making life more expensive."
 

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New ads highlight how Republican-backed tariffs are haunting Wisconsin families this Halloween

Homepage takeovers on local news sites highlight how tariffs, backed by Reps. Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, are a nightmare for family budgets as the cost of costumes, candy, and more are skyrocketing 

MADISON, Wis. – This Halloween, Opportunity Wisconsin is highlighting how Republican tariffs are driving up costs for Wisconsin families and haunting them as they shop for candy, costumes, and more. The ads, which will appear as homepage takeovers on the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, La Crosse Tribune, Lake Geneva News, The Journal Times, and Kenosha News, highlight Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden’s repeated votes to protect costly tariffs.

The ads come as families face record-high Halloween costs, with the average person expected to spend $114.45 this season—$11 more than last year, according to the National Retail Federation. President Trump's tariffs on imported goods have contributed to rising prices on everything from Halloween decorations to candy, adding financial strain to families already struggling with Republican cuts to SNAP and Medicaid.

"Wisconsin families are paying more for everything this Halloween because of Republican tariffs and their decision to cut critical programs like SNAP and Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires. These policies are treating billionaires while tricking working families, and it’s wrong," said Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director. "From candy to costumes, the costs keep climbing while Republicans keep the government shut down rather than addressing rising health care costs. These ads are a reminder that the choices made by Republicans in Congress have real consequences for families trying to celebrate the holidays."

The digital campaign follows Opportunity Wisconsin's Halloween costume giveaway in Eau Claire last week, where local organizations distributed over 50 costumes to families struggling with increased costs. 

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THURSDAY: Eau Claire SNAP recipients join Rep. Emerson, Sen. Smith and community leaders to demand Republicans end government shutdown before food assistance runs out

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org 

THURSDAY: Eau Claire SNAP recipients join Rep. Emerson, Sen. Smith and community leaders to demand Republicans end government shutdown before food assistance runs out

With SNAP benefits ending November 1st, Congressional Republicans are ripping food assistance away from nearly 690,000 Wisconsinites

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – This Thursday, SNAP recipients and community leaders will gather in Eau Claire to demand that Congressional Republicans stop cutting food assistance, permanently extend health care tax credits, and end the government shutdown before SNAP funding runs out on November 1.

As the federal government shutdown enters its second month, Congressional Republicans are putting food assistance at further risk for families who rely on it. Earlier this year, Republicans made massive cuts to SNAP to fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. Now, they're refusing to lower health care costs and reopen the government, which puts SNAP funding at risk of running out. Beginning November 1, funding for SNAP benefits is set to run out if the federal government remains shut down, taking away access to affordable meals for nearly 690,000 Wisconsinites.

Thursday's event will feature SNAP recipients who will share how the threatened loss of benefits would impact their families, State Representative Jodi Emerson, State Senator Jeff Smith, as well as local leaders calling on Republicans in Congress to stop cutting food assistance and end the government shutdown. Representatives from The Community Table and Agnes’ Table, local nonprofit organizations providing access to food and meals, will also deliver remarks at the event.

New billboards call out rising energy costs backed by Reps. Steil and Van Orden

More families will struggle to keep the heat on this winter as Republicans’ government shutdown delays heating assistance following steep cuts in the Republican Tax Law 

Billboards follow coat drive launched by Opportunity Wisconsin and local businesses to help Wisconsin families in need

MADISON, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin has launched new billboards calling out Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden for voting to raise utility costs for Wisconsin families as winter approaches. The billboards highlight how both members of Congress supported the Republican Tax Law that will increase energy bills for Wisconsin households, while the ongoing Republican government shutdown is also delaying heating assistance for those in need.

Wisconsin households are bracing for the impact of the Republican Tax Law, which will raise average annual energy costs by $95 per household by 2030 and $300 per household by 2035. In addition to increasing costs by removing tax credits for clean energy and energy-efficient home improvements, the Republican Tax Law will cut 760,000 jobs nationwide.

At the same time, the Trump administration has proposed eliminating heating assistance programs for low-income families entirely. Earlier this year, the administration even fired every staffer from the office that administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), threatening benefits for millions of households across the country. Now, the Republican government shutdown is also stalling federal LIHEAP payments to vulnerable families. 

"First, Congressmen Steil and Van Orden voted to raise energy bills for Wisconsin families and now the government shutdown they caused is threatening assistance as we head into the coldest months of the year," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "It's unconscionable to make it harder for families to keep the lights on and stay warm in the winter. Wisconsin families deserve representatives who will fight to lower their costs, not raise them."

Last week, Opportunity Wisconsin launched a coat drive in partnership with local businesses to support Wisconsin families as they face the prospect of higher energy bills, potential cuts to heating assistance, and increased costs on everyday necessities as a result of Republican-backed tariffs. 

From now until Christmas, gently used coats may be dropped off at Eau Claire Outdoors in Eau Claire (225 N Barstow St.), Public Brewing Company in Kenosha (628 58th St.), and La Taquiza restaurant in Mount Pleasant (2343 Mead St.). In exchange for their donation participants will receive a voucher that can be redeemed at local businesses.

The digital billboards began running today at locations in La Crosse, Racine, and Eau Claire.

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Groups give away Halloween costumes as families struggle with high costs from tariffs and Republican-backed cuts to SNAP, healthcare, and more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Groups give away Halloween costumes to kids as families struggle with high costs from tariffs and Republican-backed cuts to SNAP, healthcare, and more

Over 50 costumes distributed as families face rising costs and ongoing government shutdown

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin, Americans for Healthy Families, Family Friendly Wisconsin, and Working Families Power came together last week to give away Halloween costumes to local families, helping kids celebrate the holiday as costly tariffs and harmful cuts to Medicaid and SNAP continue to raise costs for Wisconsin families. Over 50 costumes were distributed to local children, with remaining costumes donated to local nonprofits.

The event came as families face mounting financial pressures because of President Trump and Republicans in Congress including Representatives Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil. Record-high tariffs are driving up costs on everyday items, including Halloween goods, with families expected to spend a record $114.45 per person this Halloween season—$11 more than last year. At the same time, Republican cuts to SNAP and Medicaid are forcing families to pay more out-of-pocket, while health care costs are set to spike as Republicans continue to keep the government shut down rather than extending health care tax credits.

"Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil, and Republicans in Washington shut down the government rather than reverse their disastrous cuts to Medicaid and SNAP or stop health care costs from spiking," said Ethan Reed, Opportunity Wisconsin Regional Organizer. "Wisconsin families are paying the price for Republicans' decision to prioritize tax breaks for billionaires over working people. As tariffs and harmful cuts send prices of everyday items soaring, too many families are paying the price. Events like this show what our community is made of, but families shouldn't have to rely on costume giveaways because their representatives in Congress refuse to do their jobs."

Eau Claire City Council Member Nate Otto, who attended the event Thursday, emphasized the importance of community support during difficult times. "It's wonderful to see neighbors coming together to make sure every kid can enjoy Halloween. Times are tough for a lot of families right now and knowing there are people and organizations willing to help makes a real difference. This is what community looks like."

TJ Atkins, Executive Director of The Community Table, a local Eau Claire nonprofit, highlighted the growing challenges facing families in the area. "We're seeing more and more families coming through our doors who are struggling to afford basic necessities like food," said Atkins. "The cuts to federal programs like SNAP are putting incredible strain on local organizations like ours, and families are making impossible choices every day. When people can't afford to put food on the table, something as simple as a Halloween costume becomes a luxury they just can't manage. That's why events like this matter so much—and why we need Congress to reverse these harmful cuts."

In Wisconsin, 110,000 people will lose health care coverage and 17,600 people will lose SNAP benefits as a result of the Republican Tax Law. Without action from Congress to extend health care tax credits, millions of Americans face an average 75% increase in their health insurance premiums starting in November.

Congressmen Van Orden and Steil have voted multiple times for President Trump’s costly tariffs and has refused to support a vote that will reopen the federal government and prevent healthcare costs from skyrocketing.
 

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“Don't Leave Wisconsinites Out In the Cold Coat Drive” Launches Wednesday to Support Wisconsin Families in Partnership With Local Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

“Don't Leave Wisconsinites Out In the Cold Coat Drive” Launches Wednesday to Support Wisconsin Families in Partnership With Local Businesses

As families struggle with rising costs from tariffs and Republican-backed cuts to energy assistance, healthcare and SNAP, organizers are collecting coats at three locations across the state, press events planned Wednesday

Tomorrow, Opportunity Wisconsin, Family Friendly Wisconsin, Climate Power Wisconsin, and local businesses across the state are launching the "Don't Leave Wisconsinites Out In the Cold Coat Drive" to support families struggling to afford necessities as costly tariffs and steep Republican-backed cuts to critical programs including energy assistance, healthcare and SNAP force costs higher. 

From Wednesday through Christmas, anyone who brings in a gently used coat to participating locations will also receive a voucher that may be redeemed at the participating business. Drop-off locations are Eau Claire Outdoors in Eau Claire (225 N Barstow St.), Public Brewing Company in Kenosha (628 58th St.), and La Taquiza restaurant in Mount Pleasant (2343 Mead St.).

The coat drive comes as Wisconsin families are being squeezed from all sides. Republicans in Congress, including Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil, have slashed funding for healthcare, heating assistance, and SNAP benefits, while tariffs have driven up the cost of everyday goods—including winter clothing. With temperatures dropping, many families are forced to make tough budget decisions, including how to pay for necessities like winter clothing.

"No family should have to decide between a winter coat and putting food on the table, yet that's exactly what's happening across Wisconsin," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "We're proud to partner with local businesses to help families stay warm this winter while supporting our communities."

Collected coats will be distributed to families in need through local organizations. Participants who donate will receive vouchers redeemable at the drop-off locations, supporting both families in need and Wisconsin small businesses.

With WIC funding in jeopardy, Wisconsin families demand Republicans end shutdown and address healthcare costs

After forcing a shutdown by refusing to stop healthcare costs from skyrocketing, Republicans are now threatening critical nutrition program for pregnant women and infants could run out of money within days

MADISON, Wis. – With funding for the WIC nutrition program on the verge of running out, Wisconsin families and community leaders are demanding that Congressional Republicans immediately reopen the government and take action to prevent skyrocketing healthcare costs.

Experts warn that funding for WIC—the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children—could expire as soon as this week, leaving more than 90,000 Wisconsinites in jeopardy of losing access to critical nutrition support. The program serves over 104,000 Wisconsin residents annually, including 38% of all babies born in the state, providing them with healthy food and formula. While contingency funding may bridge a temporary funding lapse, families and children deserve long-term funding for this essential program.

Republicans in Congress, including Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, forced the government to shut down last week after refusing to prevent massive increases to healthcare costs which will force premiums to increase by more than double for millions of Americans.

"Congressional Republicans forced a government shutdown by refusing to address skyrocketing healthcare costs while protecting tax breaks for billionaires. Now, pregnant women, new mothers, and babies across Wisconsin could pay the price," said Meghan Roh, Program Director at Opportunity Wisconsin. "Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden need to vote to reopen the government and keep healthcare costs low before more Wisconsin families get hurt.”

JoLee Boland, a Wisconsin mother of four, explained how WIC made it possible for her family to get by. "Even though it doesn't cover everything, WIC is the reason my family made it through. When you're trying to raise multiple kids on a tight budget, every bit of help matters. WIC didn't make us rich—it just made it possible for us to feed our children properly. If Congress lets WIC funding run out, families will face real hardship. They'll be making choices no parent should have to make—like whether to buy formula or pay a bill."

Dr. Abby La Nou, an emergency medicine physician in Eau Claire, warned of severe health consequences if WIC funding expires. “From a physician's perspective, access to proper nutrition in early childhood is absolutely critical for brain development and lifelong health. Support from programs like WIC is essential to support families, facing hardship, especially with rising prices. As a physician, I'm urging our representatives in Congress—including Congressmen Steil and Van Orden—to put the health and wellbeing of Wisconsin families first. That starts by funding WIC, extending the ACA tax credits and properly funding Medicaid.”