ICYMI: Opportunity Wisconsin, Bikes Limited provide free bike repairs as gas prices soar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org 

ICYMI: Opportunity Wisconsin, Bikes Limited provide free bike repairs as gas prices soar

As costs continue to climb La Crosse families and students are looking for sustainable ways to save money this summer

LA CROSSE, Wis. — News 8000 (WKBT) covered Opportunity Wisconsin's free bike repair event at UW-La Crosse on Monday, where trained mechanics offered inspections and basic bike repairs at no cost as rising gas prices push working families toward alternative transportation. Opportunity Wisconsin partnered with Bikes Limited to host the event as part of its broader effort to support WI-03 families bearing the brunt of Rep. Derrick Van Orden's continued support for policies, including the war in Iran, that are sending costs soaring.

"Costs keep going up in every direction and gas prices are becoming extremely unaffordable, and we don't expect that to change any time soon — biking offers a practical, sustainable alternative, but only works if those bikes are road ready," said Bryan Boland, La Crosse organizer with Opportunity Wisconsin.

New data released this morning shows inflation at 3.8% in April, the highest level in three years. Wisconsin gas prices currently average $4.33 per gallon and continue to climb. Record-high diesel prices are also straining businesses and local farmers. This week diesel averaged $5.76 per gallon, up $2.53 from this time last year.

News 8000: UW-La Crosse offers free bike repairs as gas prices drive alternative transportation

• Rising gas prices prompted a free bike repair event at UW-La Crosse, where trained mechanics helped residents prepare their bicycles for increased use as an alternative to driving.
   

• Opportunity Wisconsin partnered with Bikes Limited to host the tune-up event, offering brake and tire inspections at no cost to participants.
   

• The initiative responds to growing financial pressure from fuel costs that organizers say are pushing people toward more affordable transportation options.
   

• "Costs keep going up in every direction and gas prices are becoming extremely unaffordable, and we don't expect that to change any time soon — biking offers a practical sustainable alternative but only works if those bikes are road ready," said Bryan Boland, La Crosse organizer with Opportunity Wisconsin.
   

• For repairs requiring more extensive work, participants received cost estimates rather than on-site fixes.

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New report: Republican energy crisis is hitting Wisconsin families in the wallet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org 
 

New report: Republican energy crisis is hitting Wisconsin families in the wallet

Thanks to the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress, Wisconsin ranks as one of the states with the biggest jump in utility costs 

MADISON, Wis. — A new report from Climate Power finds that policies backed by Republicans in Congress, including the war with Iran, have triggered a mounting energy crisis driving up utility bills for Wisconsin families. Wisconsin ranks as one of the top 15 with the biggest jump in utility rates.

Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil both voted for the Republican Tax Law, which eliminated clean energy tax credits that had been helping hold down utility costs for Wisconsin families. The same law delivered massive tax breaks to corporations — including the energy companies now raising rates on their constituents.

The report highlights Xcel Energy, which serves electricity to more than 262,000 Wisconsinites. Xcel raised rates in January 2026 — hiking monthly bills by 22.7% — and Wisconsin Xcel customers are on track for a $320.64 annual increase by 2027, the ninth-highest utility increase in the nation. 

Xcel's PAC previously donated $1,000 to Van Orden's campaign in December 2025, following his vote for the Republican Tax Law.

Other key findings from the report:

• 179,829 clean energy jobs lost or stalled since Trump's election, representing more than $61 billion in lost investment across 365 projects in 48 states

• Household electric bills up as much as 13% nationally since Trump took office; residential natural gas up 12%

• Gas prices up 40% since late February, driven by Trump's military action in Iran

• Utilities have raised or sought to increase bills by nearly $93 billion since Trump took office, affecting customers in 49 states and D.C.

"Wisconsinites are stuck paying the price for Congressmen Van Orden and Steil’s votes to raise energy rates. Because of the Republican Tax Law, many families are paying hundreds of dollars more for electricity and gas, while being squeezed with higher costs across the board," said Meghan Roh, Program Director of Opportunity Wisconsin. "We need relief from higher costs, but Republicans in Congress continue to make things worse."
 

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ICYMI: Wisconsin lost thousands of manufacturing jobs in 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org 
 

ICYMI: Wisconsin lost thousands of manufacturing jobs in 2025

Tariff chaos and economic uncertainty have cost Wisconsin thousands of jobs as Reps. Van Orden and Steil continue to stand behind Trump economic policies

MADISON, Wis. — In case you missed it, Wisconsin Public Radio reports that Wisconsin lost approximately 9,500 manufacturing jobs between January 2025 and January 2026, with experts citing the chaotic rollout of Trump's tariffs made manufacturers reluctant to hire. Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have continued to back Trump's tariff agenda at every turn, even as Wisconsin workers pay the price.

"Wisconsin is a manufacturing state, and nearly 10,000 jobs lost in a single year should be a wake-up call," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "Instead of pushing back on the chaos Trump's tariffs have unleashed on Wisconsin workers and businesses, Congressmen Steil and Van Orden have gone right along with it. Wisconsin families need our members of Congress to put working families first and stand up to the Trump administration’s policies that are making it tougher for us to succeed."

Wisconsin Public Radio: Wisconsin lost thousands of manufacturing jobs in 2025

• Between January 2025 and January 2026, the state’s manufacturing workforce shrank by about 9,500 jobs, falling from 461,100 workers to 451,600, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics compiled by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The manufacturing workforce nationally declined by about 91,000 jobs over the same period.
   

• Steve Deller, professor emeritus in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” that the state is still heavily dependent on manufacturing, an industry that “tends to be more sensitive to downward trends in the economy.”
   

• Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, described the industry as a bit of a “leaky boat” that’s been “slowly losing something.” While he said the economy is not in a recession, he called the wider economic environment “very unstable.”
   

• Throughout 2025, he said manufacturers navigated a host of on-again, off-again tariffs. The Trump administration has framed tariffs as being aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing.
   

• While Paul said tariffs can benefit manufacturers, he said the rollout over the last year has been far too chaotic.
   

• "It's really like trying to run your company with one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake. People have opportunities and they want to grow their companies, but the uncertainty in the market and the inability to really have a clear, predictable path forward is making it difficult to hit the accelerator and let off on the brake."
   

• "Some of the leading economic indicators out there that do a really good job of forecasting what's going to happen to the economy, zero-in on what's happening to manufacturing. And for the Upper Midwest, some of those indicators are kind of looking down, so these employment numbers are not completely surprising."

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Opportunity Wisconsin calls out Steil and Van Orden for Farm Bill vote that abandons Wisconsin families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org 
 

Opportunity Wisconsin calls out Steil and Van Orden for Farm Bill vote that abandons Wisconsin families

Congress failed to restore devastating SNAP cuts that are stripping food assistance from tens of thousands of Wisconsinites

MADISON, Wis. — This morning, Representatives Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden voted for the Farm Bill that did not restore devastating cuts to food assistance programs that are already taking food away from Wisconsin families.

The House Farm Bill does nothing to reverse the $187 billion in SNAP cuts enacted through last year's Republican Tax Law — cuts that put 49,000 Wisconsinites at immediate risk of losing food assistance. With grocery costs already up and Wisconsin families feeling squeezed, this bill left a crisis in place rather than addressing it. More than 300 farm, food, and anti-hunger organizations have already called on Congress to reject this legislation and update the Farm Bill to restore these devastating cuts.

"Wisconsin families are already losing food assistance because of the Republican Tax Law, and this Farm Bill does nothing to fix that," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "Congressmen Steil and Van Orden should actually help Wisconsin farmers and families, not leave tens of thousands of their constituents without enough food to eat."

“Every day we work with members of our community who are struggling to put food on the table. These SNAP cuts affect our friends, family members, and neighbors, and make it tougher for them to succeed,” said TJ Atkins, executive director of the Community Table in Eau Claire. “The Farm Bill should have supported our farmers, ensured families can access food, and supported programs like SNAP. Congress should immediately restore SNAP funding.”

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ICYMI: Van Orden promised to protect Medicaid, then voted for cuts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org 
 

ICYMI: Van Orden promised to protect Medicaid, then voted for cuts

One year later, the promise Van Orden made not to cut benefits is still broken

MADISON, Wis. — In case you missed it, the Capital Times published an op-ed today outlining how Congressman Van Orden broke his promise not to cut benefits for his constituents, and how a year later, it remains critical that these cuts are reversed.

In the op-ed, Kate Schanhofer, whose mom is a constituent of Van Orden’s, recounts her meeting with the congressman last April where he told participants that he wouldn’t cut any benefits. Weeks later, he voted for the Republican Tax Law, which included the largest cut to Medicaid in history. For families like Kate’s, Medicaid is critical affording care, and it’s more important than ever for Congress to reverse these cuts.

"Van Orden looked Wisconsin families in the eye and promised their benefits wouldn't be cut — he even put it in writing," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "Then he turned around and voted for the biggest Medicaid cuts in history to fund tax breaks for billionaires. Wisconsin families need our members of Congress to keep their word and restore these devastating cuts."

Capital Times: Opinion: Van Orden promised to protect Medicaid, then voted for cuts

• One year ago I went to Washington, D.C., to visit with U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden. He promised to protect benefits for constituents like my mom, who depends on Medicaid. And one year later, that promise is still broken, and things are getting worse.
   

• My mom has supported me in every way my entire life. So when I heard that Congress might cut Medicaid, which pays for my mom’s long-term care, it was my turn to go to bat for her. I had the opportunity to meet the congressman with a group of his constituents who shared similar concerns about looming federal cuts.
   

• After hearing us all out, Van Orden looked us in the eye and promised us that he wouldn't vote to cut benefits. This wasn't an off-handed remark. He took the time to make it look like the promise was genuine. He even put it in writing, signing a letter addressed to my mom promising to not cut her benefits — and even sealed the letter with his own monogrammed wax stamp.
   

• This wasn’t the only time he made this promise. Van Orden told constituents repeatedly that there would be no cuts to Medicaid. Last year, he said, "If you are an American citizen that is lawfully receiving benefits from the federal government, your benefits will not be cut by a nickel." He even accused Democrats of "fear-mongering" and insisted "there are no cuts to Medicaid."
   

• Then, just weeks later, he voted for the Republican tax law — legislation that included the largest Medicaid cut in American history — more than all previous Medicaid cuts in history combined.
   

• Derrick Van Orden needs to remember the real people, his constituents, behind Medicaid. Protecting Medicaid means standing up for our parents, our neighbors and our most vulnerable family members. For Van Orden, it means standing up for those he was elected to represent. Van Orden needs to fight to restore the Medicaid funding he voted to cut. He needs to prioritize health care for working families over tax breaks for billionaires.

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TARIFF TUESDAYS - APRIL 21, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

Your weekly update on how Trump’s tariff chaos is hitting Wisconsin families and small businesses — and what Congress is (not) doing about it.
 

THE REFUND YOU WON'T BE GETTING

This week, the Trump administration launched an online portal to refund money back from tariffs the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional. There's just one catch: it's not for you.

The portal — known as CAPE, or Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries — allows companies that directly paid import taxes to apply for refunds on the $166 billion the government collected before the Supreme Court struck the tariffs down. Only the formal importer of record is eligible. Consumers who paid higher prices on imported products are not eligible to submit claims.

Wisconsin families absorbed thousands of dollars in higher prices over the past year — $1,744 on average — as businesses passed tariff costs straight to the checkout line. All while families have also dealt with Republican-backed cuts to benefits, and now are facing skyrocketing costs from their war with Iran. But businesses, not families, are now at the front of the line for refunds. 

And even for businesses, it's not simple. A Federal Reserve survey found 42% of small firms called rising tariff costs a primary financial concern, but smaller businesses, which operate on thin margins, often lack the legal resources to navigate the refund process, jeopardizing their ability to recoup the hundreds of thousands of dollars they lost. Only about 63% of affected import filings are covered in the first phase, and some refunds could take years to process.

And early reports from small businesses trying to navigate the system show technical glitches, long waits, and errors that are preventing them from filing their claims.

Corporations get a portal. Wisconsin families get nothing. And Congressmen Steil and Van Orden, who voted to keep these illegal tariffs in place, have said nothing about helping Wisconsinites recover the thousands they’ve spent.

"WE WILL NEVER GO BACK TO A ZERO-TARIFF WORLD"

If you were hoping the refund portal was a sign of relief to come, the Trump administration has a message for you. This week, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer traveled to Mexico City and reportedly told the auto and steel industries directly: "Tariffs are here to stay. President Trump likes them. We will never go back to a zero-tariff world."

Greer made the comments as part of discussions over the USMCA renegotiation, making clear that even a new trade deal won't mean the end of tariffs for Wisconsin manufacturers, farmers, and families. The current 10% global tariff is already in effect and the administration is signaling it wants more.

Van Orden and Steil have now been silent for 56 days since the new global tariff went into effect. It’s time for them to speak out and support an end to tariffs that are driving up costs for their constituents. 

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Wisconsin families continue paying more so billionaires can pay less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org 
 

Wisconsin families continue paying more so billionaires can pay less

Following Opportunity Wisconsin Tax Day events across the state, Van Orden and Steil still have nothing to show for their votes but higher costs for working families

MADISON, Wis. — As Wisconsin families filed their taxes yesterday, Opportunity Wisconsin held events across the state to highlight the real cost of the Republican Tax Law — a law that raises costs on working families while delivering massive tax breaks to billionaires and corporations. Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden both voted for that law, and today they doubled down, voting in favor of a House resolution to reaffirm their support for it — congratulating themselves for a law that is hurting the very families they were elected to represent.

"Wisconsin families are being asked to pay more so that billionaires can pay less — and Van Orden and Steil have nothing to show for their votes but higher costs and lost benefits," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "Across Wisconsin this week, we heard from working families who are struggling to afford health care, groceries, and everyday essentials because of the choices these congressmen made. It’s time for Congress to fight to lower costs, not force them even higher."

The Republican Tax Law included the largest cuts to Medicaid in history, the elimination of health care tax credits that Wisconsin families relied on to afford coverage, and deep cuts to food assistance, all to fund permanent tax breaks for corporations and the ultra-wealthy. 

In addition to supporting the Republican Tax Law, both Van Orden and Steil have supported Trump administration policies that are sending costs soaring. New tariffs continue to raise prices on everyday items, including groceries, and clothing, while the Republican war with Iran is costing billions of dollars and forcing gas prices up. 

Not surprisingly, new data out this week shows Americans aren’t feeling relief on their tax bills. Just 20 percent say they felt like they paid less this year, compared to 25 percent who said they paid more and 51 percent who said they paid about what they expected to.

Yesterday afternoon Wisconsinites in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and St. Francis joined together to demand Congress work to lower costs and ensure the ultra-rich pay their fair share:

New ad holds Van Orden accountable for voting to raise energy costs on Wisconsin families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org 
 

New ad holds Van Orden accountable for voting to raise energy costs on Wisconsin families

Opportunity Wisconsin and the League of Conservation Voters launch TV spot targeting Van Orden's votes to spike utility bills and skyrocket gas prices in WI-03

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Opportunity Wisconsin and the League of Conservation Voters today launched a new television ad holding Congressman Derrick Van Orden accountable for his votes raising energy costs on Wisconsin families and urging him to stop increasing our costs. The new spot, "Paying More," highlights Van Orden's votes to slash clean energy production, which has driven up electricity costs, and to support the Republican war in Iran that is causing gas prices to soar across the Third District.

Wisconsin families are feeling the squeeze. Utility bills jumped sharply at the start of this year, and gas prices have surged above $4 a gallon as the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to roil global energy markets. Van Orden's vote last year for the Republican Tax Law, which gutted clean energy investments, could raise electricity costs for Wisconsin households by $300 a year by 2035. 

"Wisconsin families are already paying more for groceries, health care, and everyday essentials, and now Van Orden's votes are making their energy bills even higher," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "He voted to strip away the clean energy investments that were keeping electricity costs down, and he voted to keep the Republican war in Iran going, which has sent gas prices through the roof. Wisconsin families deserve a congressman who fights to lower their costs, not one who keeps raising them."

“Congressional Republicans, like Representative Derrick Van Orden, broke their promise to lower energy costs,” said Sara Chieffo, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at the League of Conservation Voters. “Instead of increasing access to affordable, clean energy, Congressional Republicans voted to kneecap the resources that can lower energy costs in order to prioritize the fossil fuel industry. Their constituents deserve to know who is responsible for their skyrocketing energy costs.”

Wisconsinites can see how electricity prices have changed in their area using a new interactive tool. In the Third Congressional District electricity bills have increased 3.9 percent since March 2025. 

"PAYING MORE" TRANSCRIPT:

ANNOUNCER: "We're all paying more. Utility bills are through the roof. Now… gas prices. And Congressman Derrick Van Orden is making it worse. Derrick Van Orden voted to slash clean energy production… raising energy costs. Electricity costs could go up three hundred dollars a year in Wisconsin. And Derrick Van Orden voted to support the war in Iran that's causing gas prices to skyrocket. Tell Congressman Derrick Van Orden: Stop raising energy costs."
 

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