New mobile billboard and digital ads highlight spooky consequences of the GOP Tax Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

New mobile billboard and digital ads highlight spooky consequences of the GOP Tax Law 

Ahead of the seven-year anniversary of the GOP Tax Law’s introduction, Opportunity Wisconsin highlights the law’s massive giveaways for big corporations and the ultra-wealthy

MADISON, Wis. – This Halloween, Opportunity Wisconsin is highlighting the spooky consequences of the 2017 Republican Tax Law, including massive handouts to the ultra-wealthy and big corporations. With mobile billboards traveling across Wisconsin’s First and Third Congressional Districts and homepage takeovers of newspaper websites, Wisconsinites can’t miss the frightening reality of our current tax code.

Seven years ago this Saturday, Republicans in Congress introduced the initial version of the 2017 Republican Tax Law. Since it was signed into law, it has predominantly benefited the ultra-wealthy and big corporations. Not only have billionaires paid lower tax rates than middle class families for the first time in history, the law has helped successful corporations avoid paying any federal taxes. 

“For too long, Republicans in Congress have tricked working Wisconsinites while treating those at the top to massive tax breaks,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “It’s horrifying that big corporations are being given massive tax breaks that they don’t need, while teachers, first responders, and everyday Wisconsinites are left paying more.”

Mobile billboards will travel across the state today, along with digital ads in the La Crosse Tribune, Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, Racine Journal Times, and Kenosha News. More information about the GOP Tax Law is available online at OpportunityWisconsin.org/tax-law.

ICYMI: “I asked Congressman Bryan Steil to fight for fair taxes. Will he listen?”

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

ICYMI: “I asked Congressman Bryan Steil to fight for fair taxes. Will he listen?”

In new op-ed, Racine resident highlights the importance of tax reform that helps working families instead of prioritizing handouts for those at the top

MADISON, Wis. – In a new op-ed published on Up North News, Racine retiree and community advocate Janet Mitchell discusses the importance of reforming the federal tax code to provide relief for working families and seniors, and her recent visit with Congressman Bryan Steil which left her, “without the assurance that he would fight for a tax code that supports people like me.”

With many provisions of the 2017 Republican Tax Law set to expire next year, Congress has an opportunity to prioritize tax policies that support middle-class families across the country. Since its passage, the current law has disproportionately benefited large corporations and the ultra-rich, leaving small businesses and families to carry more of the burden. 

Last month advocates from Wisconsin and 21 other states visited Washington, DC to share their experience and directly ask their members of Congress to reform the tax code.

Up North News: Opinion: I asked Congressman Bryan Steil to fight for fair taxes. Will he listen?

[Janet Mitchell, 10/16/24]

Recently, I had the opportunity to join hundreds of advocates and leaders from 22 states to visit our elected officials in Washington and ask them directly to support a tax code that helps working families and seniors succeed, while making those at the top finally pay their fair share. I even told my congressman, US Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Janesville), how important this issue was to me. Now, I hope he listens.

In 2018, for the first time in history, billionaires paid taxes at a lower rate than middle class families. Thanks to this law, from 2018 to 2022 there were also 23 successful and profitable companies who paid zero federal taxes. I don’t know many small business owners or working families in Wisconsin who could get away with this, do you?

These conversations gave me an opportunity to tell them directly that Wisconsinites expect better. We’re tired of seeing our hard-working family members and neighbors being asked to carry more of the burden, while those at the very top are given even more in handouts. 

But my visit with Congressman Steil left me without the assurance that he would fight for a tax code that supports people like me. He didn’t agree that today’s tax system disproportionately benefits those at the top and he didn’t commit to allowing provisions of the 2017 Republican Tax Law to expire. This matches closely with his record in Congress. He has co-sponsored legislation which would not only extend many of the law’s provisions, but would make some of them permanent.

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As Medicare open enrollment begins, improvements to coverage will save seniors money

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

As Medicare open enrollment begins, improvements to coverage will save seniors money

Starting in 2025, Medicare recipients will see additional savings on prescription drugs and expanded benefits

MADISON, Wis. – With the beginning of Medicare’s open enrollment period this week, Wisconsin seniors will soon see even more savings on prescription drugs thanks to improvements to the program included in the Inflation Reduction Act.

The Inflation Reduction Act has already capped insulin costs at $35 per month, it gave Medicare the ability to negotiate for lower drug prices, and has begun to crack down on price gouging from pharmaceutical companies. Now, the law’s full cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs will go into effect next year, limiting these expenses at $2,000 annually. 

With nearly 1.2 million Medicare recipients in Wisconsin, these improvements will help families across the state keep more money in their pockets, and access the care and prescription drugs they need. 

“Wisconsin seniors are already saving money thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act’s improvements to Medicare. Now, they’re set to save even more beginning next year thanks to the law’s cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “These improvements mean more financial security for seniors and ensure they’re able to access the care they need.”

Medicare’s open enrollment period began Tuesday and runs through December 7th. More information on enrollment and benefits is available in the 2025 edition of Medicare & You.

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Statement on President Biden’s Visit to Milwaukee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Statement on President Biden’s Visit to Milwaukee

Biden’s visit highlights success of programs that are strengthening our economy, creating jobs, and improving infrastructure in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement ahead of President Joe Biden’s visit to Wisconsin this afternoon:

“The investments championed by the Biden-Harris administration are transforming communities across Wisconsin. With funding for lead pipe removal and critical infrastructure projects, the administration is helping to create jobs, improve public health, and strengthen our economy. As one of nine Investing in America Workforce Hubs nationwide, Milwaukee is leading the way on solving workforce challenges and expanding job training programs that support working families. These are the kinds of common-sense economic policies that help everyone succeed and we’re proud to welcome President Biden back to Wisconsin to raise awareness of this success.”

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ICYMI: 235,000 Wisconsinites could pay more for health insurance if ACA tax credits expire

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

ICYMI: 235,000 Wisconsinites could pay more for health insurance if ACA tax credits expire

Congress has an opportunity to extend tax credits and create a fairer tax code in 2025

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, without congressional action, 235,000 Wisconsinites could be forced to pay more for health insurance as tax credits extended by the Inflation Reduction Act are set to expire in 2025—the same year as provisions of the 2017 Republican Tax Law are set to expire. 

Thanks to the current extension in tax credits, enrollment in the Affordable Care Act has reached record highs. Currently, 235,587 Wisconsinites are saving money thanks to premium tax credits. Without these cost savings, Wisconsinites would pay an  annual increase of $1,200 for their health insurance, an increase of 85%. States that have not expanded Medicaid, including Wisconsin, would be harder hit by this increase as many families would be left without options to access affordable coverage.

Next year, Congress has the opportunity to create a fairer tax code – one where the ultra-wealthy and corporations pay their fair share in taxes – when provisions of the 2017 Republican Tax Law expire next year. Increased revenue from a fair tax code could then be used to invest in programs that lower costs for Wisconsinites—like extending the ACA premium tax credits. 

“Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, enrollment in the Affordable Care Act has reached all-time highs. That means more Wisconsinites are able to afford health coverage and access the care they deserve,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “If Congress fails to act, next year hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites will watch their health care premiums skyrocket. More than ever, we should be working to make sure the ultra-wealthy and corporations pay their fair share in taxes, lower health care costs, and invest in successful programs that support working families – that’s why Congress needs to take action before it’s too late.”

NEW YORK TIMES: Millions Could Lose Insurance Subsidies, Depending on the Election

[Margot Sanger-Katz, 9/30/24]

• Subsidies that help around 20 million Americans pay for health insurance could disappear after next year, depending on the outcome of November’s election.

• The subsidies, which reduce the price of health insurance for people who buy their coverage in the Obamacare marketplaces, were passed as a temporary measure in 2021, then extended as part of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. In that time, Obamacare enrollment has nearly doubled. If Congress doesn’t extend them, the subsidies will expire at the end of 2025
  

• Obamacare enrollment has risen to a record high with the extra tax credits, which make insurance effectively free for people earning less than around $20,000 in most states, and which decrease premiums for higher-earning households. That rising enrollment has also led to a more robust insurance market, with more consumer choice of health plans.

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ICYMI: Wisconsinites join national leaders and advocates to call for fairer taxes during Capitol Hill visit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

Opportunity Wisconsin advocates discussed the importance of tax fairness with Rep. Bryan Steil, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, and others during visit to Washington D.C. last week

MADISON, Wis. – Last week members of Opportunity Wisconsin’s coalition joined 200 advocates from 22 states, along with national leaders, to demand that Congress prioritize tax reform that supports working families, seniors, and small business owners in 2025. 

With many provisions of the 2017 Republican Tax Law set to expire in 2025, Congress has an opportunity to pass major tax reform that improves fairness, supports families, and ensures big corporations and the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share. The current Republican Tax Law disproportionately cuts taxes for those at the top, while Wisconsinites who play by the rules have been forced to carry more of the burden.
 

Opportunity Wisconsin coalition members discussed tax fairness with Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin

“Next year, Congress has the opportunity to finally do the right thing and create a tax code that’s fair. That means giving working families and seniors the support we need to succeed, pay the bills, and get ahead,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Southeast Wisconsin Regional Lead Cierra Chesir. “It also means finally asking those at the top, like big corporations and billionaires, to pay their fair share. For too long they’ve benefited from tax policies that put them first, even though they’re raking in massive profits. It’s time for that to change.”

“We expect our members of Congress to listen to our concerns and fight to create an economy where everyone can succeed,” said Janet Mitchell, an Opportunity Wisconsin advocate from Racine. “While we appreciated the opportunity to meet with Congressman Steil on Capitol Hill, we were left without a commitment to hold big corporations and the ultra-wealthy accountable. We hope he listens to the working families in his district who are demanding tax relief and a tax code that ensures the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share.” 

In addition to visiting with members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, Opportunity Wisconsin coalition members participated in educational programming and attended a press conference on Capitol Hill. Advocates from across the country were convened by Fair Share America, an organization working to pass state and federal tax reforms in 2025. 

NEW: Reps. Steil and Van Orden vote for spending bill that jeopardizes veterans’ health care and access to Social Security benefits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

NEW: Reps. Steil and Van Orden vote for spending bill that jeopardizes veterans’ health care and access to Social Security benefits

Republicans in Congress continue to push dangerous spending plans that jeopardize our economy and fail to support working families

MADISON, Wis. – Last night Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden voted in favor of a dangerous short-term spending plan that fails to provide much-needed funding for veterans’ health care programs and the Social Security Administration.

“After failing to pass spending packages that support working families, seniors, and small businesses here in Wisconsin, Republicans in Congress have now voted for a plan that doubles down on harmful policies that jeopardize veterans’ health care, make it tougher for people to access Social Security benefits, and more,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Wisconsin veterans and seniors shouldn’t be left without access to the care and benefits they’ve earned. It’s time for Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution without harmful cuts.”

Last year Steil and Van Orden also voted in favor of the Default on America Act, a devastating proposal that also included cuts to programs that support Wisconsinites. The Default on America Act would’ve cut staffing at VA clinics, reduced access to Social Security and Medicare benefits, and given more handouts to big corporations. 

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President Biden’s visit highlights key Biden-Harris administration investments that are growing Wisconsin’s economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

President Biden’s visit highlights key Biden-Harris administration investments that are growing Wisconsin’s economy

The Inflation Reduction Act continues to support working families by lowering costs and investing in communities across Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement today ahead of President Joe Biden’s visit to Westby, Wisconsin where he will announce the first award of a $7.3 billion nationwide investment in rural power: 

“The Biden-Harris administration’s support for working families and communities in every corner of Wisconsin is already transforming our state. With President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership, the Inflation Reduction Act is lowering costs, creating jobs, and investing in projects that will help grow Wisconsin’s economy for decades to come. President Biden’s announcement today will support even more rural communities, family farmers, and small businesses to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed.”

Despite the success of the Inflation Reduction Act, Republicans in Congress have continued to oppose it. Congressman Derrick Van Orden, whose district is hosting President Biden today, opposed the Inflation Reduction Act and has voted multiple times to repeal portions of the law. Congressman Bryan Steil voted against the law’s passage and has also supported repealing provisions since it was signed into law. Republicans in Congress should oppose any attempt to repeal or weaken the Inflation Reduction Act.

Additional ways the Inflation Reduction Act has supported Wisconsin include:

• Lower Health Care and Prescription Drug Costs: The Inflation Reduction Act is delivering lower prescription drug prices and health insurance premiums for hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin families. Many Wisconsinites will save an average of $475 on the life-saving medication that they need thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act’s cap on annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Thanks to the new cap on insulin costs for Medicare recipients, recent data shows more Wisconsinites are already filling prescriptions as medication becomes more affordable. Last month, the Biden-Harris administration announced the results of the first round of Medicare’s prescription drug price negotiations, which will save Medicare recipients an estimated $1.5 billion in the first year alone.
   

• $1 Billion Recovered From Ultra-Wealthy Tax Cheats: The IRS recently announced it has recovered more than $1 billion from millionaires who previously owed at least $250,000 in unpaid taxes. Funding for increased enforcement was made possible thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, which is also cracking down on large corporations and partnerships, as well as personal use of private jets owned by large corporations.
   

• New Good-Paying Jobs for Wisconsin: The Inflation Reduction Act’s investments in clean energy are also supporting new manufacturing and other jobs across Wisconsin, with recent announcements already showing the state’s potential to manufacture clean energy infrastructure. A report shows nearly two thousand  new jobs are being created in Wisconsin. The Inflation Reduction Act’s historic tax credits are boosting manufacturing in the United States and supporting good-paying jobs here in Wisconsin.
   

• Lowering Energy Costs: The Inflation Reduction Act includes support for programs that help families lower utility bills, including rebates on energy-efficient appliances and funding to improve renewable energy infrastructure. Already the law has supported $920 million in climate and clean energy projects across the state.