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.”
