Sen. Johnson Must Support Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, Putting Wisconsin Back to Work

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will create a “generation of good-paying union jobs and economic growth” for the Badger State

Friday, August 6, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—As the U.S. Senate prepares to take a crucial vote Saturday to move forward with the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Opportunity Wisconsin is calling on Senator Ron Johnson to support Wisconsin workers and the bill’s long-term investment in the Badger State’s infrastructure and competitiveness. In recent comments, Senator Johnson said “it’d be pointless” to read the bill, since he already knows he’ll vote against it. 

How the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will benefit Wisconsin:

• $5.2 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $225 million for bridge replacement and repairs

• $79 million to support the expansion of an electric vehicle charging network in the state. Wisconsin will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill

• $595 million to improve public transportation options across the state

• Minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 318,000 Wisconsin residents who currently lack it. Additionally, 22% of people in Wisconsin will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.

“Travel around the state of Wisconsin and it doesn’t take long to understand why the Badger State’s infrastructure received a C grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers. What’s not clear is why Senator Johnson would then be so adamantly opposed to this bipartisan bill that not only repairs our roads and bridges, but makes historic investments in Wisconsin workers,”said Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director.“Senator Johnson had no problem supporting 2017’s $1.9 trillion tax giveaway for his wealthy donors and special interests, but apparently he can’t even be bothered to review a bipartisan bill that will create good-paying Wisconsin jobs and help our economy continue to recover from the pandemic. We’re calling on Senator Johnson to put his politics of obstruction aside and put the people of Wisconsin first.”

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will Deliver for Wisconsin

• Repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians. Based on formula funding alone, Wisconsin would expect to receive $5.2 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $225 million for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years. Wisconsin can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and nearly $16 billion of national funding in the bill dedicated for major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities. In Wisconsin there are 979 bridges and over 1,949 miles of highway in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 2.8% in Wisconsin and on average, each driver pays $547 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework will devote more than $312 billion to transform our nation’s transportation infrastructure and make it more resilient, including $110 billion for roads, bridges, and major projects. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework is the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system.

• Improve healthy, sustainable transportation options for millions of Americans. Based on formula funding alone, Wisconsin would expect to receive $595 million over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve public transportation options across the state. Wisconsin residents who take public transportation spend an extra 62.7% of their time commuting and non-White households are 5.9 times more likely to commute via public transportation. 29% of trains and other transit vehicles are past useful life.

• Build a network of EV chargers to facilitate long-distance travel and provide convenient charging options. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Wisconsin would expect to receive $79 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state. Wisconsin will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.The U.S. market share of plug-in electric vehicle (EV) sales is only one-third the size of the Chinese EV market. The President believes that must change. The bill invests $7.5 billion to build out the first-ever national network of EV chargers in the United States and is a critical element in the Biden-Harris Administration’s plan to accelerate the adoption of EVs to address the climate crisis and support domestic manufacturing jobs.

• Help connect every American to reliable high-speed internet. 5.5% of Wisconsin residents live in areas where, under the FCC’s benchmark, there is no broadband infrastructure. Even where infrastructure is available, broadband may be too expensive to be within reach. 14% of Wisconsin households do not have an internet subscription. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Wisconsin will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 318,000 Wisconsin residents who currently lack it. And, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 1,246,000 or 22% of people in Wisconsin will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.

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Sen. Johnson Offers Zero Solutions and More Dangerous Covid-19 Misinformation

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary, Johnson questions, “do masks even work?”

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—In response to Senator Ron Johnson’s recent comments asking “do masks even work,” Opportunity Wisconsin released the following statement. Last month, a former member of President Trump’s White House Coronavirus Task Force called Senator Johnson’s views on Covid-19 “fundamentally dangerous.”  

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director:
“This is yet another example of Senator Johnson going out of his way to sow dangerous misinformation at a time when Wisconsin’s workers and families continue to dig out from Covid-19’s devastation and are faced with the rise of the Delta variant. Senator Johnson said no to critical relief checks, he’s said no to vaccines, and now he’s saying no to masks. How exactly does Senator Johnson propose the Badger State get through this pandemic? Wisconsin residents deserve elected officials that are going to fight alongside us, instead of actively working against us.”

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[ICYMI] Eau Claire Leader-Telegram: Kind, Parents Advocate for Child Tax Credit Payments Starting This Week

July 13, 2021

Eau Claire Leader-Telegram: Kind, parents advocate for child tax credit payments starting this week
By Eric Lindquist
July 12, 2021

EAU CLAIRE — Kayla and Blaine Midthun expect to use the money from an expanded federal child tax credit to help pay monthly bills.

Amber Larson plans to pay off debt accumulated recently to replace a washing machine that died.

Hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin parents will start receiving monthly payments of $250 or $300 per child on Thursday through a temporary expansion of the federal child tax credit. The payments were part of a COVID-19 pandemic recovery package known as the American Rescue Plan.

The payments are scheduled to run through December, although some Democrats are advocating for making them a permanent part of the U.S. tax code.

One of those lawmakers, Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Kind of La Crosse, was in Eau Claire on Monday to raise awareness of the tax credit and push for making the expansion permanent to help families cover the costs of raising children.

More than 45,000 families in western Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, covering more than 90% of all children, will benefit from the expanded child tax credit, Kind said in a news conference at Ramone’s Ice Cream Parlor, which is owned by the Midthuns.

The event was organized by the liberal advocacy group Opportunity Wisconsin.

“This is another way to help those families that have children. Roughly 1.2 million kids in Wisconsin alone will be impacted by this expanded child tax credit,” Kind said. “What this is is an early refund on taxes that would normally come next spring when taxes are filed.”

The American Rescue Plan expanded the child tax credit from $2,000 per child to $3,600 for children up to age 5 and $3,000 for children from 6 through 17.

Beyond the monthly payments that start this week, families will get their remaining expanded Child Tax Credit when they file their 2021 tax return.

Read more: https://www.leadertelegram.com/news/front-page/kind-parents-advocate-for-child-tax-credit-payments-starting-this-week/article_9a87035d-5a8f-50fa-861a-48c13d39cddf.html

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NEW REPORT: Senator Johnson Obstructed Economic Relief for Nearly 3 Million Wisconsinites

American Rescue Plan is bringing lifesaving relief to Wisconsin workers, families, and businesses

July 1, 2021

MADISON, Wis.— According to a new report released by the U.S. Treasury Department, Senator Ron Johnson’s obstruction of the American Rescue Plan could have blocked economic relief for nearly 3 million Badger State residents. These benefits included stimulus checks of up to $1,400 to over 163 million Americans and billions in funding for vaccine distribution and small businesses. Last week, Opportunity Wisconsin launched a statewide RV tour to hold Senator Johnson accountable for his obstruction.  
 
“We’re incredibly grateful to our elected officials who delivered on their promise to help Wisconsin workers and families recover from a pandemic that has devastated communities across the Badger State. Whether it’s shots in arms, money in pockets, or relief for small business, the American Rescue Plan is already a game-changer for so many in Wisconsin,” said Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director. “Unfortunately, Senator Ron Johnson did everything he could to prevent this from happening, and we all must hold him accountable for standing in the way of Wisconsin’s recovery.”
 
The American Rescue Plan also increased the Child Tax Credit by $1,000 for children under the age of 17 and $1,600 for children under the age of 6. Advanced monthly payments of the Child Tax Credit will begin on July 15.
 
The American Rescue Plan provides:

• $1,400 stimulus checks for more than 2.94 million middle- and low-income Wisconsinites.

• $1,000 per child increase to the Child Tax Credit and an additional $600 per child aged 6 and under.

• $20 billion for vaccine distribution nationally, leading to more than 50% of Wisconsin residents receiving at least one dose.

• $50 billion in grants, loans, and paycheck protection for small businesses affected by the pandemic.

• $3 billion in direct funding to Wisconsin's state and local governments to keep police officers, firefighters and first responders on the job.

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Opportunity Wisconsin Announces “Summer Is On, No Thanks To Ron” Statewide RV Tour

Opportunity Wisconsin’s Statewide RV Tour Will Highlight Success of the American Rescue Plan, Senator Ron Johnson’s “NO” Vote Against Pandemic Aid

June 23, 2021

MADISON, Wis.— After taking to the airwaves earlier this year urging Senator Ron Johnson to support $1,400 checks, funding for vaccines, and relief for small businesses—and then holding him accountable when he voted against these measures—today Opportunity Wisconsin was joined by Wisconsin State Representative Francesca Hong to kick off the “Summer Is On, No Thanks To Ron” statewide RV tour. Opportunity Wisconsin will be traveling the state in an RV wrapped with a photo of Senator Johnson, urging Wisconsinites to call his office and tell him to stop blocking our recovery. 

WATCH THE “SUMMER IS ON, NO THANKS TO RON” TRAILER

“Whether it’s shots in arms, money in pockets, or relief for small businesses, thanks to the American Rescue Plan—summer is on in Wisconsin. However, Senator Johnson fought tooth-and-nail against this relief and we must all hold him accountable for his obstruction,” said Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director. “Last year, the pandemic put a stop to so many of our quintessential Wisconsin summertime traditions. This year, Opportunity Wisconsin will be traveling the state celebrating all there is to love about summer in Wisconsin and making sure folks know who fought for us and who failed us.”

“The obstructionist tactics that [Senator Johnson] used not only hurt small businesses and Main Streets all across Wisconsin, but he said ‘no’ to money in pockets, he said ‘no’ to coronavirus relief, he said ‘no’ to getting more shots in arms,” said Representative Hong. “But thanks to the American Rescue Plan, shots are up, Covid is down, personal incomes are up, and we’ve got small business relief.” 

The “Summer Is On, No Thanks To Ron” statewide RV tour launched today with an announcement video, new website (SummerIsOnWI.org), and tour poster. The packed tour schedule will run from June to September and will include stops across the state, including: Big Top Chautauqua, Hmong Wausau Festival, Ashley for the Arts, Summerfest, and the Taste of Madison. More events will be added as the tour progresses.

Additional tour highlights:

• Digital Ads: We want to make sure we’re reaching folks in every corner of the Badger State, so we’re launching a digital campaign ensuring they’ll see our message as they’re making their summer plans (i.e. searching online for the Summerfest lineup or for their local state park).

• “No Thanks To You” Card: We’ll be touring the state with a giant greeting card, giving Wisconsinites the opportunity to sign their name and deliver a direct message to Senator Johnson.

• Packers Sweepstakes: Despite the “will he or won’t he?” Aaron Rodgers drama, folks are still fired up for a new season with the Green & Gold. We’ll be giving away a pair of tickets to see the Green Bay Packers play the Detroit Lions on Monday, September 20 at Lambeau Field.

• Summer Fun: Folks who stop by the RV will be treated to classic Wisconsin summer games, free tour merch, and a “Summer Is On” selfie station.

Media interested in covering RV tour stops should email press@opportunitywisconsin.org.

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100 Days: The American Rescue Plan is Working for Wisconsin

Critical law is bringing lifesaving relief to Wisconsin workers, families, and businesses

June 19, 2021

MADISON, Wis.— Opportunity Wisconsin released the following statement today marking the 100 days since the American Rescue Plan was signed into law by President Biden. 

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director:

“We’re incredibly grateful to our elected officials who delivered on their promise to help Wisconsin workers and families recover from a pandemic that has devastated communities across the Badger State. Whether it’s shots in arms, money in pockets, or relief for small business, we’re 100 days in and the American Rescue Plan is already a game-changer for so many in Wisconsin. 

“Unfortunately, Senator Ron Johnson did everything he could to prevent this from happening, and we all must hold him accountable for standing in the way of Wisconsin’s recovery.”

The American Rescue Plan is working for Wisconsin:

$1,400 Rescue Checks

2,722,268 households in Wisconsin received a check, for a total of $6,981,675,000 in rescue checks. 

Child Tax Credit

1,159,000 Wisconsin children under 18 – 92% of all Wisconsin children – will benefit from the expansion of the Child Tax Credit. The law will lift 56 percent (94,000) of the Wisconsin children under 18 who are living in poverty closer to or above the poverty line and 27 percent (46,000) of Wisconsin children under 18 will be lifted out of poverty.

Percentages are calculated by dividing the percent of children lifted above or closer to the poverty line by 167,882, the total children under 18 living in poverty in Wisconsin as reported by Census Bureau’s Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE).

National Vaccination Program

Instead of leaving states to fend for themselves, the American Rescue Plan establishes a national program to rapidly distribute vaccines while also providing funding for testing and public health initiatives. In total, the bill spends $160 billion to continue our fight against the virus. A majority of Wisconsinites are now vaccinated with at least one dose.

Lower Marketplace Premiums

The average premium on a Benchmark Silver plan on the ACA exchange in Wisconsin will drop by $580. 51,900 uninsured Wisconsinites are now eligible for tax credits on the ACA exchange, 31,600 of whom are now eligible for $0 dollar benchmark Marketplace coverage. ARP lowers marketplace premiums in Wisconsin for those 400 percent above the poverty line.

Restaurant Revitalization Fund

The $28 billion in this fund is specifically designed for any establishment where food or drinks are sold, and the grants do not need to be repaid. Restaurants can receive grants up to $10 million, and will be calculated based on their lost revenue during the pandemic. Before passage of the ARP, 13% of restaurants said they would most likely close without federal aid.

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SCOTUS Has Spoken, Again. Will Senator Johnson Finally Stop His Assault on the Affordable Care Act?

Opportunity Wisconsin weighs in after ruling upholds health law

June 17, 2021

MADISON, Wis.— Opportunity Wisconsin released the following statement today after the conservative U.S. Supreme Court voted 7-2 to uphold the Affordable Care Act and dismiss the latest attacks on the law, led by Senator Ron Johnson. 

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director:
“The decade-long war on our healthcare has been stopped once again. Not only has the Affordable Care Act once again been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, but it continues to be a lifesaving law that enjoys significant, bipartisan support among Wisconsinites. However, Senator Ron Johnson has spent the entirety of his political career hellbent on rolling back the law and its critical provisions, like coverage for over 2.4 million folks in the Badger State with pre-existing conditions. We’re calling on Senator Johnson to drop his assault on the Affordable Care Act and instead focus his energy on supporting policies that continue to expand access to the kind of high quality, affordable care the law provides.”

In 2017, Senator Johnson helped lead an effort in the Senate to strip healthcare coverage away from Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions which could now include people who survived the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, Senator Johnon voted against the American Rescue Plan which reduces healthcare costs by approximately $600 for folks in Wisconsin. For example, a 60-year-old couple with a household income of $75,000 could save $1,389 in monthly premiums.

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Senator Johnson Promises to Once Again Block Aid for Wisconsinites, Even If It’s Bipartisan

Johnson vows to obstruct critical investments in Wisconsin roads and bridges

June 10, 2021

MADISON, Wis.— Opportunity Wisconsin released the following statement after U.S. Senator Ron Johnson vowed to block any bipartisan bill that invested in Wisconsin’s aging infrastructure, cut taxes for the middle class, boosted new job training programs, and expanded broadband access. Senator Johnson was directly quoted saying, “I’d do what I could to frustrate its passage.”     

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director:
“While senators of both parties are working to find common ground on infrastructure, it’s unacceptable that Senator Johnson is already planning to block this legislation. To be clear, he’s promising to stand in the way of middle class tax cuts, increasing funding for highways and bridges, new job training programs for those left behind by closed power plants, and expanding broadband access for families and businesses across the Badger State. 

“Senator Johnson was proud to try and block lifesaving investments made by the American Rescue Plan, including $1,400 relief checks. We need Senator Johnson to start doing his job instead of blocking Wisconsin’s recovery at every turn.”

A recent analysis of Census Bureau data showed sharp declines in food shortages and financial instability and anxiety thanks to the $1,400 direct payments included in the American Rescue Plan. 

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