ICYMI: Inflation slows for the 12th straight month

Wisconsinites continue to see relief from rising costs as the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law deliver results

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, a new report shows Wisconsinites are already seeing relief from rising costs with the national inflation rate slowing for the 12th month in a row. 

The latest report, released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, shows inflation fell to its lowest annual rate in two years last month. This comes at a time when families and communities are already feeling the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act and investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

“After years of rising costs, the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are rebuilding our economy and delivering relief to Wisconsin families,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Not only are families and small businesses seeing relief from high costs, our economy is being revitalized with a foundation that will help our state succeed for decades to come.”

Wisconsin’s Republican members of Congress, including Bryan Steil, Tom Tiffany, and Mike Gallagher, voted against the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Despite their opposition, critical investments are already transforming their districts and creating new economic opportunities. 

Over 170 infrastructure projects have already been announced across the state, with more than $2.8 billion in federal investments transforming communities. This includes projects to repair and replace roads and bridges, expand public transportation, improve ports and airports to create new economic opportunities, and improve water quality by replacing lead pipes and addressing PFAS contamination. 

Meanwhile, the Inflation Reduction Act is creating jobs and delivering lower prescription drug prices for many Wisconsin families. Thanks to a new $35 cap on insulin prices and rebates for many prescription drugs whose costs have risen faster than the rate of inflation, Medicare recipients are able to afford the medication they need. 
 
Coverage of today’s news that inflation has slowed for the 12th straight month:
 

CNBC: Inflation rose just 0.2% in June, less than expected as consumers get a break from price increases

Inflation fell to its lowest annual rate in more than two years during June, the product both of some deceleration in costs and easy comparisons against a time when price increases were running at a more than 40-year high.

The consumer price index, which measures inflation, increased 3% from a year ago, which is the lowest level since March 2021. On a monthly basis, the index, which measures a broad swath of prices for goods and services, rose 0.2%.
 

CNN: US inflation cooled in June for the 12th straight month

What a difference a year makes.

US annual inflation slowed to 3% last month, according to the latest Consumer Price Index released Wednesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That’s a sharp cooldown from June of last year, when surging energy costs helped inflation spike to 9.1% — the fastest annual rate since November 1981, when Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” sweated its way to the top of the charts.

Inflation, as measured by the CPI, has now eased for 12 consecutive months and is at its lowest rate since March 2021.
 

New York Times: June Inflation Report: Inflation Continues to Cool

Inflation cools sharply in June, good news for consumers and the Fed.

Inflation data released on Wednesday showed a pronounced cooling and offered some of the most hopeful news since the Federal Reserve began trying to tame rapid price increases 16 months ago.

The Consumer Price Index climbed 3 percent in the year through June, less than the 4 percent increase in the year through May and just a third of its roughly 9 percent peak last summer.
 

Yahoo Finance: Consumer prices in June rose at slowest annual rate since March 2021

Consumer prices rose at the slowest pace since March 2021 as inflation showed further signs of cooling in June, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released Wednesday morning.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.2% over last month and 3% over the prior year in June, a slight acceleration from May's 0.1% month-over-month increase but a slowdown compared to the month's 4% annual gain.

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Visiting district office, constituents call on Congressman Van Orden to reject GOP tax plan

Grassroots coalition delivers political cartoon to Van Orden’s La Crosse office to demand that he oppose an extreme tax plan with handouts to the wealthy and big corporations

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

LA CROSSE, Wis. – As Congress reconvenes today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s constituents have delivered a message asking him to reject an extreme Republican tax plan.

Visiting Rep. Van Orden’s office, members of Opportunity Wisconsin’s grassroots coalition delivered a new political cartoon running in newspapers across the 3rd Congressional District. The framed version of the cartoon is a reminder to Van Orden that his constituents expect him to fight for working families as he returns to Washington D.C. this week.

Click here for video of Opportunity Wisconsin’s delivery

Congress is expected to vote in the coming weeks on a new Republican proposal that expands and extends many portions of the Trump-backed tax bill in 2017, which disproportionately benefited the wealthy and big corporations. 

Nonpartisan budget experts estimate the package will cost nearly a quarter of a trillion dollars over the next decade as a result of massive handouts to the most well-off individuals and big corporations. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimates that the richest 1 percent of Americans would receive an average windfall of $16,560 each year – that’s nearly half the median income of an average Wisconsinite. Meanwhile, the poorest 20 percent of Americans would receive an average savings of only $40 a year, barely enough for a tank of gas. 

Opportunity Wisconsin La Crosse Regional Lead Wyatt Elliott:

“Working families in the 3rd Congressional District can’t get left behind. That’s why rejecting this disastrous proposal should be an easy decision for Congressman Van Orden. It doesn’t make sense that hard-working Wisconsin families will see only $40 in relief, while we explode the deficit to give massive handouts to big corporations and the wealthiest Americans. Rep. Van Orden should be able to see that and reject this proposal.”

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Full page ads urge Rep. Van Orden to reject extreme GOP tax plan

As congressional recess ends, Opportunity Wisconsin calls on Van Orden to fight for working families and reject GOP tax handouts for the wealthy and big businesses

Monday, July 10, 2023

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Full page ads featuring a new political cartoon are running across the 3rd Congressional District, urging Congressman Derrick Van Orden to reject an extreme Republican tax plan as Congress reconvenes this week. 

Ads in the La Crosse Tribune and Stevens Point Journal illustrate the massive windfall that the top income earners would receive under a new Republican proposal, while working families would see meager tax changes. The proposal would expand and extend many portions of the Trump-backed tax bill in 2017, which disproportionately benefited the wealthy and big corporations.

“Working families expect Congressman Van Orden to fight for them, but this tax plan doesn’t do that. Instead, Republicans in Congress want to extend a disastrous plan that increases our deficit while giving massive handouts to the wealthiest Americans and big corporations,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Giving more than $16,000 a year to those at the top, while barely giving working families enough for a tank of gas doesn’t add up. Congressman Van Orden should put his constituents first and reject this extreme plan.”

Nonpartisan budget experts estimate the package will cost nearly a quarter of a trillion dollars over the next decade as a result of massive handouts to the most well-off individuals and big corporations. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimatesthat the richest 1 percent of Americans would receive an average windfall of $16,560 each year – that’s nearly half the median income of an average Wisconsinite. Meanwhile, the poorest 20 percent of Americans would receive an average savings of only $40 a year. 

In addition to running full page ads across the district, Opportunity Wisconsin will deliver the political cartoon to Congressman Van Orden’s La Crosse office today at 10:00 AM. Members of the media who would like to cover the delivery and speak with Opportunity Wisconsin’s grassroots advocates should contact press@opportunitywisconsin.org.

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ICYMI: Child care provider highlights Rep. Tom Tiffany’s vote to cut access to care for Wisconsin families

“If Congressman Tiffany had his way and the ‘Default on America Act’ was signed into law, 24,000 women, infants, and children in our state would have lost access to the food assistance programs they depend on.”

June 29, 2023

BLOOMER, Wis. – In case you missed it, a local child care provider recently authored an op-ed highlighting Congressman Tom Tiffany’s vote in favor of the “Default on America Act,” which would have cut access to food assistance and child care programs for thousands of Wisconsinites. 

In April, Congressman Tiffany, along with Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, voted for the “Default on America Act,” the extreme Republican proposal to raise the debt limit only if drastic cuts were made to programs Wisconsinites depend on. In addition to jeopardizing assistance and care for working families, this bill would have forced cuts to education and veterans' health care benefits.

Tom Tiffany put child care at risk as he pushed us toward default

By: Caitlin Mitchell

Earlier this month our nation successfully avoided a historic default on our nation’s debt, but Congressman Tom Tiffany opposed it. His vote against the debt ceiling bill came solely because he did not get what he wanted: an extreme plan that would’ve been devastating for Wisconsin families and children.

I am the proud owner and operator of Spots & Stripes Early Learning Center, a quality childcare and early education center for infants through school-age kiddos. Since opening our doors in 2015, we have cared for nearly 500 children. We feel incredibly grateful for the community of families and staff that have made this possible. Working with this demographic every day, I understand the challenges the child care industry faces and the tough decisions facing Wisconsin families. It’s why I’m particularly concerned that Congressman Tiffany pushed us closer toward default – and an economic disaster – because he wanted to make additional cuts to child care and other essential programs.

In his statement following his vote, Congressman Tiffany made it clear that he wouldn’t support any compromise that would responsibly raise the debt ceiling. Instead, he preferred the provisions in the “Default on America Act,” which he previously voted for in April. This extreme deal would have been catastrophic for Wisconsin, especially our children. If Congressman Tiffany had his way and the “Default on America Act” was signed into law, 24,000 women, infants, and children in our state would have lost access to the food assistance programs they depend on. Additionally, at a time when so many families struggle to access child care, this plan would have slashed spots for at least 5,500 Wisconsin children.

I have always had a passion for children and the incredible things they’re capable of. We work tirelessly to provide a safe, warm, and interactive environment where they can be challenged to thrive. But even today we face insurmountable challenges in making these programs accessible. With staffing shortages and the lack of fundamental funding for child care programs, we haven’t been able to enroll new families for nearly a year.

The cuts that Congressman Tiffany continues to stand by would have been devastating. With decreased funding, programs like ours would be even more challenging for families to access, leaving families to wonder how they will provide even the most basic necessities for their children. Wisconsin families cannot be put in that position and Congressman Tiffany should recognize that.

We demand more from our elected officials. It is far past time Congressman Tiffany stand behind the people of Wisconsin and fight for us –not against us –in Congress.

–Mitchell is an advocate for Wisconsin families and children and is the owner of Spots & Stripes Early Learning Center in Bloomer, Wisconsin.

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Rep. Bryan Steil voted against funding for Wisconsin’s high-speed internet expansion

Steil voted against the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will invest $1 billion in Wisconsin broadband projects

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

RACINE, Wis. – Yesterday the White House announced Wisconsin will receive $1 billion to connect more homes and businesses with high-speed internet access, funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Congressman Bryan Steil voted against. 

Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement reminding Wisconsinites that Steil tried to prevent this investment in Wisconsin communities:

“This funding means more Wisconsinites will have access to reliable high-speed internet than ever before. These projects will make it easier for small businesses to succeed and for families to have the affordable and reliable access they deserve, regardless of where they are in our state. Wisconsinites won’t forget that Rep. Bryan Steil tried to stand in the way of this much-needed funding. If Rep. Steil had his way, this funding for high-speed internet expansion and so many critical infrastructure projects in the 1st Congressional District wouldn’t exist. We need elected officials to fight for working families and small businesses and make sure they have the tools they need to succeed.”

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New Opportunity Wisconsin ad highlights Rep. Van Orden’s support of big corporations over working families

As Republicans in Congress push for massive corporate tax breaks, Opportunity Wisconsin calls on Van Orden to prioritize working families

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin’s latest ad highlights Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s consistent support for big corporations over working families in the 3rd Congressional District. The new ad comes amid a renewed effort from Republicans in Congress to extend massive handouts to the wealthy and big corporations. 

“Congressman Van Orden has refused to stand with the working families he represents. Instead, he has been a consistent supporter of tax breaks for big corporations, refusing to make them pay their fair share,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Wisconsinites understand the values of hard work and fairness, but Rep. Van Orden has voted to make working families shoulder more of the burden while letting those at the top off the hook. Republicans in Congress want to pass even more tax breaks for the most well-off Americans and big businesses, but it’s time for Rep. Van Orden to do the right thing and start fighting for working families.”

The new ad features Tim, a dairy farmer in the 3rd Congressional District, who calls on Van Orden to fight for Wisconsin workers over big corporations, saying, “When you go to Washington, you’re supposed to support your people. Derrick Van Orden is not looking out for families like mine, he’s taking care of somebody else.” 

The ad will begin running on digital platforms in the 3rd Congressional District this week as part of Opportunity Wisconsin’s previously-announced seven-figure media buy across the state.

Click here to watch the ad

Full Transcript: 

Dairy farming is not easy. We work seven days a week. You sit there and milk cows for eight hours, ten hours a day. Sometimes you don’t get much sleep. Sometimes you’re just so doggone tired, but you still have to get the job done. 

So it feels like when the rich don’t pay their fair share, it all falls back on our back. Derrick Van Orden voted to give tax breaks to large corporations. I think they should pay their taxes just like we do. 

When you go to Washington, you’re supposed to support your people. Derrick Van Orden is not looking out for families like mine, he’s taking care of somebody else.

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One year after Roe v. Wade was overturned, Wisconsin Republican Congressional delegation still opposes access to reproductive health care

Congressmen Steil, Van Orden, and Tiffany continue to stand in the way of essential care for Wisconsinites as 1849 criminal ban prevents abortion access with few exceptions

Friday, June 23, 2023

MADISON, Wis. – As we approach the first anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v. Wade tomorrow, Wisconsin’s Republican members of Congress have refused to work to restore access to essential reproductive health care services as the state’s 1849 criminal abortion ban has virtually eliminated access in the state.

“Wisconsinites should have the freedom to choose when they want to start a family, but Republicans like Congressmen Bryan Steil, Derrick Van Orden, and Tom Tiffany have refused to protect access to essential reproductive care, leaving Wisconsin women without that freedom,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Their refusal to protect abortion access at the federal level has left Wisconsin’s archaic 1849 abortion ban on the books, leaving Wisconsinites without the care they need and threatening doctors and nurses with jail time just for doing their job.”

In addition to making care unavailable to Wisconsinites, the state’s 1849 abortion ban is likely to exacerbate the state’s OB-GYN shortage as residency programs report a decline in enrollment due to the inability of residents to receive training in-state. That could lead to fewer appointments and higher health care costs for Wisconsinites for basic reproductive health care. Additional research shows that women who are denied access to abortion have higher rates of poverty and economic distress than those who have the freedom to decide when to start a family.

Since the state’s abortion ban – the oldest in the nation – went into effect last year, Wisconsin’s Republican members of Congress have continued to stand in opposition to reinstating the protections of Roe v. Wade. Last year, Congressmen Steil and Tiffany voted against the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would have guaranteed abortion access and reproductive freedom at the federal level. Congressman Van Orden has also been outspoken against abortion access, even comparing abortion to genocide and voting for a bill that takes away families’ freedom to make their own medical decisions and threatens to put doctors in prison. 

“It’s time for Wisconsin’s members of Congress to do the right thing to protect reproductive freedom for Wisconsin families. Everyone in our state should have the right to make these deeply personal decisions and decide what’s best for them, without interference from politicians,” added Roh.
 

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Budget proposal from group including Rep. Steil would raise prescription drug prices, increase Social Security retirement age

Republican Study Committee’s budget would hurt Wisconsin seniors and working families

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

RACINE, Wis. – Last week the Republican Study Committee, which Congressman Bryan Steil is a part of, released their 2024 budget proposal that includes drastic rollbacks of protections that are already lowering the costs of prescription drugs for Wisconsin seniors. The proposed budget would also raise the Social Security retirement age. 

“Congressman Bryan Steil continues to stand in the way of what’s best for Wisconsin seniors and working families as he fights to keep prescription drug prices high,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Not only has he voted multiple times against lowering out-of-control drug prices, but Rep. Steil is also a member of the Republican Study Committee, which is promoting an extreme plan that would roll back protections and raise prescription prices. Wisconsinites expect their elected officials to work to lower costs and make life-saving medication more affordable, but Rep. Steil and Republicans in Congress would rather look out for big pharmaceutical companies and force us to pay more.”

The proposed budget could dramatically roll back protections recently signed into law as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, including allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices and measures that are already delivering savings to consumers when drug prices rise faster than the rate of inflation. 

In addition to increasing prescription drug prices, the budget proposal also makes extreme changes to Social Security, including raising the retirement age to receive full benefits to 69.

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