Republicans float tying disaster aid to tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Republicans float tying disaster aid to tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations

Republicans in Congress and President Trump suggest holding wildfire relief hostage to secure passage of a tax plan that prioritizes those at the top over working families

MADISON, Wis. – Republicans in Congress have suggested they may tie disaster recovery funding to a massive spending bill that includes President Trump’s key priorities, namely massive tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations. Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement calling on Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to oppose this plan and prioritize policies that help families succeed:

“Instead of delivering relief to those who need it, President Trump and Republicans in Congress are following a playbook that has become too familiar: Prioritizing tax breaks for the ultra-rich and lining the pockets of big corporations at all costs. Disaster recovery for families and communities that have lost everything shouldn’t be controversial, but Republicans in Congress are willing to use it as a bargaining chip to help those at the top do even better. Whether it’s holding disaster aid hostage, or proposing cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance programs to pay for more tax breaks for the wealthy, it’s time for Wisconsin’s Republicans in Congress to speak out and oppose these dangerous policies.”

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ICYMI: House Republicans considering cuts to Medicaid, Affordable Care Act, and more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

ICYMI: House Republicans considering cuts to Medicaid, Affordable Care Act, and more

House Republicans may cut key programs to pay for President-elect Trump’s tax proposals, which primarily benefit big corporations and the ultra-wealthy

MADISON, Wis. – With the new Congress underway and President-elect Trump set to take office next week, new reporting hints at a renewed push from House Republicans to cut programs that support many Wisconsin families. The push comes as Republicans look for ways to pay for an extension and expansion of Trump’s 2017 tax law, which would include massive tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations. 

According to a new report from Politico, Republicans are likely to target cuts to Medicaid, limit access to coverage under the Affordable Care Act, and roll back provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which have lowered costs for Wisconsinites and helped strengthen American manufacturing and infrastructure. According to the report, some House Republicans have already warned leadership against some of these repeals. Republicans in Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation have stayed silent on these proposed cuts, but they have a long record of supporting similar proposals that would jeopardize things Wisconsinites rely on while also backing costly tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations. 

Trump has repeatedly called for an extension of his 2017 tax policy. The extension would mean additional tax breaks primarily aimed at the ultra-wealthy and big corporations, some of which have been able to avoid paying any federal tax as a result of the 2017 law. Wisconsin Republicans including Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have previously been supportive of extensions to Trump tax policies aimed at giving breaks to those at the top.

“Millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites are able to access care, make ends meet, and succeed with the help of programs like Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and nutrition assistance programs. Instead of helping working families succeed, House Republicans are threatening these successful programs,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation can’t stay silent any longer: It’s time for Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden to speak out against these proposed cuts and reject efforts to give more tax breaks to those at the top. We need policies that strengthen our communities, lower costs for families, and grow our economy.”

POLITICO: House GOP puts Medicaid, ACA, climate measures on chopping block

[1/10/25, By Ben Leonard, Meredith Lee Hill, and Kelsey Tamborrino]

• House Republicans are passing around a “menu” of more than $5 trillion in cuts they could use to bankroll President-elect Donald Trump’s top priorities this year, including tax cuts and border security.

• The early list of potential spending offsets obtained by POLITICO includes changes to Medicare and ending Biden administration climate programs, along with slashing welfare and “reimagining” the Affordable Care Act.

• Cuts to Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and the country’s largest anti-hunger program would spark massive opposition from Democrats and would also face some GOP resistance. House Speaker Mike Johnson can’t afford any Republican defections if he wants to pass a package on party lines.

• Even proposed cuts to green energy tax credits, worth as much as $500 billion, could be tricky — as the document notes, they depend “on political viability.” Already 18 House Republicans — 14 of whom won reelection in November — warned Johnson against prematurely repealing some of the IRA’s energy tax credits, which are funding multiple manufacturing projects in GOP districts.

• Johnson and GOP leaders are hunting for trillions of dollars in cuts, with lawmakers estimating Trump’s domestic policy agenda — including tax cuts and border security proposals — costing as much as $10 trillion over the coming decade.

• Johnson, with scores of House Republicans this week to chart the way forward, and groups of GOP members are set to meet with Trump in Florida this weekend.

• In addition to Medicaid and ACA cuts, the document floats clawing back bipartisan infrastructure and Inflation Reduction Act funding.

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Opportunity Wisconsin gives back to communities during the holiday season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Opportunity Wisconsin gives back to communities during the holiday season

MADISON, Wis. – This holiday season, Opportunity Wisconsin is giving back by supporting community organizations helping their neighbors in need across the state. Opportunity Wisconsin staff has volunteered their time and the organization has donated goods to toy drives ahead of the holidays.

“Organizations across Wisconsin do so much to support the community and provide resources to those in need. During the holiday season, and throughout the year, supporting their work is an easy way to make our state stronger and get involved,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “More than ever, we need to support organizations and policies that help every Wisconsinite succeed.”

As many families continue to struggle with higher costs and economic uncertainty, Opportunity Wisconsin is also continuing to advocate for policies that create an economy where everyone can succeed. In the new year, the group will continue to push Congress to pass policies that prioritize relief for working families, put an end to a tax system that gives tax breaks to corporations and the ultra-wealthy, and stop the implementation of tariffs that will raise costs even higher.

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ICYMI: Increased tariffs could hurt Wisconsin small businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

ICYMI: Increased tariffs could hurt Wisconsin small businesses

“The Trump tariffs really couldn't come at a worse time for small businesses.”

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, Wisconsin small business owners are speaking out against proposals from President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress to raise tariffs, warning consumers that new tariffs will increase costs and threaten Wisconsin’s economy.

Under the proposed tariffs, goods imported from major trading partners would lead to higher costs for Americans, including basic household items like food, clothing, and more. Trump has already doubled down on his pledge to cut the corporate tax rate, giving more handouts to large, successful corporations, while working families and small businesses are left without the relief they deserve.

“Small businesses and working families are the heart of our economy – increased tariffs are only going to make it harder for them to succeed,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Republicans in Congress need to stand up to President-elect Trump and find ways to support Wisconsin families, empower entrepreneurs, and create an economy that works for everyone.”

An Eau Claire small business braces for Trump tariffs

Thursday, December 19, 2024   

As the new year quickly approaches, Wisconsin business owners and shoppers alike are bracing for the prospect of tariffs from a new administration that could affect both their livelihoods and families. Eau Claire Outdoors is a shop that sells gear for camping and backwoods experiences.

Kate Felton, shop owner, said she carries products manufactured both in the U.S. and elsewhere. She worries about shoppers being able to afford the brands she stocks if U.S. manufacturers increase prices as a result of tariff backlash.

"The Trump tariffs really couldn't come at a worse time for small businesses. Certainly, there's no good time for this to come - but this moment in particular is just a very dangerous moment for prices to increase on small businesses," she explained.

Eau Claire small businesses saw record-low sales this past year, she added, including the lowest turnout for Small Business Saturday in over a decade. Felton said the uncertainty has also made her and her husband reconsider plans to start a family. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to impose a new slate of tariffs as soon as he enters office in January.

Tariffs, or taxes on imports, are paid by businesses purchasing goods from other countries. Economists say tariffs are typically passed on to consumers of anything the U.S. imports, from electronics and home goods to gas.

Thomas Kemp, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire economics department chair, suspects a significant number of businesses in the state would feel the effects.

"Let's say a small Wisconsin business is dependent upon a Chinese supplier for, say, machinery and equipment, that's going to impact them significantly. Or if they're a retailer that sells primarily goods and services made in China, they're going to be impacted by this," he explained.

In 2022, Wisconsin, imports totaled $41-billion, the highest level recorded in state history, according to Wisconsin Economic Development. The state ranks 20th nationally for imports.

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Opportunity Wisconsin Statement on Congressional Republican Chaos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Opportunity Wisconsin Statement on Congressional Republican Chaos

Congressional Republicans on course to shut down the government over the holidays, leaving Wisconsin workers and families out in the cold

MADISON, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement as Congressional Republicans scramble to fund the government before Friday night while paychecks for members of the military and nutrition benefits for low-income Wisconsin families hang in the balance. Yesterday, Congressman Derrick Van Orden announced he would not be supporting the bipartisan government funding proposal, paving the way for a government shutdown. 

“This holiday season, Wisconsin families, farmers, small business owners, and seniors deserve long-term funding for programs that support our communities and make our state stronger. What they don’t need is this confusion and chaos from Congressional Republicans at the behest of President-elect Trump and his billionaire buddies. What’s past is prologue and given the do-nothing disarray we saw from Congressional Republicans over the past two years, Wisconsin workers and families can, unfortunately, expect more of the same in the New Year. 

“As folks in the Badger State prepare to see loved ones this holiday, the last thing they need is their elected leaders playing politics with essential government funding and services. We’re calling on Wisconsin’s Congressional Republicans to stand up for their constituents and fund the government and get to work in the New Year on a long-term funding plan free from cuts to programs that support Wisconsinites.” 

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President-elect Trump: Grocery prices will stay up, corporate taxes will go down

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

President-elect Trump: Grocery prices will stay up, corporate taxes will go down

President-elect Trump backs away from his promise to lower grocery prices while doubling down on his pledge to give more handouts to big corporations

MADISON, Wis. – Bad news for anyone tired of sticker shock at the grocery store: President-elect Donald Trump is already backing down from his promise to lower food prices. But if you’re a large, successful corporation, you can expect to keep more of your money with massive new tax cuts next year.

After months of promising quick action to lower costs, including at the grocery store, Trump revealed to Time this week, “It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up. You know, it’s very hard.” Trump’s admission comes as his proposed policies, including increasing tariffs, threaten to send grocery costs even higher. New tariffs would force families to pay more for cereal, vegetables, and other imported food items, and threaten Wisconsin’s agricultural economy by jeopardizing billions in export sales.

Trump had better news today for big corporations. While families are bracing for higher costs, Trump reassured large, successful companies that they’ll soon receive even more massive tax cuts. According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump told business leaders today that he wants to cut the corporate tax rate, adding “For those that are running the big companies, those great big beautiful companies, nobody is going to be leaving us.”

During his first term, Trump and congressional Republicans passed trillions in tax cuts that predominantly benefited the wealthiest Americans and big corporations, even allowing many successful companies to get away with paying nothing in federal taxes.

“President-elect Trump is making his priorities clear: If you’re a family trying to put food on the table, you’re going to keep paying more and your budget is going to be stretched thinner, but if you’re a large corporation, you’re getting even more handouts to increase your bottom line,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Working families are tired of corporate price gouging and high costs for basic necessities. Wisconsin families, small businesses, and seniors deserve relief – that’s why Congress has to stand up to Trump’s plan and do what’s best for the people they represent.”

ICYMI: Trump administration tariffs could cost farmers billions in exports

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2024

CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

ICYMI: Trump administration tariffs could cost farmers billions in exports

Proposed tariffs would raise costs and could restrict trade for industries vital to Wisconsin’s economy

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently detailed how new tariffs proposed by President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress could reignite a global trade war and cost farmers billions in export sales.

According to the report, expected retaliatory tariffs from major U.S. trading partners would shrink markets for agricultural products, including beef, pork, corn, and other commodities. During the first Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates American farmers lost $27 billion in export sales as a result of tariffs and the ensuing trade war. 

In addition to hurting Wisconsin farmers, tariffs would force Wisconsin families to pay more for necessities, including common grocery items like coffee, cereals, and vegetables imported from other countries. Household items including clothes and shoes, appliances, and toys could also see higher costs as a result of proposed tariffs.

“If President-elect Trump and Republicans in Congress want to hurt Wisconsin farmers and force families to pay more at the grocery store, then increasing tariffs is a great idea. But if they want to lower costs and grow Wisconsin’s economy, they need another plan,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Working families, seniors, and small businesses in Wisconsin need relief from higher costs. That’s why it’s critical that Congress holds big corporations accountable, passes tax reform that prioritizes the middle class, and lowers costs. It’s time for our leaders to bring people together to build an economy where everyone can succeed.”

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: In another Trump trade war, farmers could lose billions in export sales

• If President-elect Donald Trump ignites a trade war with China, Mexico and Canada, many Wisconsin farmers may find themselves caught in the crossfire.

• U.S. agriculture hasn’t fully recovered from a trade fight that Trump started in his first administration when he imposed higher tariffs, essentially a tax, on $370 billion in products from China.

• The Chinese government retaliated with countervailing tariffs of up to 25% on over $100 billion worth of U.S. products, targeting soybeans, beef, pork, wheat, corn and sorghum. It then turned to Brazil and other countries, rather than the United States, for those commodities.

• American farmers lost $27 billion in export sales in 2018 and 2019, largely from the China tariffs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Even now, the share of China's soybean imports from the U.S. - the top American export to China - has dropped to 18% from 40% in 2016, Reuters reported in November.

• With Trump threatening more trade sanctions, farmers could again suffer market losses.

• “When farms go out, other businesses close, schools close and churches close, because farmers are the backbone of everything,” said Hinchley, a Democrat.

• Over the past 12 months alone, Wisconsin has lost more than 350 dairy herds and is now at fewer than 5,400 herds, the lowest point on record. Since 2019, more than 2,000 dairy farmers have called it quits, according to the state Agriculture Department.

• “We can’t continue this way and still be America’s Dairyland,” Hinchley said.

• A generous share of Wisconsin milk production ends up in dairy products outside of the United States, with much of it going to Mexico.

• Proposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China — three main export destinations for U.S. dairy — are likely to reduce dairy exports to a degree that would harm farm milk prices and processor profitability, according to Charles Nicholson, an associate professor of agricultural and applied economics at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

• Wisconsin farmers have come to rely on exports for selling beef, pork, soybeans, cranberries, cherries, ginseng and dairy products. In another trade war, farmers may once again find themselves at the mercy of federal government programs that act as a safety net when commodities prices fall.

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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.