LA CROSSE and EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Congressman Derrick Van Orden has officially declined an invitation from constituents to appear at in-person town hall meetings this week in La Crosse and Eau Claire, refusing to answer for the cost his votes in Congress have placed on working families across Western Wisconsin. Opportunity Wisconsin, local lawmakers, and community leaders will still host the event to give his constituents an opportunity to speak out.

In an email exchange in response to the invitation, Congressman Van Orden’s communications director accused organizations inviting him to the event of “Derrick Derangement Syndrome” and closed the email by saying, “I’m genuinely sorry that so much of your time and energy seems to revolve around hating my Derrick.”

“Congressman Van Orden could have put Wisconsin families first, instead, he has voted time and again for policies that are sending costs higher and making it tougher for them to afford basic necessities,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Because of his votes on tariffs, an endless war, and on a tax law that cuts health care and takes food from working people to give more tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy, families are paying thousands more each year. He owes constituents an answer, but is once again hiding behind insults instead of being honest about his record.”

Van Orden has voted for costly tariffs that are driving up everyday costs, voted to continue the ongoing war in Iran, and backed the Republican Tax Law that showered billionaires and big corporations with tax breaks while gutting Medicaid and food assistance. These votes have left the average American family paying a Republican Price Tag of roughly $3,500 a year — in higher grocery, gas, healthcare, and everyday costs.

Van Orden has repeatedly refused to hold in-person town halls as a member of Congress. Wednesday’s invitation gives him a direct opportunity to answer for the Republican Price Tag Wisconsin families are paying because of decisions made in Washington.
Members of the public who are interested in attending may RSVP here for La Crosse and here for Eau Claire.

La Crosse Town Hall

WHO:
Congressman Derrick Van Orden (declined)
State Rep. Tara Johnson
Opportunity Wisconsin
Community Action Wisconsin
Climate Power
Family Friendly Wisconsin
Main Street Action
Protect Our Care
Committee To Protect Healthcare
Americans for Good Policy 

WHEN: Tuesday, August 25th, 4:30 PM

WHERE: La Crosse Public Library, Main Level Auditorium (Auditorium A), 800 Main St, La Crosse, WI

RSVP: Media interested in covering the town hall should RSVP to press@opportunitywisconsin.org.

Eau Claire Town Hall

WHO:
Congressman Derrick Van Orden (declined)
Opportunity Wisconsin
Community Action Wisconsin
Climate Power
Family Friendly Wisconsin
Main Street Action
Protect Our Care
Committee To Protect Healthcare
Americans for Good Policy

WHEN: Wednesday, August 26th, 6:00 PM

WHERE: Menomonie Market Food Co-op, 206 N Barstow St., Eau Claire

RSVP: Media interested in covering the town hall should RSVP to press@opportunitywisconsin.org.