Following Opportunity Wisconsin Tax Day events across the state, Van Orden and Steil still have nothing to show for their votes but higher costs for working families


MADISON, Wis. — As Wisconsin families filed their taxes yesterday, Opportunity Wisconsin held events across the state to highlight the real cost of the Republican Tax Law — a law that raises costs on working families while delivering massive tax breaks to billionaires and corporations. Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden both voted for that law, and today they doubled down, voting in favor of a House resolution to reaffirm their support for it — congratulating themselves for a law that is hurting the very families they were elected to represent.

“Wisconsin families are being asked to pay more so that billionaires can pay less — and Van Orden and Steil have nothing to show for their votes but higher costs and lost benefits,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Across Wisconsin this week, we heard from working families who are struggling to afford health care, groceries, and everyday essentials because of the choices these congressmen made. It’s time for Congress to fight to lower costs, not force them even higher.”

The Republican Tax Law included the largest cuts to Medicaid in history, the elimination of health care tax credits that Wisconsin families relied on to afford coverage, and deep cuts to food assistance, all to fund permanent tax breaks for corporations and the ultra-wealthy. 

In addition to supporting the Republican Tax Law, both Van Orden and Steil have supported Trump administration policies that are sending costs soaring. New tariffs continue to raise prices on everyday items, including groceries, and clothing, while the Republican war with Iran is costing billions of dollars and forcing gas prices up. 

Not surprisingly, new data out this week shows Americans aren’t feeling relief on their tax bills. Just 20 percent say they felt like they paid less this year, compared to 25 percent who said they paid more and 51 percent who said they paid about what they expected to.

Yesterday afternoon Wisconsinites in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and St. Francis joined together to demand Congress work to lower costs and ensure the ultra-rich pay their fair share: