MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin farmers and manufacturers continued to face the fallout from Republican-fueled chaos in Washington, with funding freezes and tariffs threatening to close markets and raise prices.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Communications Director Joe Oslund issued the following statement:

“Republican politicians in DC are sowing chaos across government, and it’s having an impact here in Wisconsin, threatening to raise prices for manufacturers and close off markets for our farmers. Republicans Bryan Steil, Tony Wied and Derrick Van Orden all occupy powerful seats on committees with oversight over agriculture and commerce, and it’s time for them to stand up to an administration determined to wreak havoc for the two most important sectors of Wisconsin’s economy.”

New Republican tariffs and aluminum threatened to effectively tax Wisconsin manufacturers, raising prices on a wide range of products—including appliances and cars.

MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL: “Wisconsin manufacturers and consumers could face higher prices from the steel and aluminum tariffs President Donald Trump imposed Monday, although some industries will get a break from foreign competition. Trump set a 25% tariff, essentially a tax, on any steel and aluminum coming into the United States. As a result, consumers could expect to pay more for a wide range of products, from appliances and automobiles to canned beverages and sporting goods. Manufacturers that use steel and aluminum will probably face higher costs even for U.S.-made metals as the marketplace adjusts to a new reality. ‘It will certainly create inflationary pressures,’ said Austin Ramirez, chief executive officer of Husco International, a Waukesha-based engineering and manufacturing firm for industries including automotive and off-highway equipment.”

Republican funding freezes on grants and cost-sharing contracts for farmers created uncertainty heading into the growing season, all as the Republican halt on USAID food purchases from American farmers closed down valuable markets for Wisconsin agriculture. 

WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO: “The ongoing freeze on federal funding for overseas food aid and on-farm conservation projects has created uncertainty for Wisconsin farmers and ag groups preparing for this year’s growing season. President Donald Trump halted food purchases for foreign aid through the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, in January. About 41 percent of the food aid provided by USAID is purchased from American farmers, according to The Washington Post. The president also halted funds for ‘climate smart’ agriculture projects created through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. That includes expanded funding for farmer cost-sharing contracts and grants through agencies under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.”