ICYMI: WI Voters Rally to Save Health Care, Slam Republicans for Refusing to Extend ACA Credits Arrow

Yesterday, Wisconsin voters rallied across the state to hold Donald Trump and Republicans accountable for creating a health care crisis. Wisconsin working families are already struggling under Donald Trump's failed economic policies - and now, their health care costs are about to get even more expensive as Republicans refuse to extend enhanced ACA premium tax credits, which over 250,000 Wisconsinites rely on to afford their health care.

Take a look at some coverage below:

On WKOW: "Wisconsin Democrats discussed the U.S. Senate's refusal to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies today. They say Republicans are obstructing Medicaid expansion and tax credits, resulting in people having to pay more for health care. They highlighted the perspective of small business owners who may feel strained due to health costs and federal trade policies. 'The ACA was the first time a small business owner like me had something where I could reasonably expect my employees to get benefits at a rate that was reasonable.'"

On WEAU: "On the last day of the Affordable Care Act's open enrollment period for 2026, Democrats stand outside representative Derek Van Orden's office to demand Van Orden votes to extend the ACA tax credits. Officials say many people who sign up for ACA benefits are backing out because of a lack of subsidies. 'We're here standing out in the cold because Derek Van Orden left us out in the cold and said, 'You know what, you can afford this massive increase to your health care subsidies.'' … 'A 20-year-old person who is making, you know, $40,000 a year your health care sell, your health care cost is going to go up $130 a month. How can we afford this? The affordability crisis is real here in Wisconsin, and it's largely driven by Washington's inability to pass laws that actually help people on the ground.'"

On News 8000: "Demonstrators in La Crosse holding a rally in support of extending those ACA subsidies. They are calling on Congressman Derek Van Orden to vote in support of an extension. 'The affordability crisis is real here in Wisconsin, and it's largely driven by Washington's inability to pass laws that actually help people on the ground here.'"

On WEAU: "Democrats in the Coulee region are also urging lawmakers to take action on the last day of the Affordable Care Act's open enrollment period for 2026. Democrats stood outside of Representative Derek Van Orden's office to demand he votes to extend the ACA tax credits. Rally leaders say an ACA-holding family of four will see a $2,000-a-month increase on their health care costs because of a GOP health care plan, adding that it will affect people of all ages. Officials say many people who sign up for ACA benefits are backing out because of the lack of subsidies. 'We're here standing out in the cold because Derek Van Orden left us out in the cold and said, 'You know what? You can afford this massive increase to your health care subsidies.'"

Politico: The health care fight gets personal

[Natalie Fertig And Alice Miranda Ollstein, 12/15/25]

"In Wisconsin, for example, Democrats held three rallies across the state on Monday featuring testimony from local residents. The state party is also putting individual voter stories of health insurance woes in online ads, targeting specific demographic groups who might be feeling the sting - like families of four, or retirees over 65 - with stories they hope will resonate."

WXOW: Wisconsin Democrats criticize Senate decision impacting ACA subsidies

[Faryn Cramer, 12/16/25]

"Wisconsin's Democrats discussed the U.S. Senate's recent decision not to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies on Monday.

"Democrats said Republicans are obstructing Medicaid expansion and tax credits, leading to increased health care costs for residents.

"Evan Dannels, chef and owner of Cadre Restaurant, shared his perspective as a small business owner.

"'The ACA was the first time a small business owner like me had something where I could reasonably expect my employees to get benefits at a rate that was reasonable,' Dannels said.

"Democrats emphasized the impact on small business owners who may be feeling the strain from healthcare costs and federal trade policies."