​Last night's tele-”town hall” hosted by Representative Tony Wied (WI-08) raised concerns among constituents regarding its structure and content. The event, which began at 6:50 PM and concluded around 8:00 PM, featured Representative Tom Tiffany (WI-07) as a special guest. Notably, Rep. Tiffany, who does not represent the 8th district, occupied approximately half of the event's duration addressing questions—a decision that left many attendees puzzled about his prominent role in a forum intended for 8th district constituents.​

Throughout the call, questions were directed on topics such as border security, gun rights, the expansion of concealed carry laws nationwide, and discussions involving Elon Musk and DOGE. One participant inquired about the potential impact of proposed cuts of 83,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on veterans' benefits. Another questioned Rep. Wied about any ethical boundaries concerning the actions of Elon Musk and former President Trump related to DOGE, to which his answer indicated he had no specific "red line."​

Both Representatives Wied and Tiffany frequently employed general terms like "waste, fraud, and abuse", and the dehumanizing “illegals,” while echoing President Trump’s talking points. They also expressed admiration for Elon Musk and attempted to reframe the narrative surrounding federal job cuts, suggesting that agencies, rather than Musk, were responsible for the terminations. This perspective contrasts with recent reports indicating that the administration's shift in public narrative occurred only within the past week, influenced by internal disputes and court rulings. ​

Additionally, the call included three poll questions perceived by many as vague and unproductive, such as "Do you think the federal government spends too much taxpayer money?"—to which 57% responded 'no'—and "Do you support Trump's border security?" After the initial poll, no further results were disclosed.​

The event can best be characterized as propagandistic, as it reiterated standard talking points and seemed to presume unanimous support for Trump's policies among attendees, despite the district's diverse views. This approach underscores the ongoing request from constituents for an in-person town hall to facilitate more meaningful and inclusive dialogue.

As of today, it has been 119 days without such an event, and residents continue to urge Rep. Wied to engage directly with all members of the district, irrespective of their voting history.​

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has experienced significant layoffs, including within the Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). These agencies provide essential services such as conservation planning and technical assistance to farmers. The reduction in workforce limits farmers' access to these critical resources.

Avian Influenza Outbreak Management: Layoffs have affected the USDA's National Animal Health Laboratory Network, which is crucial for coordinating responses to animal disease outbreaks like the H5N1 avian influenza. Staff reductions in this program hinder timely and effective responses, potentially leading to more severe outbreaks that can devastate poultry farms.

The mass layoffs include positions within agencies that support rural development and agricultural communities. The loss of these jobs not only affects the individuals directly but also has a ripple effect on rural economies, reducing support for local farmers and agribusinesses

What Are Tariffs?

Tariffs are taxes the U.S. government places on imported goods from other countries. While they are often used to protect American industries from foreign competition, they can also drive up costs for everyday goods and critical industries that rely on imported materials.

Tariffs Are Hidden Taxes on American Consumers

Politicians talk tough on trade, but here’s the reality: tariffs are taxes on American consumers and businesses. When the U.S. government places tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico, Europe, or China, it’s not foreign countries paying the price—it’s us. Farmers, manufacturers, truckers, and families in Northeast Wisconsin end up footing the bill through higher prices on essentials like gas, groceries, and farm equipment.

How Tariffs Raise the Cost of Living

Everyday necessities become more expensive when tariffs drive up production and transportation costs. Here’s what it means for Wisconsin families:

✅ Higher Gas & Home Heating Prices – Tariffs on imported oil make it more expensive to fuel trucks, heat homes in winter, and run farm equipment.

✅ More Expensive Groceries – Dairy, eggs, and meat cost more because tariffs increase the price of animal feed, fertilizer, and farm supplies.

✅ Skyrocketing Equipment & Vehicle Costs – Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and auto parts make it harder for farmers, truckers, and small business owners to buy the equipment they need.

✅ Higher Construction Costs – Tariffs on Canadian lumber and materials drive up the cost of new homes, renovations, and infrastructure projects.

Who Gets Hurt the Most?

1. Farmers & Dairy Producers

• Wisconsin’s farmers already operate on razor-thin margins. Tariffs on farm supplies and retaliatory tariffs on exports make it even harder to compete.
• Canada and Mexico are top buyers of Wisconsin dairy, pork, and grain. When they impose tariffs in response, our farmers lose access to key markets.

2. Manufacturing & Small Businesses

• Wisconsin manufacturing relies on affordable steel, aluminum, and machine parts. Tariffs make these more expensive, cutting into profits and threatening jobs.
• When foreign countries retaliate with tariffs on American-made goods, Wisconsin manufacturers lose customers, hurting our economy.

3. Truckers, Contractors & Working-Class Families

• Truckers and construction workers see fuel and equipment costs spike, making it harder to turn a profit.
• Homebuilding and renovations cost more because lumber and steel tariffs drive up prices, pushing working families further from home ownership.

A Smarter Approach to Trade

No one wants to see American jobs shipped overseas, but bad trade policies don’t fix the problem. Tariffs make it harder for Wisconsin businesses to compete, raise costs on families, and hurt the industries that keep our communities strong.

Instead of broad tariffs that act as a hidden tax on Americans, policymakers should:

✅ Negotiate fair trade deals that protect American industries without punishing consumers and small businesses.

✅ Stop retaliatory tariffs that hurt our farmers, manufacturers, and rural communities.

✅ Support local businesses by keeping production costs down and expanding access to international markets.

Tariffs Sound Tough, But They Hit Us Hardest

We need solutions that put American workers, farmers, and small business owners first—not just political posturing that hurts Wisconsin families and businesses with costly trade policies.

Stay Informed & Take Action

Tariffs affect more than just businesses—they impact families, farmers, and workers across Wisconsin. Stay informed, ask questions, and advocate for policies that keep essential goods affordable and industries thriving.

DEI initiatives, when implemented effectively, can actually support fair promotions, small business growth, and economic opportunities for people, especially in rural areas. Here’s how:

1. Fair Promotions & Merit-Based Hiring

• Skills-Based Hiring Programs – Many DEI efforts push for hiring based on experience, certifications, and skills rather than just college degrees, which benefits men and women in trades, manufacturing, and other hands-on industries.
• Structured Promotion Criteria – Reduces favoritism and ensures that longtime employees and those with practical expertise are recognized for their work, preventing unfair preference for outside hires.
• Veteran Employment Support – Encourages employers to consider military experience as valuable job experience, giving veterans a fair shot at leadership roles.

2. Small Business & Entrepreneurship Support

• Reducing Bureaucratic Barriers – Many DEI programs focus on making loan applications, grants, and permits more accessible, which helps small business owners navigate complex regulations.
• Expanding Access to Capital – DEI efforts in banking and lending ensure that rural entrepreneurs, including men in farming and trades, have fair access to funding opportunities.
• Apprenticeship & Business Training Programs – Helps people transition from being employees to business owners by teaching financial management, digital marketing, and business growth strategies.

3. Rural Workforce & Economic Development

• Incentives for Rural Hiring & Business Expansion – Many DEI programs aim to keep good jobs in rural areas by encouraging local hiring and investing in small-town economies.
• Infrastructure & Technology Access – Pushes for better broadband access, remote work options, and telehealth services—critical for rural business owners and workers.
• Flexible Work Options for Harsh Winters – DEI initiatives that advocate for staggered shifts, work-from-home options, and paid leave during extreme weather improve job stability for families in industries where winter travel is dangerous.

4. Supporting Trades & Non-Traditional Education Paths

• Workforce Development & Trade Programs – DEI efforts increasingly support vocational schools and apprenticeship programs, ensuring that high-paying, hands-on jobs remain viable alternatives to expensive college degrees.
• Recognition of On-the-Job Training – Helps all those in skilled labor transition into leadership roles without needing unnecessary certifications.

5. Supporting Veterans and Fathers

• Hiring and Support for Veterans - Honoring those who served by ensuring they have good-paying jobs and strong career pathways after military service. This includes skilled trade apprenticeships, support for starting small businesses, incentives for hiring veterans in agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing industries, and access to telehealth services for those in rural areas where VA facilities may be limited.
• Parental Leave for Fathers - Supporting strong families by ensuring dads can be there for their newborns without sacrificing their careers.

In many cases, DEI isn’t about exclusion or “taking jobs away”—it’s about ensuring the playing field is fair for everyone, including rural workers, tradesmen, veterans, and small business owners.