RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. – Yesterday, State Senators Sarah Keyeski (D – Lodi) and Brad Pfaff (D – Onalaska) hosted a roundtable with community and business leaders to discuss the local impacts of federal cuts and potential actions. Also joining the roundtable was Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez.
Senators and participants released the following statements:
State Senator Sarah Keyeski: “It is so valuable to hear directly from people about the challenges they are facing in this moment. The reality is, actions have consequences, and whether it be the current Administration’s tariffs or cuts to federal programs and staff, these decisions have real-world implications that are hurting our communities. While it is so difficult to hear about the uncertainty, anxiety, and hardships facing the individuals running valued organizations and beloved businesses locally, it is also so important to ensure their stories are heard and shared. Please know, we are listening to your concerns and will fight for you!”
State Senator Brad Pfaff: “While Washington seems so far away, the cuts and actions taken by the federal government are having real consequences right here in our communities. From local businesses struggling with supply chain and rising prices to seniors worried sick about covering the cost of their prescription drugs and healthcare, our friends and neighbors are suffering. This is not the Wisconsin Way – in our state, we look out for and support one another.”
TJ Semanchin, Wonderstate Coffee: “The tariffs being imposed on coffee are not only increasing the costs for local businesses like mine, they are also forcing us to raise coffee prices for our customers. The United States does not have a significant domestic coffee production to bring back home, so we need our global partners in this space. These tariffs are out of touch with the realities of the coffee industry and are ultimately placing a significant burden on local coffee companies and on coffee lovers.”
Gina Laack, Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eagle Country – Juneau County Office: “Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) in Wisconsin are increasingly concerned about potential federal funding cuts to programs that support older adults and people with disabilities. ADRC’s, along with key partners, play a crucial role in helping individuals maintain independence, access essential resources, and avoid expensive long-term care.
“Some Wisconsin ADRC Offices have already been experiencing firsthand the effects of federal funding cuts to the Social Security Administration, resulting in significant communication and correspondence delays and long wait times for determinations, which is harmful to individuals relying on timely access to benefits. Additional federal funding cuts to programs like Medicaid and the Older Americans Act that help people live independently in their communities would have severe consequences and place added pressure on families, caregivers and already overwhelmed local, county and state governments.”
Attendees present at the roundtable included:
- Bruce Roesler and DeAnna Caspers – The Richland Hospital and Clinics
- Jackie Anderson – Feeding Wisconsin
- Brett White, Courtney Messer, Marisol Contreras, and Chris Frakes – Southwest Community Action Program (SouthwestCAP).
- Sally Leong – Member of Wisconsin Farmers Union, Owner of Three Fawn Meadows Farm
- Marty Richards – Ithaca Public Schools Board of Education Member, Local Business Owner
- Teri Richards – Greater Richland Area Chamber
- Craig Huth – Owner of Richland Locker
- Aaron Mithum – Kickapoo Area School District
- TJ Semanchin – Owner of Wonderstate Coffee
- Gina Laack, Ingrid Hanson, Roxanne Klubertanz, Nicole Baumeister – Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eagle Country
