Rep. Andrew Hysell is calling on the Wisconsin Grocers Association to “take a stand” against tariffs after the group recently criticized his bill that would require tariff costs to be reflected on large retailers’ receipts.
After Hysell, D-Sun Prairie, and other Dem lawmakers began circulating the legislation in late August, the WGA issued a statement arguing the Tariff Tax Transparency Act would bring “additional costs and greater regulatory burden” rather than clarity.
The bill would require retailers that sold at least $3 million in consumer goods in the preceding calendar year to provide a sales invoice or receipt that “clearly states the total cost of any tariff imposed” on the sale.
WGA argues this requirement would be impractically costly for retailers, making it “almost impossible” to comply. It would require upgrading both retail systems and production technology to track tariff costs from the supply chain, according to its release.
“In reality, tariffs are baked into wholesale costs, buried in supply chain negotiations, and scattered across thousands of products,” the group wrote, adding it would “also demand extra staff time to chase down pricing details that suppliers often don’t even share or maybe even have — adding complexity and cost to every transaction.”
The group argues the costs of complying would be borne by retailers and ultimately, consumers in the state.
In a response to WGA’s release, Hysell said it was surprising to see the group take a stand against his bill partially on the basis that requiring the tariff cost disclosures would be prohibitively expensive for consumers.
“Would not that same concern carry over to the job-killing federal tariff taxes pummeling Wisconsin consumers?” he wrote. “Despite the best efforts of my office, we could not locate any statement made by the WGA voicing opposition to these record tax increases.”
Hysell says “hidden taxes” on U.S. households in the form of higher tariff-related costs are being seen “as grocery prices skyrocket.” He argues it’s common sense that Wisconsin taxpayers should be aware of the taxes they’re paying.
But the WGA says his bill risks misleading shoppers, noting prices are affected by fuel surcharges, labor costs and weather changes.
“Singling out tariffs oversimplifies a complex reality and turns receipts into political commentary,” the group wrote. “We urge lawmakers to reconsider placing the burden of federal tax transparency on local businesses. If legislators want to know more about tariff impacts, we suggest working with members of Congress on the act.”
Meanwhile, Hysell says he welcomes the opportunity to meet with the WGA to learn more about the group’s concerns and consider suggestions for improving the bill.
“But, in return, I call on the WGA to take a strong public stand and advocate against these unprecedented federal tariff taxes that are being borne by their customers across Wisconsin,” he wrote.
The WGA did not immediately respond to a request for further comment on Hysell’s response.
