Main Street Action Holds Rep. Derrick Van Orden Accountable For His Support For the ‘Big, Ugly Law’
La Crosse, WI – With just 99 days before health care premiums skyrocket by 75% for thousands of Western Wisconsin families, Main Street Action today announced a sweeping accountability campaign to hold Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) responsible for supporting the so-called “Big, Ugly Law.” This reckless legislation puts the interests of wealthy donors and big corporations ahead of Wisconsin families and small businesses.
The campaign will include billboards across Western Wisconsin, targeted digital ads, and a community-driven push to ensure voters know exactly what Rep. Van Orden’s vote means for their daily lives.
“The Big, Ugly Law is a raw deal for Main Street,” said Richard Trent, Executive Director for Main Street Action. “It strips away enhanced healthcare subsidies, raises costs for working families, and delivers massive tax breaks to the top 1%—all while leaving small businesses and rural communities in the dust. Rep. Van Orden didn’t just vote for this bill, he embraced it, and that tells voters everything they need to know about his priorities.”
What’s at Stake in WI-03
If left unchecked, the “Big, Ugly Law” will mean:
- Higher health care premiums for thousands of families who rely on the ACA marketplace, especially in rural communities.
- Fewer resources for childcare and workforce support, making it harder for small businesses to hire and retain employees.
- Tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations, while family farms and local businesses are left behind.
- More economic uncertainty, as tariffs and fiscal gimmicks in the bill squeeze supply chains and drive up costs.
“Rep. Van Orden promised to fight for working families, but when the chips were down, he chose Wall Street over Main Street,” said TJ Semanchin, CEO and Owner of Wonderstate Coffee, headquartered in Viroqua.
“We’re making sure voters across the 3rd District see the truth on billboards, on their phones, and in their communities.”
A Bellwether Fight
Main Street Action’s accountability campaign will run throughout the fall, ensuring Wisconsinites know exactly who Van Orden is working for—and who he’s leaving behind. As one of the nation’s most competitive swing districts, WI-03 is a bellwether for 2026. The fight here will not only decide the future for Wisconsin families and small businesses but will also shape the direction of national policy for years to come.
