Rapids Response Protests

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WFHR, WIRI) – The group Rapids Response protests every week in Wisconsin Rapids.

Sometimes, the group is small, but organizer Kris D. said that since the first protest in the spring, at least 10 or more people attend one or both days weekly. There are those driving by who honk their horn, wave and give a friendly thumbs-up in support. Others respond with rude hand gestures and name calling.

Independence Day

On July 4, around 75 people gathered on the green space across from Aspirus Hospital on the East Riverview Expressway. Friday is a usual protest day; however, the swell of attendees may have been due to President Trump signing what he calls the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

The Budget Reconciliation Bill signed by President Trump at the White House 4th of July picnic, making Trump’s 2017 multi-trillion-dollar tax cuts permanent. It will also cut Medicaid and food stamps by $1.2 trillion over the next decade and provides a massive increase in funding for immigration enforcement.

Protest

Those in attendance at the protest shared concerns about the passing of this package of legislation. Kris said many are worried about what will happen when people are kicked off Medicaid and other benefit programs. She said there were conversations around the implications of the tax cuts for the wealthy. “…we’re giving these big tax breaks to the top 1% and really that it’s harmful to the middle class and poor people.”

Response from WI Senators

While it will take time to fully understand the implications of what this bill will mean for working families, there is a sharp divide between the response from Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators.

Senator Tammy Baldwin voted against the bill, saying in part, “I voted against rigging our tax code in favor of the biggest corporations and ultra-wealthy – all on the backs of working families who are just trying to get by and want a far shot at success.”

Senator Ron Johnson, who originally spoke out against passing the bill, instead voted to pass it. Johnson said in part, “While the bill is a step forward, we have only just begun the difficult task of reducing spending, and there is still a long way to go.”

Local Response

According to Kris, conversations at the Rapids Response protest on the Independence Day holiday included anger, frustration, and concern. Kris stated, “But a lot of people like me are angry about the bill being signed. And there were a lot of discussions about that and also you know what is it going to look like in a year on July 4th? Are we going to be celebrating or not?”