As you know, this Wednesday was Tax Day. This was the final day for Americans to submit their 2025 tax returns. Although April 15th has often felt burdensome and daunting, thanks to our Working Families Tax Cuts, families across this country are seeing real relief in their refunds this year. In fact, the average American is receiving an 11% increase in their tax refund compared to last year.
Since we passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year, Democrats have falsely claimed that Republicans provided tax cuts for the wealthy, at the expense of everyday Americans. Let me be very clear: that could not be further from the truth.
Hardworking families are the ones who are experiencing the wins from this bill through numerous provisions. It was reported this week that over 53 million filers have claimed at least one of our new tax cuts—making it clear that Americans are taking advantage of these policies and benefiting from them.
The numbers speak for themselves: More than 6 million filers claimed No Tax on Tips, with average savings of over $7,100. More than 25 million filers claimed No Tax on Overtime, saving an average of over $3,100. More than 30 million seniors claimed the Enhanced Deduction for Seniors, saving an average of $7,500. And more than 34 million families claimed the enhanced Child Tax Credit.
These are real, tangible wins that families in Northeast Wisconsin and across this country can take to the bank. It is important to note that every single Democrat voted against each of these provisions that Americans can now utilize.
From my very first day in Congress, my goal has been to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking families across Wisconsin’s 8th District, and I am proud to say these cuts are doing exactly that.
While there is still more work to be done to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, I remain committed to finding every possible way to bring down costs and help you keep more of your hard-earned money.
Thanks again for starting your weekend with us. We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of The Wied Wire.
Click here to watch my latest interview with Newsmax where I discuss DHS funding and the impact of the ongoing flooding in Northeast Wisconsin.
In the Wieds
Built in Wisconsin: Supporting Our Shipbuilding Heritage
Northeast Wisconsin has a rich history of shipbuilding. Major shipyards in Marinette and Sturgeon Bay build, repair, and maintain vessels, and help link our local, regional, and national economies, while providing thousands of family-wage jobs. This week, I was able to meet with team members from Marine Travelift, a company in Sturgeon Bay that manufactures massive mobile boat hoists that allow shipyards across the country to efficiently service and transport vessels on land. We discussed the importance of the federal Small Shipyard Grant Program, which provides incentives for small shipyards to modernize and improve their facilities as well as make capital improvements to upgrade equipment and processes that make them more efficient and competitive in the global marketplace. As Congress begins to consider FY27 funding levels, I was proud to add my name to the bipartisan letter of support for this program, which can be read here.
In the Chair and Ready to Get to Work
I am extremely proud to announce that this week the House Committee on Small Business Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX) selected me to serve as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure. The role of this subcommittee is to assess the federal procurement system, including programs designed to enhance small-business participation in providing goods and services to the federal government. It also reviews the broad scope of opportunities available to small businesses to rebuild and modernize the nation’s infrastructure. As a former small business owner, I know firsthand the challenges that these businesses face, and I look forward to working closely with them to ensure we increase their participation and provide them with opportunities to share their expertise with our federal government. It is an honor to be appointed chairman, and I look forward to keeping you up to date on the work we do in this subcommittee.
Legendairy Career
Doug Simon has received the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association’s (WCMA) Life Member Award, the organization’s highest honor. This award is given to cheese makers who have made significant contributions to the WCMS through exceptional leadership and support. As a third-generation cheese producer, Simon grew up in the family business where his passion for the dairy industry developed. After attending Marquette University, he entered the workforce as an accountant, but left his job soon after to return to his family’s business, Simon’s Specialty Cheese. Simon played a critical role in merging his family business with Weyauwega Milk Products and acquiring Krohn Dairy, leading to the creation of Trega Foods. Following Agropur’s purchase of Trega Foods, Simon became president of the Canadian cooperative’s U.S. operations, where he was instrumental in expanding its U.S. cheese holdings and helping establish Agropur as one of the largest cheese producers in the United States. Since leaving Agropur, he’s stepped into the role of president of external manufacturing at Cheese Merchants and is sitting on the WCMA board of directors. Throughout his leadership at WCMA, he has spearheaded initiatives that have driven innovation in Wisconsin’s cheese and dairy industry. Simon embodies the excellence of Wisconsin’s dairy industry, and I am glad to see his lifelong commitment to producing quality cheese recognized with the Life Member Award.
District Update
Building a Brighter Future
[see featured photo above] I had the opportunity to visit Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity to meet with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jessica Diederich, members of her amazing team, and Board Member Bob Gryboski. During my visit, I learned about the services provided to individuals and families in Northeast Wisconsin to help build and finance places that they can call home. The over 150 homes that the Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity have built and their impressive ReStore operation is a testament to the hard work of Jessica and her entire team. Thank you for having me and for your continued commitment to improving our communities!
Supporting Rural Healthcare: Door County Medical Center
It was a pleasure to visit the Door County Medical Center located in Sturgeon Bay. I had a great meeting and tour of the facility with President and CEO Brian Stephens, members of his team, and the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) to discuss the importance of supporting rural healthcare – like we did through historic investments in the One Big Beautiful Bill – and how I can continue to advocate for them in Washington, D.C.
Constituent Services Spotlight
A top priority for me is providing the best constituent services to the people of the 8th Congressional District. From the Veterans Affairs (VA) to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), my staff and I are here to help! To request assistance with a Federal Agency, you can contact my District Office at 920-301-4500 or submit a message through my website here.
Photo of the Week
We have received so many wonderful pictures since we launched the Photo of the Week section of the Wied Wire, and I would love to continue seeing more. This week’s photo is of the Fox River in De Pere. If you would like to submit a picture to be featured in an upcoming Photo of the Week, please email it to twstaff@mail.house.gov with your name and location. We look forward to highlighting more of your photos that celebrate the places and moments that make Wisconsin special.
Constituent Resources
If you or someone you know in Northeast Wisconsin has been impacted by flooding, the American Red Cross has opened three shelters to help:
- The Washington Center, 600 W. Washington Street, New London
- St. John’s United Church of Christ, 101 S. Clark Street, Black Creek
- Hortonville High School Field House, 155 Warner Street, Hortonville
If you need support, please utilize these resources. And as always, please don’t hesitate to contact my office if we can assist you in any way.
