Oshkosh residents rally against ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ as debate heats up nationwide

The bus traveling through the country read "Fair Share for Americans" and "Stop the Billionaire Giveaway." June 30, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As Washington mulls over the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” political organizers were in Oshkosh Monday to fight against it.

“It is not hyperbole to say this is the worst piece of legislation in the history of our country,” said Kristen Crowell, executive director of Fair Share America, who led Monday’s event.

Crowell, a Wisconsin resident, and Fair Share America are touring 14 states with this message, including three stops in Wisconsin. On Monday, she was joined by State Rep. Lori Palmeri, D-Oshkosh.

“I have friends and family who would not be alive today were it not for the critical healthcare access through Medicaid,” said Palmeri. “Many of our community members are working people relying on Medicaid for their basic healthcare, mental healthcare, medications and medication transportation.”

A small crowd gathered in support.

“We pay our fair share,” said Crowell. “If the ultra rich and corporations also paid their fair share in taxes, we wouldn’t have to be here fighting over cuts and giveaways to billionaires.”

Wisconsin’s Republican Senator Ron Johnson reversed his position Sunday, now supporting the bill. Proponents in the GOP pushed back on the idea that it only helps the rich.

Among them is George Bureau, the vice chair of the Winnebago County Republican Party.

“There’s a 15% tax cut,” said Bureau. “For the average family, the average of the take-home pay that we would have in Winnebago County, it should equate to roughly $10,000 a year.”

He advocates for the bill’s cuts in both taxes and spending.

“I think it’s making smart decisions regarding where we apply Medicaid and SNAP,” said Bureau. “It’s not getting rid of the program by any means. I mean, I would be dead set against that.”

Recent data from the Pew Research Center shows more Americans are against the bill than in favor, by about a 20% margin, but debate still rages on in Washington and right here in Oshkosh.