Vance Discusses Urban Crime and Migrant Health Care During Insightful La Crosse Visit

Vice President JD Vance spoke out this week about crime in American cities and the alleged Democratic plan to provide healthcare to undocumented immigrants. His comments came during a visit to Mid-City Steel in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he highlighted a Republican initiative called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This bill, according to Vance and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, aims to support working-class families.

Just a day before Vance’s visit, Democrats gathered at state Senator Brad Pfaff’s annual corn roast, engaging with voters and trying to regain their footing in a politically charged environment. As political battles heat up, western Wisconsin is becoming a crucial area to watch, especially with the upcoming congressional and gubernatorial races.

At the corn roast, staff served up hundreds of brats, hot dogs, and corn while politicians mingled with the crowd. Key figures like Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is running for governor, were present. Pfaff emphasized that Democrats must listen to rural voters and address their concerns. Many attendees expressed frustration that their current representative, Republican Derrick Van Orden, has been largely absent in engaging with constituents.

Pfaff criticized Van Orden for skipping town hall meetings and dodging questions about his votes, especially regarding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is expected to cut federal assistance. Supporters are worried that this legislation could lead to thousands of Wisconsinites losing essential services.

Former congressional candidate Rebecca Cooke, who is running against Van Orden again, mentioned she focuses on hearing directly from voters. “It’s about real issues that matter to working families,” she explained. She argued that successful representation requires active listening—a claim many at the event echoed.

During his speech, Vance celebrated tax cuts from the Trump administration and touted tariffs as protective measures for American industries. However, critics point out that these tariffs often raise prices for consumers and primarily benefit wealthier Americans. A study found that 69% of the benefits from these tax cuts will go to the top 15% of earners in Wisconsin.

Vance portrayed cities as increasingly dangerous, calling for local leaders to invite federal assistance to combat crime. Yet critics like William Garcia from the 3rd Congressional District noted that addressing real economic issues, like agriculture and immigration, is more relevant to local communities than speeches at industrial sites.

The political landscape will likely remain contentious as both parties gear up for the 2026 elections. Engaging with voters and addressing their genuine concerns will be critical for any candidate hoping to secure victory in these key districts.

For more insights on political strategies and the impact of recent legislation in Wisconsin, visit Wisconsin Examiner.

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