October 10, 2024
Photo from WQOW , Rep. Van Order (left), Scott Rogers Chamber Vice President Governmental Affairs (right)
On Tuesday morning, 3rd District Representative Derrick Van Orden visited the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, attended by local community members and business leaders, to discuss his congressional work involving the economy, immigration, and agriculture. Running as the incumbent candidate with opponent Rebecca Cooke in the November election, Rep. Van Orden informed the attendees of his most pressing issues and his plans to address them if re-elected.
Van Orden, a advocate for veteran affairs and agriculture, stressed the importance of passing the 2024 Farm Bill and the impact it would have on the American agriculture industry and Wisconsin dairy farmers if the new bill is killed. The federal Farm Bill expired Tuesday at midnight after lawmakers could not agree on whether to pass the bill or add an extension.
During Rep. Van Orden's visit, he covered topics like the federal deficit, reforms on legal immigration and the H-2A process, and ways to support veterans post-service. The Congressman suggests that the "deficit is an intergenerational issue that can be resolved by incrementally spending less each year." Regarding immigration, Van Orden proposed the idea that the H-2A program be extended from one year to three years, shifting to more long-term work for immigrants, rather than seasonal. To address the issue of suicide among veterans, Van Orden presents the idea of educational programs to better the wellbeing of retired soldiers.
More information
Van Orden Speaks at Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce Breakfast (WEAU 13 News)
Rep. Van Orden holds roundtable on economics in Eau Claire (WQOW News 18)
Van Orden discusses farm bill, dock workers strike, and impact on farmers (Leader-Telegram $)
Photo from WEAU, Rebecca Cooke pictured
3rd District Congressional candidate Rebecca Cooke visited the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce for lunch on Friday to discuss Wisconsin's key issues with members from local businesses. With a focus on healthcare, the economy, and monopolized farming, Cooke relayed her plans to address these in office if elected. Cooke is running against incumbent opponent Derrick Van Orden in the November 5th election.
As a small business owner, Cooke supports the growth of local businesses. As the co-chair of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Committee under Governor Tony Evers, she works to provide resources for aspiring business owners to get them started and remain afloat.
At the top of her platform, Cooke emphasizes increasing healthcare access and affordability, "with present leadership at the federal level to ensure our hospitals remain open." She is also fighting against price vouching by corporate interests so consumers can have enough income to pay for their needs like gas, groceries, and rent. Cooke plans to tackle agricultural conglomerates who pose a threat to small and mid-sized farms saying, "a lot has to do with our Farm Bill and how it's written and what our subsidies go towards."
More information
Rebecca Cooke meets with Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce (WEAU 13 News)
Cooke meets with Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce (Leader-Telegram $)
Voting Resources
Early Voting and Absentee Information
Posted by Gigi Galdamez, Governmental Affairs Intern
galdamez@eauclairechamber.org