U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson railed against more federal government programs and spending to help parents in need of child care Thursday, pointing to the national debt topping $29 trillion and inflation in December at its highest level in the last 40 years.
Johnson, R-Oshkosh, also said it shouldn’t be controversial to worry about “the federal government wanting to take greater control over your children,” amid the increased national debate around teaching about systemic racism in schools.
“What, does the federal government want to start indoctrinating our children even earlier?” he said.
His comments came after a Wednesday interview with La Crosse TV station WKBT in which he said he has “never really felt it was society’s responsibility to take care of other people’s children,” as the Supreme Court is considering whether to overturn Roe v. Wade.
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His comments refer to a subsidy for child care supported by Democrats and included in President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better proposal, which is currently stalled.
Johnson added that he’s OK with some federal programs supporting people who cannot support themselves, “but parents need to be responsible for their children.”
While Johnson spoke Thursday against programs that would increase the national debt, he also championed a tax provision that kept some of the wealthiest Americans from paying billions in taxes.
A study by Treasury Department economists found that — while Johnson says his tax break benefited small business owners, which it did — the wealthiest 0.1% reaped the bulk of the tax savings the provision created.
“Who do you think inflation hurts the most? Parents struggling to pay the bills to raise their children,” Johnson said at a Madison media availability Thursday, adding that the government is “very successful at spending money we don’t have, to spark the 7% inflation.”
Wisconsin Democratic Party chair Ben Wikler on Thursday faulted Johnson for “suddenly (having) a panic attack when it comes to working families who want to keep their children safe during the day” after supporting a tax cut that the Congressional Budget Office said in 2018 would increase the national debt by $1.9 trillion over 11 years. Johnson’s tax provision was a key part of that legislation.
Johnson announced his reelection run Jan. 9, making him one of the several Republican swing state candidates who will be critical to the GOP’s fight to retake the Senate.
Johnson will face one of a crowded field of Democrats headed by Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry and Outagamie County executive Tom Nelson, all of whom have been eager to take on an incumbent they say is out of touch with average voters, is beholden to former President Donald Trump and has embarrassed the state with baseless claims about the 2020 election and COVID-19.
Johnson is no stranger to controversy, and his statements often stray from fact.
On Monday, Johnson convened a group of doctors and scientists who have been criticized for spreading COVID-19 misinformation to “get a second opinion” on the health issues facing Americans because of the pandemic.
In the past, Johnson has said that mouthwash could treat COVID-19 and that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, overhyped the COVID-19 pandemic and “did the exact same thing with AIDS.”
Top 10 Wisconsin political stories of 2021 (based on what you, the readers, read)
2021 was another big year in Wisconsin politics. Sen. Ron Johnson said some things. Voters elected a new state superintendent. Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans clashed over mask mandates. Michael Gableman threatened to jail the mayors of Madison and Green Bay. Here are 10 political stories you, the readers, checked out in droves.
Since the start of the outbreak, Gov. Tony Evers has issued multiple public health emergencies and a series of related orders.
Sen. Ron slammed the impeachment over the weekend as “vindictive and divisive,” and possibly a “diversionary operation” by Democrats to distract from security lapses at the U.S. Capitol.
"I wouldn’t run if I don’t think I could win," said Johnson, who is undecided on a re-election bid.
The board had previously not required masks in schools after some in the public voiced opposition.
With a new order announced, Republicans may be forced to start the process all over again to vote down the governor's emergency order and accompanying mask mandate, but the most likely outcome appears to be an eventual court decision.
Fort McCoy officials acknowledge there were initial problems with food supply, but that and other issues are being addressed.
The idea is in its infancy and all options, including declining to pursue anything, are on the table.
Gableman has asked the court, which plans to take up the matter on Dec. 22, to compel the two mayors to meet with him.
Deborah Kerr said she has also voted for Republicans and tells GOP audiences on the campaign trail for the officially nonpartisan race that she is a "pragmatic Democrat."
Limbaugh died Wednesday at 70.