Article Summary –
John Havlicek, a high school Spanish teacher in La Crosse, has often worked a second job to make ends meet and recently confronted his congressional representative, Derrick Van Orden, about rising costs and tariffs affecting local farmers and residents. Van Orden deflected Havlicek’s concerns by accusing him of being funded by George Soros, while data indicates that tariffs have financially impacted U.S. households and Wisconsin farmers. Havlicek also faces rising personal costs, such as a significant increase in his medication expenses due to insurance changes, and expressed frustration at the lack of engagement from his representative on these issues.
John Havlicek has taught high school Spanish in La Crosse for nearly 30 years, often requiring a second job.
Previously a bartender, Havlicek found it awkward seeing his students’ parents. He estimates that about a third of teachers he knows have side jobs, aligning with a recent Gallup report. Some colleagues coach sports or run businesses like power washing.
Recently, Havlicek teaches the children of past students, and currently provides training for unions.
“I’m not working on a farm in July,” Havlicek shared with the Wisconsin Independent. “It’s odd I need another job to make ends meet.”
Rising costs, such as groceries and medication, are significant for Havlicek. He traveled to Washington to question his Congressman, Republican Derrick Van Orden, about reducing costs.
The Center for American Progress Action Fund invited Havlicek to Washington, documenting him attempting to talk with Van Orden. In the video, Havlicek mentions students using his school’s food pantry due to high grocery costs.
Discussing the Trump administration’s tariffs, Havlicek told Van Orden, “The tariffs hurt western Wisconsin and Wisconsin farmers.”
Van Orden repeatedly labeled Havlicek as backed by George Soros without addressing his questions before leaving with “God bless you.”
The Wisconsin Independent reported in February that Van Orden told NOTUS: “Tariffs level the playing field,” while also acknowledging their negative impact on some industries, pledging eventual trade support.
The Democratic minority reported an average family paid around $1,745 in tariff costs from February 2025 to January 2026, based on U.S. Treasury data. The Tax Foundation found tariffs cost households an average of $1,000 in 2025.
Doug Rebout, president of the Wisconsin Soybean Association, visited Washington to highlight tariff impacts on farmers, attending Trump’s State of the Union as a guest of Rep. Mark Pocan.
Wisconsinites face other challenges, like higher health insurance costs amid losing ACA subsidies. The Midwest saw price increases for food and beverages in September 2025, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Colin Seeberger of the Center for American Progress Action Fund stated on social media: “No Soros money supports our work exposing your betrayal of constituents.”
Van Orden posted on March 3 about the video, claiming Havlicek “ambushed me in DC.”
Havlicek said being labeled a paid protester allows Van Orden to dodge engagement. The Center for American Progress Action Fund covered only his hotel and flight, he noted.
Havlicek says he tries to save on rising grocery prices.
As a diabetic, he maintains a healthy diet and exercises, but struggled with blood sugar levels until trying Mounjaro, which his insurance initially covered. With new insurance changes, he’ll soon owe $1,000 monthly.
“I can’t manage $1,000 a month,” he lamented. “I’m unsure what to do.”
Havlicek was frustrated by Van Orden’s inaccessibility at Wisconsin events, motivating his Washington trip.
“He ignored me, only calling me a paid protester repeatedly, when he could’ve answered: What are you doing for western Wisconsin?” Havlicek declared in the video.
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