Video: WI taxpayers are subsidizing private islands and jets for the rich

By Salina Heller

January 14, 2026

A spare helicopter? How about a private island?

With its tax breaks, President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is allowing rich people to buy more luxury items like private jets, custom yachts, and Lamborghinis.

To Bill Hogseth of Grassroots Organizing Western Wisconsin (GROWW), there’s misplaced scrutiny and moral judgement when it comes to wealth distribution.

He wonders: Why do some Americans condemn poor people for receiving government benefits when they don’t display public outrage for billionaires getting tax breaks and loopholes?

✏️: Salina Heller

Author

Salina Heller

A former 15-year veteran of reporting local news for western Wisconsin TV and radio stations, Salina Heller also volunteers in community theater, helps organize the Chippewa Valley Air Show, and is kept busy by her daughter’s elementary school PTA meetings. She is a UW-Eau Claire alum.

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CATEGORIES: Politics Video

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