The American Dream Derailed: One Farmer’s Battle to Save the Family Farm
Roger Thompson’s tranquil life on his family’s six-generation farm in Wisconsin came crashing down when the rising costs to operate forced him to sell the homestead and move into a trailer.
Despite his devastating loss, Roger felt compelled to use his voice and share his story to educate Wisconsin residents on the crippling economic policies that would crush dreams and do irreversible harm to communities.
In 2024, Americans for Prosperity amplified Roger’s story to ignite the fight against right of first refusal legislation in Wisconsin that would have increased utility bills and contributed to the rising cost of living.
The Dark Reality of a Post-Pandemic Economy
Roger Thompson, born and raised on his family’s farm in Emerald, WI, was able to turn his passions into business ventures, including a used car dealership and an antique store. However, in 2020 Roger’s business profits came to a screeching halt and he was forced to turn his attention to saving his family’s six-generation farm.
Owners of small farms like the Thompsons’ watched their profits depleted as the price of labor, machinery, and energy continued to soar. The situation got so dire that Roger couldn’t even come up with the money to operate the farm. Ultimately in 2024, he had to sell the farm that had been in his family for nearly a century.
The loss of his family’s farm stuck with him. As inflation continued to worsen, Roger saw the work AFP was doing around the economy and signed one of their petitions in support of their efforts. As soon as AFP reached out, Roger began volunteering with the organization. He spent much of his time knocking on doors and connecting with residents on how the current policies triggered 40-year high inflation, doubled interest rates, and evaporated retirement accounts and life savings.
Little did Roger know his impact would go far beyond his current volunteer work with AFP. Soon, the story of his family’s farm would echo through the halls of the statehouse as AFP fought to kill a proposal that would effectively destroy energy-reliant businesses and increase energy prices across the state.
AFP Turns Roger’s Tragedy into a Triumph for Wisconsinites
During the 2023-2024 legislative session, the Wisconsin state legislature proposed right of first refusal legislation (AB 470) which would effectively give only the few utility companies that own the existing transmission power lines across the state a monopoly over any new transmission projects. This stops new, more quality and cost-effective companies from entering the market, therefore squashing competition and raising costs for ratepayers.
“This bill prioritizes utility companies over hardworking ratepayers like you and me,” states Megan Novak, State Director of AFP-Wisconsin. “Any support of a ‘right of first refusal’ law doubles down on government monopolies, ends competitive bidding, and guarantees even higher utility bills many Wisconsinites cannot afford.”
AFP was prepared, forming a formidable opposition at the time the bill was introduced. Roger’s story was an example of the impending threat to Wisconsinites had AB 470 passed. AFP knew they had to amplify his story before it was too late. Their grassroots activists hit the phones and canvassed neighborhoods, connecting with Wisconsin residents and empowering them to get involved.
They used sophisticated data insights and cutting-edge digital campaigns to generate a groundswell of support against the bill. AFP’s work to amplify Roger’s story helped to shift the political tides against the bill and ultimately stopped it dead in its tracks.
Roger serves as a shining example of what’s possible when you get involved and share your story. By partnering with AFP, he turned his personal setback into an opportunity for good.
Join forces with AFP today to reignite the American Dream!
