Protestors rally outside Tom Tiffany’s office over public media cuts

As Congress debated a vote Thursday that would rescind over a billion dollars in funding for public broadcasters, a couple dozen gathered outside Rep. Tom Tiffany’s constituent office in Wausau to push back.

The demonstration, part of the “Good Trouble Lives On” National Day of Action inspired by the late civil rights leader John Lewis was organized by the Marathon County Democratic Party.

Mary, a protester from Wausau, stood alongisde Stewart Ave holding a double-sided sign referencing Lewis and his call to “make good trouble.” Her husband, Milt, was by her side.

She says she showed up to push back against funding cuts to public media, like NPR and PBS.

“I want Tom Tiffany to keep public radio and public television. They are so, so important,” she said. “And it’s not biased. They are so important.”

Mary said she rarely contacts the Congressman. “I don’t bother contacting him because I get these stupid form letters,” she added.

Other signs encouraged “Deport Toxic Tom” and to “Release the Epstein Files.”

Protesters waved to passing cars, earning honks of support. They also endured intense sunshine and a surprise sprinkler, which they say has been flipped on during past demonstrations.

Civic Media stopped by the Congressional office during the event and was met by a staffer, who explained the doorbell was broken. Tiffany was not there.

A follow-up protest is scheduled for Saturday, from noon to 2 p.m., at the corner of Stewart Avenue and 17th Street.