FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 29, 2025

Contact – info@hotgovernment.com

HOT Government Responds to Smear Tactics by Senator Cory Tomczyk and Meg Ellefson

WISCONSIN – On April 17th, Senator Cory Tomczyk and radio host Meg Ellefson attacked HOT Government, calling us a “crackpot group” and dismissing our evidence-based work exposing Big Energy donations to state lawmakers.

When politicians and media figures resort to insults like “stupid” and “seriously lacking” rather than addressing facts, it shows they can’t defend their actions. Ellefson and Tomczyk refuse to engage with the $1.39 million in energy industry donations to Republicans and $676,000 to Democrats from 2019–2024 (CFIS.gov). These are not random contributions—they coincide with the advancement of the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) legislation, written to benefit monopoly utilities at the expense of Wisconsin consumers.

State senators and representatives now claim there is a study showing that ROFR will save consumers $1 billion. Yet, the study—commissioned by the lobbying firm American Transmission Company (ATC)—remains hidden from public view. Despite repeated requests, ATC refuses to release it. If ROFR truly saves money, why hide the evidence?

Ellefson and Tomczyk also tried to deflect by saying both parties receive corporate donations. That’s a distraction. ROFR was driven by Republican lawmakers heavily funded by Big Energy. The timing of these donations, the bill’s language, and its clear beneficiaries tell the real story.

Additionally, Ellefson repeated false claims that ROFR wouldn’t raise consumer costs. In fact, transmission costs are directly passed on through regulated utility rates. AB 174 even mandates utilities report transmission costs—proof they impact consumers.

Mocking citizen oversight while parroting political talking points undermines democracy. HOT Government stands by our work. We will continue fighting for transparency and accountability, no matter what names they call us.