May Day protest in Wisconsin Rapids – workers over billionaires

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WFHR / WIRI) – Several dozen people gathered in Wisconsin Rapids for the May Day protest last Friday. The theme of the day, workers over billionaires. 

Katrina Shankland addressed the crowd talking about the importance of investing in the working class.

“ When we show up for those folks, we all win. We are all better and stronger when we invest in our workers and our working families, and that’s what May Day is all about,” says Shankland. “It’s making sure that people, not corporations, not billionaires, not corporate pacs, not lobbyists, not the slime in Washington DC trying to buy our elections. That’s not what May Day is about. May Day is about us.”

Shankland served for 12 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly representing the 71st Assembly District. She’s currently the Executive Director of Rust Belt Rising. During her time in the Assembly, Shankland introduced, cosponsored, and passed 225 bipartisan laws which were signed by both Republican and Democratic governors.

“ But you are also showing what it means to show up for our neighbors even, and especially when we disagree,” explains Shankland. “You all are fighting for a better way of life for everyone, not just for this generation, but for the next 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 generations.”

More than protests are needed

The Rapids Response group protests at the corner of East Riverview Expressway and Lincoln Street every Friday and Saturday. Shankland commended the group’s efforts and encouraged them to do more.

“ But in addition, we can do even more than community organizing. We can educate folks about what is happening in DC, how we’re not being represented, how our current president who campaigned on no wars and ending endless wars just got us into another one,” instructed Shankland. “Let’s take a moment and look across the street. How much is gas right now?”

The price of regular unleaded gasoline was $4.49 at the Lincoln Street Kwik Trip on May 1, 2026. The average across the state on May 5, 2026 is $4.40 per gallon. This is 44.5 cents higher than last week and $1.47 higher than this time last year according to GasBuddy.

Shankland concluded her remarks with references to safety for military troops and affordability at home.

“ This isn’t just about safety and security at home and for our troops abroad, it’s also about our quality of life and our ability to afford paying at the gas tank, getting groceries on our table, being able to make our mortgage or rent, and still having a little bit of money left over for, God forbid, Friday fish fry or new shoes for your kid?” exclaimed Shankland. “Donald Trump got us in this mess, but this isn’t about him or his billionaire backers. It’s about people like this gentleman honking saying he’s with us because we are more powerful united. Workers standing with each other, seniors and retirees standing up with the working class. So who’s with me? Workers over billionaires!”