MADISON, WI — Senator Rob Hutton (R–Brookfield) testified today before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Veteran and Military Affairs in support of Senate Bill 558 and its companion fiscal measure Senate Bill 557, known as the Wisconsin State Emergency Relief Act, or the WISER Act.
There is currently no program at the state level to assist homeowners, renters or small businesses when federal FEMA grant funding is denied or is otherwise unavailable. Small businesses are also not eligible for FEMA grants, only emergency federal loans. Without a timely grant, they can be left struggling to stay in business or pay staff in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster.
The WISER Act, co-authored with Rep. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) establishes a new grant program administered by the state Department of Military Affairs. Under the bill, individuals impacted by a governor-declared disaster could receive up to a $25,000 grant for property repairs, home restoration, or temporary housing. Small businesses could access up to $50,000 for repairs, payroll, or other essential operating expenses. To ensure fast, targeted assistance in the wake of an emergency, WISER requires funds to be distributed within 14 days of application.
“When disaster strikes, Wisconsin residents and small businesses risk being left waiting weeks or even months for help from Washington,” Hutton said. “FEMA assistance is only available after a federal major disaster declaration. Even then, it excludes small businesses that provide not just an income for local residents, but a source of community stability.”
“The storms and flooding that communities across Wisconsin endured in early August brought to light the need for a supplemental program,” Hutton said. “FEMA approved a disaster declaration for three counties, but families and employers in other counties who also suffered life-altering damage have been left to dig out, clean up, and somehow come up with funds to make major repairs all on their own. This bill ensures the state can step in when the federal government doesn’t.”
The WISER Act ensures responsible use of taxpayer funds by requiring proof of expenses, preventing duplicate payments from insurance or FEMA, and limiting state grants to situations where no federal aid is available. Additionally, it provides that DMA can request additional funds from the legislature if the initial $30 million in funding is exhausted, but does not create an open-ended appropriation.
“We shouldn’t be overly dependent on Washington when our families and businesses need immediate help. WISER ensures Wisconsin communities have somewhere to turn at the state level so they can rebuild after devastation,” Hutton said.
