MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #303 declaring a period of abnormal economic disruption in Outagamie, Winnebago, Forest, and Vilas Counties due to the devastating storms that swept through Eastern Wisconsin last month. This follows the governor’s Executive Order #300, declaring a state of emergency after those storms produced an EF3 tornado, with damage in the Menasha/Appleton area, along with high winds, hail, power outages, and disruptions to public water systems, causing widespread and significant damage. As families and communities continue to rebuild and recover, especially those who are displaced from their homes, Gov. Evers is directing the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to enforce prohibitions against price gouging on everyday essentials and lodging. 

“Folks who’ve just lost their family homes and businesses shouldn’t have to worry about paying outrageous prices for simple necessities like a place to sleep, food to eat, or any other everyday essentials,” said Gov. Evers. “My administration and I continue to work with local leaders in the Fox Cities and surrounding areas as folks and families begin to rebuild their homes, businesses, schools, and communities. For the communities that are struggling, this declaration ensures that our state agencies can use whatever tools at their disposal, including cracking down on price gouging on everyday necessities, to help folks get back on their feet.”

The governor’s order declares that a period of abnormal economic disruption exists in the state of Wisconsin and directs DATCP to begin enforcing prohibitions against price gouging as the severe and widespread damage has caused significant disruptions to daily life in the affected counties, requiring individuals and families to seek repairs on their homes, vehicles, and properties and even forcing some to find temporary housing.

For more consumer protection resources or to file a complaint, visit DATCP’s Consumer Protection webpage at ConsumerProtection.wi.gov or contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov. DATCP is also reminding Wisconsinites to practice caution when seeking repairs for their homes and businesses.