MADISON – Senator Rob Hutton (R–Brookfield) and Representative Dan Knodl (R–Germantown) announced new legislation today to help Wisconsin families and small businesses recover faster after natural disasters. The Wisconsin State Emergency Relief (WISER) Act creates a state grant program to fill critical gaps in disaster relief when federal assistance isn’t available.
“When disaster strikes, Wisconsin residents and small businesses can’t afford to wait months for federal aid that may never come,” said Sen. Hutton. “The WISER Act provides a smarter, faster, and more effective way to help our communities recover.”
The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) would administer the new Wisconsin State Emergency Relief Grant Program, providing direct financial assistance to individuals and businesses impacted by a Governor-declared state of emergency due to a disaster.
Key provisions of the WISER Act include:
- Grants up to $25,000 for individuals to cover disaster-related expenses such as repairing or replacing personal property, HUD-approved home repairs, or temporary housing.
- Grants up to $50,000 for businesses to help pay for property repairs, payroll assistance, working capital, and other essential operating expenses.
- Funds distributed within 14 days of application, ensuring swift recovery support.
- Repayment required if insurance or federal aid later covers the same expenses.
- Applies only when no federal disaster declaration exists, ensuring the program fills existing relief gaps.
The lawmakers pointed to the August 9–10, 2025 storms and flooding as a prime example of why the program is needed. While some counties received FEMA aid, others like Door, Grant, and Ozaukee were left without assistance despite extensive damage.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy,” said Rep. Knodl. “When disasters shut them down, it doesn’t just hurt owners, it impacts workers, customers, and entire communities. The WISER Act ensures these businesses have the resources to reopen and rebuild quickly.”
“We are grateful for a timely approval of federal dollars, but those dollars are limited,” said Sen. Hutton. “This legislation fills in the gaps for the communities and small businesses that are left out of those aid calculations to ensure timely help is available to everyone in Wisconsin who is trying to recover from a disaster.”
Under the bill, DMA would process and distribute grants within two weeks of receiving a complete application. The agency could also request supplemental funding from the Joint Committee on Finance to ensure adequate support in high-impact years.
“The WISER Act is about being proactive, not reactive,” added Knodl. “We’re giving Wisconsin the tools to recover on our own terms.”
The legislators are inviting their colleagues to join as co-sponsors before October 16, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
About the WISER Act:
The Wisconsin State Emergency Relief (WISER) Act establishes a state-funded emergency grant program to assist individuals and businesses in areas under a Governor-declared state of emergency. It ensures Wisconsin communities can rebuild stronger and faster after disasters that don’t qualify for federal aid.
