Wisconsin Lawmakers Urge Federal Assistance for Storm Relief

Strategic Insights -

Flooding caused by extreme storms in Wisconsin has left thousands without power and significant damage to homes and businesses. In a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Senator Tammy Baldwin and Representatives Gwen Moore and Bryan Steil urged the Trump Administration and FEMA to support the state's request for a formal federal preliminary damage assessment. This assessment is crucial for unlocking federal disaster aid, which the state and local governments need to respond to the disaster effectively. The lawmakers emphasized the need for immediate action to help Wisconsin residents recover from the devastating storms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The letter was signed by Senator Tammy Baldwin, Representatives Gwen Moore, and Bryan Steil, who urged the Secretary of Homeland Security to support Wisconsin's request for a formal federal preliminary damage assessment.
  • The assessment is necessary to determine if Wisconsin meets the thresholds for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, which would provide federal disaster aid.
  • The letter highlights the extensive damage caused by the storms, including over 600 emergency calls, gas leaks, flooded basements, electrical outages, and water rescues.
  • The lawmakers praised the rapid response from Wisconsin's law enforcement, emergency response teams, utility workers, and volunteers.
  • Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a State of Emergency across the state on August 11, 2025, and submitted a request to FEMA for assistance.

Statistics:

  • Over 600 emergency calls were received by firefighters in response to the storms.
  • The storms caused significant damage to homes and businesses in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, and Ozaukee Counties.
  • The storms left thousands of homes without power.
  • The Wisconsin Governor submitted a request to FEMA for assistance on August 13, 2025.

Sources:

  • Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin
  • Representatives Gwen Moore and Bryan Steil
  • Letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security
  • Governor Tony Evers
  • Mailchimp - The full version of the letter is available here