MADISON, Wis. (WBAY) – Governor Tony Evers has issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency following the interruption of FoodShare benefits caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The order instructs the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to enforce anti-price gouging measures statewide and urges all executive branch agencies to take immediate action, including suspending administrative rules that could hinder emergency response. Approximately 700,000 Wisconsin residents depend on FoodShare to afford groceries. Recent rulings by two federal courts have required the Trump administration to maintain SNAP funding using contingency resources. However, the governor’s office clarified that only the legislature can authorize new funding, not the executive branch through an order. In a public statement, Evers criticized congressional inaction, stating that families, children, and seniors are now uncertain about their next meal due to political gridlock. He stressed that the federal shutdown must end, calling on Republicans to cooperate in passing legislation to restore stability, extend healthcare tax credits, and ensure swift access to essential food supplies. The declaration also establishes a period of abnormal economic disruption, legally preventing excessive pricing on necessities. Residents who encounter price gouging are encouraged to report it via datcp.wi.gov or by calling (800) 422-7128. Individuals in need of food or infant formula can contact 211 or 877-947-2211, or visit 211wisconsin.communityos.org for assistance referrals.
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Gov. Evers declares state of emergency, period of economic disruption as FoodShare benefits lapse
MADISON, Wis. (WBAY) – Governor Tony Evers has signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency amid a lapse in FoodShare benefits due to the government shutdown. n nThe executive order directs the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to ensure that price-gouging is prohibited across the state, and directs all executive branch state agencies to take any and all measures to respond to the emergency, including reviewing and suspending any administrative rules that could delay the response. n n700,000 Wisconsinites rely on FoodShare benefits to get groceries. Two courts ruled on Friday that the Trump administration must continue to fund SNAP programs with contingency funds. n nThe governor’s office says that the governor does not have the power to appropriate funding via executive order, and would instead have to pass a bill through both houses of the Wisconsin State Legislature. n nGov. Evers issued a statement alongside the executive order, saying: “Wisconsinites and Americans across the country are now scrambling, trying to figure out how to feed their families. There’s no excuse for it, and this is a direct result of Republicans in Congress and the Trump Administration, who’ve done nothing to help. As the courts agree, the Trump Administration could’ve stopped this from happening, but they didn’t, and now, Wisconsin’s kids, families, and seniors are worried about whether or when they’re going to eat next. This shouldn’t be happening. Period. I have always promised to do the right thing, and my executive order will ensure our state agencies can do whatever they can within our power to help support kids, families, farmers, seniors, veterans, and so many others across our state, including cracking down on price gouging on everyday things folks need. But here’s the bottom line for me: Wisconsinites are sick and tired of the excuses Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration are making out in Washington. The federal government shutdown has gone on long enough—it has to end. Republicans must start working across the aisle to end the federal government shutdown and extend tax credits that will lower the cost of healthcare so Wisconsinites and Americans across our country have economic stability and certainty. And the Trump Administration must take action and do so quickly to fix the damage they’ve caused and ensure folks can get basic food and groceries they need to survive without any further delay.” n nThe order also declares a period of abnormal economic disruption, which prohibits price gouging. Consumers who observe price gouging are asked to file a complaint with the DATCP by visiting datcp.wi.gov or by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128. n nAnyone who needs help with food or infant formula can also reach out to 211 for information and local service referrals by dialing 211 or 877-947-2211, visiting 211wisconsin.communityos.org.