Gov. Evers Suspends Administrative Rules to Support Wisconsinites Facing Housing Insecurity due to Republicans Federal Government Shutdown

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed an emergency order to suspend Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) rules affecting emergency assistance for Wisconsinites facing housing insecurity or an energy crisis to ensure folks and families have the housing and utilities to be safe and well. Gov. Evers’ emergency order will help reduce red tape and barriers to ensure Wisconsinites facing homelessness or an energy crisis can access emergency resources through DCF’s Emergency Assistance program and get connected with more resources and support.

By suspending the rules, the governor is ensuring eligible Wisconsinites will be able to apply throughout the month, regardless of when the federal government shutdown ends, to receive help and economic assistance based on the economic uncertainty and hardship caused by the federal government shutdown and delays in families receiving FoodShare payments. Individuals and families can learn if they are eligible for assistance by visiting DCF’s Emergency Assistance webpage here.

“Missed paychecks, empty cupboards, overdraft fees, and late payment penalties—these are the very real consequences of the chaos and dysfunction in Washington, and anything we can do as a state to help families get through these tumultuous times is something we should do. Here in Wisconsin, we take care of our people. So, we’re going to keep working to make sure our kids, families, seniors, and so many others have the support they need to be safe and secure,” said Gov. Evers. “But let’s be clear—Republicans’ reckless government shutdown has already hurt families and communities across our state, leaving countless Wisconsinites in the lurch and causing folks to fall even further behind. Republicans need to get serious about what they are going to do to lower costs for working families, make healthcare affordable and accessible, and ensure families have a fighting chance to make ends meet.”

This emergency order comes as Gov. Evers previously declared a state of emergency and a period of abnormal economic disruption in the state of Wisconsin due to the federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, which has jeopardized access to critical resources and programs that are necessary for the health, safety, well-being, and economic security of Wisconsinites. The governor’s executive order declares that a period of abnormal economic disruption exists in the state of Wisconsin and prohibits price gouging. Consumers are encouraged to contact the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) Bureau of Consumer Protection to file a complaint by visiting datcp.wi.gov or by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128. A copy of the governor’s emergency order is available here.

Gov. Evers has spent weeks sparring with the Trump Administration, urging President Donald Trump and his administration to use readily available federal funding and levers to prevent millions of Americans from losing food assistance due to the federal government shutdown. Last week, consistent with a federal court order, the Evers Administration worked quickly to get payments out to more than 330,000 Wisconsin households that depend on SNAP.

Rather than simply releasing any and all legally available federal resources to solve this problem, the Trump Administration has doubled down on its fight against having to feed hungry kids, families, and seniors, and took its pleas to the U.S. Supreme Court and sent correspondence suggesting Wisconsin should return FoodShare payments to the federal government. The correspondence drew a strong rebuke from Gov. Evers, who responded: “No.” At this time, even as litigation and lawsuits on this issue continue, full November FoodShare benefits continue to be available on all QUEST cards.

Any Wisconsinite who needs additional food or infant formula for their house or family can reach out to 211 for information and referrals to local services. Anyone can use 211 to get help by:

• Dialing 211 or 877-947-2211.
• Visiting their website at 211wisconsin.communityos.org. Through the website, people can search for services or chat with someone online who can help.
• Texting their ZIP code to 898211.

DHS also encourages Medicaid and FoodShare members to make sure their phone number, email, and mailing address on file are up to date by going to the ACCESS.wi.gov website or the smartphone app. The department will announce some of the changes broadly, as appropriate, using channels like the Medicaid news webpage, FoodShare news webpage, social media, news releases, and email.

Importantly, please note that Wisconsin WIC is currently available. During the federal government shutdown, WIC members can use their WIC benefits, attend WIC appointments, and do not need to take any action. If there are changes to the availability of WIC funding and benefits, DHS will let WIC members, partners, and providers know as soon as possible.

Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus members still have coverage to get the care and services they need. For updates, visit the Medicaid News page.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.