1. FEMA Relief for Menasha Tornado.
2. Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15.
3. Weekly Roundup.
4. My Contact Information.

I am pleased to share that President Trump has announced $17.9 million in federal disaster relief for Wisconsin communities affected by the July 27 storms and tornado. This support will help communities in Forest, Outagamie, Vilas, and Winnebago counties recover and rebuild.

As I shared in earlier newsletters, I led Wisconsin’s entire bipartisan congressional delegation in urging federal support. On August 12, we requested a joint federal and state damage assessment. After those assessments were completed, we followed up on August 27 to urge the President to approve a Major Disaster Declaration.

This assistance builds on the hard work of local officials and first responders. I especially want to thank the volunteers who have given their time to help neighbors clean up and begin rebuilding. Their generosity reflects the best of Wisconsin.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Residents of Forest, Outagamie, Vilas, or Winnebago counties may qualify for assistance with uninsured or underinsured damage to their primary home, personal property losses, or emergency needs caused by the July 27 storms and tornado. Assistance may help cover temporary lodging, basic home repairs, and other necessary disaster-related expenses.

• Apply online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Apply by phone: Call (800) 621-3362.
• Apply through the FEMA App: Download the app to submit an application and access recovery resources.

Even if a FEMA assessment team visited your property in August, you must still submit an application. Have your contact information, Social Security number, a general list of damage and losses, annual household income, and insurance information ready. You will also need banking information if you choose direct deposit.

If you have insurance, file a claim before applying. FEMA cannot pay for losses already covered by insurance, but you may qualify if your policy does not cover all eligible expenses. FEMA assistance through its Individuals and Households Program is not taxable and generally does not have to be repaid.

For more information about available assistance and recovery updates, visit FEMA’s disaster information page.

If you know a friend, family member, or neighbor who was affected by the tornado, please share this information with them. We want everyone who may qualify for assistance to know how to apply and where to turn for help.

My office remains available to help residents navigate federal agencies and understand available disaster assistance. If you need help, please call my Fond du Lac office at (920) 907-0624.

I was honored to join Fond du Lac Habitat for Humanity for the dedication of a new home in Fond du Lac. It was great to celebrate this milestone with the new homeowners and the many volunteers, donors, and supporters who helped make it possible. Thank you to everyone who put in the time and hard work to help a local family build a place they can call home.

I was pleased to join UW–Oshkosh for the naming ceremony of the Mary Novak-Jandrey College of Nursing, Health Professions, and STEM. Mary’s $10 million gift, the largest in UW–Oshkosh history, is a tremendous investment in students and Wisconsin’s future workforce. As a 1974 nursing graduate and first-generation college student, Mary knows firsthand the difference an education can make. I’m grateful for her generosity and commitment to preparing the next generation of nurses, health professionals, and STEM leaders right here in Wisconsin.

It was great to join the Kiel Fire Department for its open house and see firsthand the equipment and training our local firefighters rely on to keep the community safe. Thank you to the firefighters and EMS professionals who give their time to serve Kiel and the surrounding communities. I enjoyed meeting with the members and seeing the department open its doors to families for a fun afternoon of learning and community.

Congratulations to Fox River Industries in Berlin for 60 years serving our community! I always enjoy meeting with the team to learn more about their work supporting individuals with disabilities. Organizations like Fox River Industries provide valuable opportunities for individuals to build skills, gain independence, and participate in their communities. I will always be a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities and support their choice in employment.