MADISON, Wis. — Governor Tony Evers has declared a period of abnormal economic disruption in four Wisconsin counties recovering from last month’s destructive storms, allowing the state to enforce protections against price gouging.
Evers signed Executive Order #303, covering Outagamie, Winnebago, Forest and Vilas counties. The order directs the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to enforce prohibitions against excessive prices for everyday necessities and lodging.
The declaration follows severe storms that caused widespread damage across eastern Wisconsin, including an EF-3 tornado in the Menasha and Appleton area. The storms also brought high winds, hail, power outages and disruptions to public water systems.
“Folks who’ve just lost their family homes and businesses shouldn’t have to worry about paying outrageous prices for simple necessities like a place to sleep, food to eat, or any other everyday essentials,” Evers said.
The governor says the protections are particularly important for residents who have been displaced and are now paying for temporary housing or repairs to homes, vehicles and other property.
DATCP is also urging storm victims to be cautious when hiring contractors for repairs. Consumers who believe they have encountered price gouging or other questionable practices can file a complaint with the agency or call its Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128.
