Wisconsin must be ready when disasters happen

In 1979, then-president Jimmy Carter created the Federal Emergency Management Agency through an executive order. The goal was to create a unified approach to emergency management in the United States. In the decades since, state and local governments have become increasingly dependent on FEMA not only during disasters and recovery but in the emergency preparedness and response efforts. FEMA grants help purchase gear for emergency responders and FEMA regulations set what natural disasters qualify for assistance — often based more on the ability of government officials to fill out the proper paperwork than on legitimate need. President Donald Trump has put FEMA on the chopping block. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is working toward a much narrower focus for the federal agency and direct control of its functions by the president. This would make disaster relief even more politically loaded than it currently is while at the same time undermining ongoing emergency preparedness efforts. This has been felt in Wisconsin with federal grants for preparedness plans being frozen or clawed back even while work is underway on updates. Federal funding cuts translate directly into staffing cuts leaving communities at risk when a disaster happens. As legislators work to hammer out a state budget, they must take into account the shifting priorities of the federal government and forcibly wean Wisconsin from reliance on federal dollars. Before the state legislature pushes through tax cuts and spending increases, Wisconsin must prioritize putting resources into reserves to be ready to swiftly respond when disasters take place. At the same time, local units of government must be prepared to deal with disaster at the local and regional level, knowing that any help from federal sources may be dependent on specific congressional action which can cause delays in relief of weeks or even months, if it comes at all. Wisconsin has a strong tradition of selfreliance. As the country pivots toward what is promised to be a smaller federal government, state leaders must take the forefront in setting priorities and maintaining safety nets to ensure that Wisconsin can remain open for business despite what Mother Nature throws its way. While this is an increased cost burden on Wisconsin residents, it is also an opportunity to set rules and guidelines that reflect the values and priorities of the state and its people. Contact on your state representatives and tell them Wisconsin needs to have the resources available and plans in place to rapidly respond to natural or man-made disasters. Tell them that Wisconsin must be prepared to stand alone if necessary and not be dependent on federal funds and the strings inevitably attached to them.