Senator Baldwin Notches Victory for Self-Employed Entrepreneurs Seeking Disaster Relief

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) applauded a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rule change she pushed for to cut red tape and provide expedited disaster relief for entrepreneurs, gig workers, and other self-employed individuals.

“Whether you work for a Fortune 500 company or are self-employed, everyone should be able to get relief when disasters hit. As natural disasters become more and more common, we need to ensure Wisconsin’s entrepreneurs and small business owners have the tools they need to bounce back,” said Senator Baldwin. “This change I championed will help more Badger State small businesses recover from disasters and create a more resilient Made in Wisconsin economy for the future.”

This week, FEMA announced they are implementing a change Senator Baldwin has long pushed for, simplifying the process so entrepreneurs, gig workers, and other self-employed individuals can more easily reopen their businesses after a disaster. Previously, FEMA required self-employed individuals to apply for a Small Business Administration disaster loan to cover all business losses.

As a part of the new regulations, FEMA may provide self-employed survivors with some initial financial support to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment, or other items required for a specific trade or profession. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees FEMA, Senator Baldwin has long pushed for this change, including during the Fiscal Year 2019 and 2020 budget process.

“For self-employed Wisconsinites, rapid assistance in a disaster can be the difference between continuing to support their families and contribute to our communities, or closing up shop,” said Anne Katz, Executive Director of Create Wisconsin. “Wisconsin’s creative people, organizations, businesses, and communities extend their heartfelt thanks to Senator Baldwin for her strong support and dedicated work to make this long overdue change a reality.”

“Artists and entrepreneurs work hard to contribute to their local economies and communities, and when disasters threaten their livelihoods, they need reliable relief to bounce back. Thank you to Senator Baldwin for helping give Wisconsin’s entrepreneurs peace of mind that in the event of an emergency, they will have the support they need to continue providing for their families,” said Toni Sikes, co-founder and CEO of CODAworx.

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