WASHINGTON, DC (PRESS RELEASE FROM SENATOR TAMMY BALDWIN) – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced new legislation to ensure businesses that rely on winter weather are eligible for disaster assistance during mild winters that do not bring enough snow. The Act on the Reconstruction of Small Businesses in the Field of Winter Recreation The bill comes after Wisconsin businesses suffered during last year’s low snowfall and snowpack. The issue came to the fore last winter, when Senator Baldwin and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers successfully forced the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide disaster protection to businesses affected by unusually warm weather in Wisconsin. Baldwin’s bill would have made businesses eligible for relief if Wisconsin experienced another winter without enough snow.

“Wisconsin winters bring visitors from all over the world to our state, and our small businesses work hard to make that happen. Our snowy winters aren’t just another season, they’re a huge economic driver, especially in the northern part of the state.” said Senator Baldwin. “I am fighting to give these businesses a chance to survive so they can continue to contribute to our local economies, create jobs in our communities and remain open for business for Wisconsin residents and visitors alike.”

“Small businesses and the tourism industry are the heart of our northern communities here in Wisconsin, and supporting these economic drivers is critical, especially when the lack of snow and traditional winter weather are impacting their bottom lines.” said Governor Evers. “Below-average snowpack can be detrimental to businesses that rely on outdoor recreation to keep their doors open, which is why Senator Baldwin and I worked around the clock earlier this year to ensure that businesses in northern Wisconsin had access to available disaster resources. With this new legislation, Senator Baldwin is working to ensure that businesses, especially those impacted by winter drought, are eligible to receive assistance when they need it in the future.”

This The Act on the Reconstruction of Small Businesses in the Field of Winter Recreation will ensure that during winters with below-average snowfall or snowpack, small businesses will be eligible for disaster assistance through SBA Injury Disaster Loans. This existing SBA loan program is designed to provide small businesses with the funds they need to operate while recovering from natural disasters or other catastrophic events. Under current law, eligible disasters include droughts and ice storms or blizzards, but do not include winters without sufficient snow.

Last winter, small businesses across Wisconsin suffered losses and were forced to close or reduce staff due to the lack of visitors who typically come to the area for seasonal activities, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Senator Baldwin and Governor Evers successfully lobbied the SBA to ensure that businesses in northern Wisconsin that were impacted by last winter’s low snowfall could access disaster insurance. However, without Baldwin’s bill, low snowfall remains off the list of eligible natural disasters or other natural disasters that businesses can use to apply for SBA relief.

“I fully support Senator Baldwin’s Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act, which will provide much-needed relief to small businesses in Washburn and across northern Wisconsin. This bill addresses a critical gap in disaster relief by ensuring that businesses impacted by mild winters, such as those dependent on winter tourism, can access the financial support they need. The ability to qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans will be a lifeline for many business owners who are dealing with both unpredictable winter weather and other economic challenges. This legislation is critical to the survival and resiliency of small businesses in our community now and in the future.” said Melissa Martinez, director of the Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce.

“For Florence County, the 2023-2024 winter season was incredibly challenging for many of our businesses. With over 180 miles of snowmobile trails, we typically have a large number of snowmobilers stopping in and visiting our restaurants, taverns, and other establishments. We had no snowmobilers at all throughout the season. We had to cancel several events, such as ice fishing tournaments, snowshoeing, and there was no cross-country skiing.” said Eric Pintz, director of the Florence County Economic Development Corporation. “Our Bed & Breakfast has had so many cancellations that they are closing in October because they can’t risk what happened last season. Florence County relies on tourism as a large part of our economy and we are all hoping that we can expect snow this upcoming season. If not, I support the Senator’s change to the current EIDL legislation. Several businesses applied earlier this year and have admitted that it has not been an easy process.”

“The Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act is a lifeline for the small businesses that are the heart of our local economies and communities — the local families, friendly faces, and trusted neighbors who keep our towns going. By providing a safety net when mild winters threaten their livelihoods, this bill will help protect jobs, sustain tourism, and preserve the unique spirit of our hometowns.” said Ben Nelson, executive director of the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation.

“On behalf of the Bayfield County Economic Development Corporation, I am writing to express our support for Senator Baldwin’s proposal for the Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act. Bayfield County is highly dependent on snowfall for a wide range of winter recreational activities. A winter season with little or no snow creates extreme hardships for many of our businesses. Legislative support that will simplify the business loan process would be very beneficial to all involved.” said Cole Rabska, executive director of the Bayfield County Economic Development Corporation.

This The Act on the Reconstruction of Small Businesses in the Field of Winter Recreation co-sponsored by Senator Tina Smith (Democrat from Minnesota) and supported by the Bayfield County Economic Development Corporation, the Florence County Economic Development Corporation, the Iron County Economic Development Corporation, the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation and the Washburn Chamber of Commerce.

The full text of the legislation is available here . A one-page description of the legislation is available here .

The online version of this announcement can be found here.

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