Bergman, Michigan Republicans Appeal Ice Storm Funding Directly to President Trump

Washington - Today, Michigan’s Republican Congressional Delegation, led by Rep. Jack Bergman, sent a letter to President Trump requesting that he overturn FEMA’s denial of Public Assistance (PA) Category F funding for public utilities and Individual Assistance (IA) in the aftermath of the historical ice storm. The letter highlighted the incredible work that has already been done but emphasized that recovery remains far from complete. "Without additional federal support and assistance, the remaining unmet costs will inevitably fall on individual households and families across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula – those least equipped to absorb these costs. Of particular concern are the significant costs incurred by local electrical cooperatives – costs that, without approval of PA Category F for public utilities, will be passed on to their customers. The letter continued, "Without federal assistance, these huge costs will translate into higher rates for cooperative customers across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula – many of whom are already facing severe economic hardship. Ten of the impacted counties have per-capita incomes lower than that of the State of Michigan, and eleven have per-capita incomes lower than that of the United States. Additionally, eight of the impacted counties have an elevated share of residents that live below the federal poverty line. All thirteen counties also have large numbers of seniors living on fixed incomes and individuals with disabilities – populations who cannot easily adjust their financial circumstances to accommodate looming rate increases. As the winter season rapidly sets in and temperatures drop, the inability of these residents to afford rising energy and heating costs could have life-threatening consequences." Bergman was joined by Reps. Barrett, Huizenga, James, McClain, Moolenaar, and Walberg.