North Michigan News

Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), along with U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), has requested that President Trump reconsider the denial of certain federal disaster assistance to northern Michigan residents following severe winter storms earlier this year.

In a letter addressed to the President, the lawmakers expressed concern about what they described as a limited federal response to the storms, which led to significant damage and prolonged power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of people. The Major Disaster Declaration issued on July 22 did not include support for public utilities, individual aid for residents, or hazard mitigation funding.

“The winter storms resulted in severe ice accumulation, widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, and caused long-term power outages for hundreds of thousands of residents,” the lawmakers wrote. “Rural electric cooperative companies…were hit hard by the storm, with restoration costs exceeding $150 million for each co-op. Without PA category F, these co-ops will have to recover these losses through increased costs paid by their local customers…These rate increases are expected to continue for many years, placing a greater financial burden on already vulnerable areas.”

The lawmakers urged the administration to reverse its decision and provide comprehensive federal assistance needed for recovery efforts.

Jack Bergman has served in Congress representing Michigan’s 1st district since 2017. He was born in Shakopee, Minnesota in 1947 and currently lives in Watersmeet. Bergman earned his undergraduate degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1969 and later attended the University of West Florida.