Governor Tony Evers wears a mask during a media briefing on October 7th, 2020. (Screenshot/Wisconsin DHS)
MADISON, WI (WSAU) — The State Senate has passed a resolution that overturns Governor Tony Evers’ mask mandate on an 18-13 vote.
Lawmakers spent much of Tuesday afternoon debating the measure, with Democrats citing the dangerous nature of new variants and health official’s recommendations about the coverings. Many Republicans said the resolution was to reel in the Governor, who they feel overstepped his bounds by issuing back-to-back 60-day orders.
“The authority provided in law for a Wisconsin governor to declare an emergency is limited to 60 days, after which the executive branch is obligated to consult with the legislature to further exercise those authorities. I hope and expect to see that happen going forward,” read a statement from Republican Jerry Petrowski of Marathon City.
Steve Nass, the author of the resolution, said it’s not about whether masks are good or bad, but rather the “repeated issuing of emergency orders, contrary to what the law allows.”
Democrats, including Evers, had argued that the changing nature of the pandemic justified multiple orders. Multiple healthcare organizations also voiced their opposition to the resolution, citing public safety and the appearance of more contagious strains of the virus in the region.
The resolution now goes onto the State Assembly. Even before the Senate passed the measure, Assembly leaders had scheduled a vote on the resolution for Thursday afternoon.
If both chambers approve the resolution, it would overthrow the Governor’s mandate. Local orders, such as those in Madison and Milwaukee, would remain in effect.
Wisconsin’s first mask mandate was issued in August. The current order is slated to run through the end of March.
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