Assembly Republicans voted today to revoke Tony Evers’ public health declaration and the statewide mask mandate the guv has put in place since late summer, accusing the guv of abusing his power by issuing multiple orders without lawmakers’ input.
The resolution will formally take effect tomorrow after it’s signed by Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg.
In approving the Senate Joint Resolution to end the public health declaration 52-42, Republicans insisted their move wasn’t about masks, but the rule of law.
To back up that assertion, Speaker Robin Vos and Assembly Republicans offered to work with Evers on a rules package that would impose a mask requirement in health care facilities, schools and other places “susceptible to transmission of the virus to those who are especially vulnerable.”
“We are not anti-mask,” Vos, R-Rochester, declared as he unveiled the letter to reporters.
But such a proposal would have to go before the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules, and Co-chair Steve Nass opposes the effort, a spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Dems accused their GOP counterparts of looking for political cover for what they see as an effort to endanger public health.
“Maks saves lives, and the lives of the people of my district matter to me,” said state Rep. Robyn Vining, D-Wauwatosa.
Seven Republicans joined all Dems present in voting no: Joel Kitchens, of Sturgeon Bay; Jeffrey Mursau, of Crivitz; Todd Novak, of Dodgeville; Loren Oldenburg, of Viroqua; Jessie Rodriguez, of Oak Creek; David Steffen, of Green Bay; and Ron Tusler, of Harrison.
