[Madison, WI] – Rep. Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) voted with his Assembly Republican colleagues to approve Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 3 this afternoon to repeal Governor Evers’ declared state of emergency. Under Wisconsin state statutes, it is clear that a state of emergency shall not exceed 60 days, unless extended by a joint resolution of the Legislature.
“Gov. Evers’ executive overreach needs to end now,” said Rep. Callahan. “Today’s vote was not about masks; it was about ending a continued disregard for the rule of law.”
The administrative rule-making process is the lawful way for the governor to introduce state health orders, as noted by the Wisconsin State Supreme Court. Since Governor Evers first declared COVID-19 a public health emergency in March 2020, he has issued four successive, unlawful orders.
“The governor’s unilateral, one-size-fits-all approach is not the way to address the COVID-19 crisis,” stated Rep. Callahan. “That plan that may work for Madison or Milwaukee, but it may not work for the Northwoods, and it’s about time my constituents have a say in the matter.”
Rep. Callahan also voted to approve an amendment to Assembly Bill (AB) 1, the COVID-19 Relief Bill, which ensures Wisconsin continues to receive about $50 million/month in federal food assistance. Both SJR 3 and AB 1 now head back to the State Senate.
