Madison, WI – Today, Rep. Cindi Duchow (R-Delafield) and her Republican colleagues in the Wisconsin State Assembly voted in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 3, terminating Governor Evers’ State of Emergency and statewide mask mandate.
“I am thrilled to finally put power back in the hands of the people of Wisconsin,” said Rep. Duchow. “Governor Evers needs to realize that the Legislature is a co-equal branch of government and that he cannot simply ignore state law because it is convenient.”
Under state statute, the governor may issue an emergency declaration through executive order for only 60 days. After the 60 days are up, the Governor is required to work with the Legislature who may extend or terminate the declaration by passing a joint resolution. Governor Evers has illegally issued 4 separate executive orders since the end of his original 60 days. The Assembly sent a letter to Governor Evers asking him to work with the legislature through the administrative rules process to enact reasonable masking requirements where appropriate.
“It is important to remember that this resolution is an indictment on Governor Evers’ unconstitutional edicts and not on the effectiveness of masks. I continue to encourage everyone to take preventative measures including wearing a mask, socially distancing with others, and washing your hands.”
Rep. Duchow and the Assembly also approved an amendment to Assembly Bill 1, the COVID-19 Relief Bill, to ensure the state captures roughly $50 million a month in federal food assistance. This bill will now head back to the Senate for final approval.
“I continue to hope that we can work together to help Wisconsin move forward out of this pandemic. I am calling on the Wisconsin State Senate to pass Assembly Bill 1 and Governor Evers to sign it.”
