GOP-controlled Wisconsin Senate moves toward overturning mask mandate

MADISON, Wis. (WKBT) – The Republican-controlled Wisconsin State Senate approved a resolution Tuesday in their quest to end Gov. Tony Evers’ public health emergency declaration, which would overturn Evers’ statewide mask mandate if the Assembly passes it.

“For over nine months, the Republicans who control the Legislature have sat on their hands,” Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley, D-Mason, said after the session. “Today was another missed opportunity to do the right thing and prioritize the health and safety of the Wisconsinites they are sworn to serve.

The measure would remove “one of the few tools we have in our toolbox to protect Wisconsinites against the COVID-19 virus,” Bewley said.

Medical experts, healthcare organizations, scientists and many Wisconsinites support the statewide mask mandate, she said, adding,  “Today is a sad day for Wisconsin, where once again the Republicans have chosen to prioritize settling political scores with the governor, over protecting the lives of the citizens of Wisconsin.”

COPYRIGHT 2021 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.