Fearing more deaths across the state, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers reissued a mask order on Thursday, facing a Republican legislature that had repealed its previous mask order earlier in the day.
“We know that wearing face shields can save lives and prevent death. We know that it is supported by science,” said Evers, a Democrat, in a two-minute video.
He said that revoking his previous mandate to use facial coverage in public places puts at risk about $ 50 million a month in federal funds to help hundreds of thousands of vulnerable residents.
“Our fight against this virus is not over – it will not go away, especially after we see mutations of this virus in our state,” said Evers. “Wearing a mask is the most basic thing we can do to stay safe.”
Earlier in the day, the Republican-led Assembly voted to repeal the previous order, which was extended last month. A Republican challenge to the mandate is being heard at the state Supreme Court.
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Calls to several Republicans, including House Speaker Robin Vos, were not returned on Thursday.
Vos wrote in a joint statement with Senate majority leader Devin LeMahieu: “Governor Evers has abused his limited authority for a long time by repeatedly issuing illegal orders in addition to his 60-day emergency powers. The Assembly and the Senate voted for an end to overtaking the executive and restoring the voice of our constituents in the legislative process. “
The majority leader in the Assembly, Jim Steineke, a Republican, also did not agree with the new order.
“Once again, Governor Evers pushes an olive branch to achieve common goals, instead of opting for a continued authoritarian regime,” Steineke said in a statement. “I am disappointed that the governor prefers to continue issuing orders that he knows are illegal rather than working with the legislature to keep Wisconsin residents safe.”
Evers said that since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, he has promised Wisconsin residents three things: never to make health policy, to rely on scientists and health experts to guide decision-making and to fight to keep residents safe.
“Well, every step of the way, our strategies across the state to contain this virus and prevent its spread have been met with lawsuits, political rhetoric and obstruction,” he said.
Evers’ team has long accused Republicans of using their unyielding power to work against their efforts to protect residents.
The state Senate is made up of 20 Republicans and 12 Democrats, with one seat. The Assembly is made up of 60 Republicans and 38 Democrats, with one seat.
After a Republican challenge, the state Supreme Court in May overturned Evers’ order to stay in a 4-3 decision, arguing that he had exceeded his authority.
Evers declared at least three other public health emergencies and issued other coronavirus-related orders, all of which met with Republican resistance.
In a survey by the Marquette School of Law released in May, nearly 70% of Wisconsin residents found it appropriate to close schools and businesses and restrict public meetings to combat the spread of the virus.
In addition, 53% of residents trusted Evers more than the Legislature to decide when it came to reopening and easing Covid-19 restrictions, the survey concluded.