The Wisconsin state Senate rebuked Governor Tony Evers on Tuesday, voting 18 to 13 to revoke his statewide mask mandate that has been in place since the summer amid concerns about the coronavirus.
Two Republicans joined all House Democrats in a failed effort to vote against the resolution, and nearly two dozen health groups, including the Wisconsin Medical Society, lobbied against it, arguing in favor of the masks until the COVID-19 vaccines are widely administered.
MADISON, Wisconsin – December 14: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a member of the Wisconsin Electoral College, cast his vote for the presidential election at the State Capitol on December 14, 2020 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Morry Gash-Pool / Getty Images)
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“It is not a question of whether the masks are good or bad,” Republican state senator Steve Nass said before the vote. “It is about repeatedly issuing emergency orders contrary to what the law allows.”
Nass, who drafted the resolution, added: “It’s about the rule of law.”
DEMOCRAT GOV. TONY EVERS STARTS WISCONSIN GOP TO STOP COMBATING MASK MANDATES
The mask’s mandate is also facing a challenge at the state Supreme Court, and Republican critics have argued that Evers has exceeded the authority of its emergency powers by repeatedly extending it. They say the governor must seek legislative approval to extend an emergency order beyond 60 days.
The mandate was issued in August and does not expire until March. Republicans have been fighting for months as an exaggeration, but Democrats say it is a necessary measure for public security.
Evers said the ongoing pandemic justified new emergency statements along the way.
The Republican-controlled state assembly is expected to vote for revocation within a few days. If the resolution is passed there, the governor’s signature is not required for it to take effect.
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Separately, lawmakers are also at odds over a new coronavirus response bill that would allow churches to reopen and prevent employers from requiring workers to get vaccines. Such measures would likely lead to an Evers veto.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.