MADISON, Wisconsin (AP) – The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate voted on Tuesday to revoke Governor Tony Evers’ state mask mandate, despite warnings from virtually every sector of the health community that this would harm efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Both legislative chambers must pass the resolution to undo the mask requirement. The Assembly, controlled by 58-30 by Republicans, scheduled the vote for Thursday.
The Assembly on Tuesday approved a draft COVID-19 expanded response that could face a veto from the Democratic governor. The bill would prohibit church closings during the pandemic and prevent employers from requiring workers to be vaccinated against the disease. The Senate had previously removed these provisions from a more limited COVID-19 bill that was passed and which the governor supports.
Evers’ spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment on whether he approved the Assembly’s changes.
The House’s expanded bill was approved by 58-34, with all Republicans in favor and Democrats against. Now, he returns to the Senate, which can vote on Tuesday.
The Senate passed the resolution to revoke the mask’s mandate in an 18-13 vote, with all Democrats and Republican senators Dale Kooyenga of Brookfield and Robert Cowles of Allouez against.
Senate Democrats argued that ending the mandate would put lives at risk. Meanwhile, Republicans said Evers had overstepped his authority by issuing repeated emergency health orders instead of going through the legislature.
“I’m afraid we did everything terribly wrong” with regard to fighting the virus, said Democratic Senator Tim Carpenter of Milwaukee.
Most Republican senators did not wear masks during the debate, while Democrats did and several Democratic lawmakers participated remotely in their offices.
Milwaukee Sen. LaTonya Johnson said Republicans fighting for people’s right not to wear masks are putting lives at risk.
“We need to understand that your right to choose must not impede my ability to live, to prosper, to be here to care for my children, to see my grandchildren,” said Johnson. “We all have to do our part to make sure that we are all protected.”
Republicans argued that Evers exceeded his authority by issuing several emergency statements during the pandemic, allowing him to extend the mask’s mandate beyond the 60 days allowed by law without obtaining legislative approval. Republicans say Evers had to seek approval for any request that lasted more than 60 days. Evers says the changing nature of the pandemic and the continued response justified new emergency statements.
“It is not a question of whether the masks are good or bad,” said the resolution’s author, Republican Senator Steve Nass, during the debate. “It is about repeatedly issuing emergency orders contrary to what the law allows. It’s about the rule of law. “
The Evers mask’s mandate is also being challenged by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which heard the arguments in November and could issue a decision at any time.
The Wisconsin mask mandate, which went into effect in August, is scheduled to run through March 20. If the state order is revoked, local orders in effect in many of the state’s most populous areas, including Milwaukee and Madison, will remain in effect.
Twenty-three groups registered their opposition to the resolution, including those representing first-rate health professionals, first responders, doctors, nurses, hospitals, public health officials and others. Among them are the Wisconsin Medical Society and the Wisconsin Hospital Association.
“The governor’s mask mandate saves lives,” the Wisconsin Council of Churches said in a statement opposing the repeal. “Ending this will cost lives.” No group had registered in support of the resolution before the Senate debated the bill.
The COVID-19 response bill passed by the Assembly includes everything the Senate previously approved and which Evers said it would sign. This included limited liability for COVID-19 claims against companies, schools, governments and healthcare providers. It would also extend the exemption from a one-week waiting period to receive unemployment benefits until March 14. It would also ensure that Medicaid would cover COVID-19 tests and vaccinations, and ensure that SeniorCare, the state’s prescription drug discount program for elderly citizens, would cover vaccinations.
The Assembly added several provisions that Democrats opposed and that could set the bill for an Evers veto. This included prohibiting employers from requiring vaccines and prohibiting church closings during a health emergency. The Assembly also added a provision that gives the legislature control over how federal money to fight the virus is spent.
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