MADISON, WI (WTAQ) — Even though the vote on repealing the Governor’s mask mandate in the state assembly was canceled, Governor Tony Evers and state health officials still had plenty of criticism for legislative Republicans.
“Masks are critical tools to keep our friends and family safe” Evers said. “I know it, the public health experts and the medical professionals know it, and Wisconsinites know it.”
A motion to repeal the mask mandate passed in the state senate but stalled in the assembly Thursday after legislators raised concern that it may jeopardize federal food assistance in the state.
“By threatening to vote down the public health emergency, [the legislature] is putting at risk about $50 million a month in food assistance and jeopardizing 390,000 households,” said Evers’ Legal Counsel Ryan Nilsesteun.
Evers brushed off Republican arguments over individual liberty, comparing wearing masks to driving the speed limit on the highway.
“It is not about individual liberty,” Evers said in a Friday press conference. “If some of those arguments would be in place I would expect the assembly and the senate to be sending me legislation getting rid of speed limits on our highways.”
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has said that they’ll look into making rules changes that could repeal the state’s mask mandate without jeopardizing food assistance. Republicans argue that Governor Evers overstepped his power by issuing and extending the mask mandate several times.
