Friday, July 31, 2020

Senate Republicans to try to strike down Gov. Tony Evers' state mask order

From The Journal Times.com:

MITCHELL SCHMIDT Lee Newspapers

Less than 24 hours after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers announced a statewide mask order for Wisconsin, Republicans in the Senate have signaled plans to convene in an attempt to strike it down.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said in a Friday statement Senate Republicans "stand ready to convene the body to end the Governor’s order, which includes the mask mandate."

"The Governor has caved to the pressure of liberal groups on this," Fitzgerald said. "How can we trust that the he won’t cave again and stop schools that choose in-person instruction this fall? There are bigger issues at play here, and my caucus members stand ready to fight back.”

Fitzgerald did not indicate when the Senate might convene to take up the matter. The GOP-led Legislature has not met in more than 100 days, despite calls by Democratic members to take up legislation related to COVID-19, police procedures and unemployment benefits.

Announced Thursday by Evers, the state mask order goes into effect Saturday The order follows weeks of public statements by Evers that such a mandate was unlikely in Wisconsin.

Under the new order, which expires Sept. 28, everyone age 5 and older must wear a face covering when indoors or in any enclosed space open to the public including outdoor bars and restaurants, public transit and outdoor park structures. The order does not apply to people in their private residences. Face coverings are strongly recommended in all other settings where people may come in contact with others, including outdoors when maintaining physical distance is not possible. A violation of the order would not bring any criminal penalties but could result in a $200 fine.

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/senate-republicans-to-try-to-strike-down-gov-tony-evers-state-mask-order/article_1e9b0e03-91f0-567e-82b8-e3c1b8c41510.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1

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