Wisconsin’s state Assembly will vote this week on whether to overturn a statewide mask mandate. It already passed the Republican-controlled state Senate.
The Wisconsin Senate voted to repeal the statewide mask mandate in a 18 to 13 vote. Democratic Governor Tony Evers put the mandate in place last year.
It’s the last remaining statewide pandemic measure.
According to the National Academy for State Health Policy, 40 other U.S. states have a mask mandate in place.
But mask mandates may not be as effective as they’re portrayed.
According to a study published by the Heritage Foundation last December, the 25 U.S. counties with the highest number of officially reported virus cases have rigorous mask mandates in place.
The authors said “governments should undertake more effective interventions,” and not rely solely on lockdowns and masks.
Wisconsin’s Senate Majority Leader said the governor’s move was “executive overreach.” He writes, “Governor Evers has abused his limited authority by repeatedly issuing unlawful orders beyond his 60-day emergency powers.”
Evers first declared a health emergency in March of last year and he’s extended the mask mandate until at least March 20th of this year.
Both chambers have to pass the resolution in order to overturn the order.
The State Assembly is scheduled to vote on it this Thursday.