Resolution seeks to overturn Wisconsin mask mandate

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MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A group of Republican lawmakers introduced a resolution to strike down Governor Tony Evers' mask order and could vote on it as soon as next week.

The resolution supported by 27 Republicans in the State Legislature would overturn Executive Order #104, which Evers signed this week to extend his face mask requirement until March 20th.

The State Senate is scheduled to vote on the resolution on Tuesday.

The legislature is scheduled to convene in session next week but there is no indication GOP leadership will schedule the resolution for a vote.

For months, Republicans have opposed a majority of Gov. Evers' executive orders aimed at preventing the transmission of COVID-19 and have supported lawsuits challenging his decisions throughout the pandemic.

Rep. Joe Sanfelippo (R-New Berlin) said he doesn’t have a problem with masks, but instead that the governor issues the mandate without involving the legislature.

"I wish the governor would try and make this a less political thing and try and work with the legislature so that we can actually be involved in the process," Sanfelippo said. 

Rep. Sanfelippo tells CBS 58 he does not support the resolution and would rather work with the governor on future decisions during the pandemic.

Governor Evers' spokeswoman said striking down the public health order would eliminate one of the few tools left the state has to mitigate the spread of the virus.

"While Gov. Evers works to keep Wisconsinites healthy and safe and distribute vaccines across our state, Republicans continue their efforts to hinder our state’s response. Republicans haven’t taken COVID-19 seriously from the beginning, and they still aren’t now more than 280 days since they last sent a bill to the governor’s desk," said Britt Cudaback.
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