Wisconsin Democrats threaten to skip Assembly inauguration over masks
December 30, 2020 1:38 PM Associated Press
Updated:
MADISON, Wis., (AP) Wisconsin Assembly Democrats are considering skipping next week’s inauguration ceremony because Republicans who control the chamber aren’t mandating lawmakers and staffers wear masks and they believe an in-person ceremony is too risky as the coronavirus pandemic rages on.
Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz said during a phone interview Thursday that he’s afraid the lack of masks and packing people into an enclosed space during Monday’s ceremony could spread the COVID-19 virus. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers swore in the Assembly’s 38 Democratic members virtually this week so they don’t need to attend next week’s ceremony to start their terms, Hintz said.
Both of Racine s state legislators, Republican Sen. Van Wanggaard and Democrat Rep. Greta Neubauer, will have significant roles in the upcoming session of the Wisconsin Legislature.