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The Wisconsin State Assembly has paused a plan to end Governor Ever’s mask mandate, after lawmakers discovered that it would cost the state millions of dollars in monthly food assistance. But Republicans indicate that a vote is just postponed to next week, even as organizations continue to speak out against the resolution.
Hunger Task Force workers distribute food at McGovern Park in Milwaukee on Thursday. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
MADISON, Wis. (CN) Wisconsin Republicans on Thursday abruptly dropped plans to terminate a public health emergency the Democratic governor declared over the coronavirus pandemic when it came to light that millions of dollars in federal food stamp funds would be jeopardized if they went through with it.
After the GOP-majority Wisconsin Senate voted on Tuesday in favor of a joint resolution to end Governor Tony Evers’ latest public health emergency order and subsequent mask mandate, the Assembly also controlled by Republicans was slated to do the same Thursday morning. Evers would not have been able to veto the resolution if it passed.
MITCHELL SCHMIDT
Assembly Republicans paused efforts to eliminate Gov. Tony Eversâ statewide mask mandate after reports surfaced that doing so could cut the state off from more than $49 million in federal food assistance for low-income families this month.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said the chamber postponed a vote originally scheduled for Thursday on a Senate-approved joint resolution that would effectively eliminate Eversâ emergency order and accompanying mask mandate. Vos said he still plans to pass the measure, which could reach a vote next week, but first wants to get a clear picture on any financial impact it may have on the state.
GOP-controlled Wisconsin Senate moves toward overturning mask mandate
January 26, 2021 6:30 PM Site staff
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(Associated Press photo)
MADISON, Wis. (WKBT) – The Republican-controlled Wisconsin State Senate approved a resolution Tuesday in their quest to end Gov. Tony Evers’ public health emergency declaration, which would overturn Evers’ statewide mask mandate if the Assembly passes it.
“For over nine months, the Republicans who control the Legislature have sat on their hands,” Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley, D-Mason, said after the session. “Today was another missed opportunity to do the right thing and prioritize the health and safety of the Wisconsinites they are sworn to serve.