Wisconsin Senators Vote to Spread Covid; Please Contact Your Assembly Rep Before Final Vote Thursday

The Wisconsin Senate voted today, 18-13, to end Gov. Tony Evers’ mask requirement — removing required use in public spaces of a tool that experts say is critical to slowing the deadly spread of Covid-19.

The State Assembly will vote on the same measure this Thursday. If approved, Evers' mandate will be eliminated -- he does not have the ability to veto this resolution.

If you haven’t yet, please use this easy link ASAP to send a quick email to your Assembly representative! 

Tonight's Journal Sentinel quotes State Sen. Chris Larson, who said in the Senate today:

"This is a basic test of what government is supposed to do. Are we going to start saying that seatbelts, taking off your seat belt, is a sign of independence? And therefore flying through a windshield when you get in an accident is the utmost way to exercise your liberty?"

The story reports that “forty-one states have a statewide face mask mandate in place, and 49 states have an emergency order in place, according to the National Academy of State Health Policy.”

In a blog post, Radio Milwaukee (WYMS-FM) notes that “the resolution would not overturn local mask mandates like Milwaukee’s or Dane County’s, but it would make Wisconsin one of just two states in the country without an active emergency order addressing Covid-19.”

Twenty-four health, medical and educational groups opposed the measure in the Senate. No organizations registered in favor.

All of the Senate's Republicans except two voted for this measure, with all Democrats opposed.