Wisconsin Republicans, who voted to overturn Gov. Tony Evers’s statewide mask mandate on Tuesday, have accused the governor of overstepping his authority.
In an 18-13 vote, in which two Republicans joined all Democratic members, the Wisconsin state Senate voted to repeal the mandate, arguing that it amounts to unconstitutional overreach.
State Sen. Dan Feyen, a Republican representing Wisconsin’s 18th District, ascribed ulterior motives to the governor’s directive.
“@GovEvers is allowed 60 days on an executive order, & we’re on day 320,” he tweeted. “SJR3 isn’t about revoking masks, it’s about Gov Evers ignoring & overstepping his statutory authority. This cannot be tolerated no matter who is in charge!”
Do you want a governor who doesn’t follow the law? @GovEvers is allowed 60 days on an executive order, & we’re on day 320. SJR3 isn’t about revoking masks, it’s about Gov Evers ignoring & overstepping his statutory authority. This cannot be tolerated no matter who is in charge! pic.twitter.com/wqgDsIFAUx
— Sen. Dan Feyen (@SenDanFeyen) January 25, 2021
State Sen. Julian Bradley, who represents Wisconsin’s 28th District in the state’s upper chamber, accused Evers of acting “like a dictator” whose unilaterally imposed mask mandate is inconsistent with the state’s constitution.
The Senate just passed a resolution to revoke @GovEvers‘ public health orders, including the mask mandate.
For too long, the governor has acted like a dictator, illegally and unilaterally enacting health policy for the entire state. pic.twitter.com/a9b7FFmwJB
— Senator Julian Bradley (@SenBradley) January 26, 2021
State Sen. Duey Stroebel agreed, reminding Evers that he “does not have limitless power” and that “his endless string of emergency declarations will not stand.”
.@GovEvers does not have limitless power and today the Wisconsin Senate reminded the governor that he is not above the law and his endless string of emergency declarations will not stand. #wiright #SJR3 #covid19 #wipolitics
— Duey Stroebel (@SenStroebel) January 27, 2021
Evers’s statewide mandate, which was put into effect in August, is expected to be voted down in the GOP-controlled state Assembly. If both chambers reject the mandate, the governor’s signature is not necessary for the repeal to become law. The directive is also facing legal challenges in the state’s Supreme Court, with Republicans arguing that Evers overstepped his authority by extending an emergency order beyond the originally prescribed 60-day period.
Representatives for Evers did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
