Wisconsin Legislature finally weighs in on pandemic by challenging mask mandate

What is it about wearing a mask that is so burdensome for so many? Of course, no one likes wearing a mask, and we would rather not, but if it helps reduce the spread of the coronavirus, then it seems a small sacrifice to make. But not for some in the Wisconsin Legislature. Our lawmakers, who haven’t submitted a bill to deal with the pandemic in nearly 300 days, finally have plan for responding to the pandemic. Doing away with the mask mandate. A vote could come this week in the Republican-controlled Legislature to undo the state mask mandate issued by Governor Evers. Evers initially issued the order requiring the wearing of masks in public places in July, and has since extended it three times, most recently last week. But lawmakers think Evers exceeded his authority in issuing the mask mandate. To them, this is not a public health issue, but a matter of who has the power in Madison. They even filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court challenging the Governor’s authority. These are unprecedented and challenging times, requiring a government response. Our lawmakers should be working with the Governor, not against him, to take the steps necessary to end this pandemic as quickly as possible.