Not anti-mask? Prove it

It isn’t about the masks, they have told us repeatedly. Instead, Wisconsin legislative leaders argue, it is about ensuring that our Governor does not exceed his powers. That, they tell us, is why last week the Legislature voted to repeal Governor Evers’ statewide mask mandate. They argue that legislators, not the Governor, have the authority to extend a public health emergency. Their vote to end the mask order was important to make that political point. Well, we’re about to find out. Wisconsin democrats have introduced legislation of their own to adopt a statewide mask mandate in Wisconsin. Their bill would keep a mask order in place for the remainder of the pandemic, no matter how long that is. As long as we are living under a national emergency as declared by the President, the mask order would stay in effect. No more sixty-day extensions. No more uncertainty. If we’re in a pandemic, we would be required to wear masks. So if indeed Wisconsin Republican legislators want us to believe repealing the Governor’s order is not because they are anti-mask, then they should join democrats in voting for their bill. This should pass with bipartisan support. Otherwise, their arguments about the Governor exceeding his power will have been nothing but a smokescreen.