MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin lawmakers are reacting after the state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Gov. Tony Evers overstepped his powers by issuing multiple emergency health orders in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The question in this case is not whether the Governor acted wisely; it is whether he acted lawfully. We conclude he did not,” Justice Brian Hagedorn wrote in the majority opinion.
Republicans argued Evers did not have the authority to issue multiple orders without going through the legislative rules making process beyond the initial order.
In a statement Wednesday, Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu encouraged people to follow CDC guidelines — which still includes wearing masks in public places.
“Today’s ruling vindicates the Legislature as a co-equal branch of government and will expand freedom and opportunity for the people of Wisconsin,” LeMahieu said. “As we work to fully and safely reopen our state, we trust our residents to follow CDC guidelines when appropriate, get vaccinated when ready, and always employ common sense.”
The court’s ruling strikes down the statewide mask mandate, which was set to expire next week. Ahead of the ruling being announced, Evers sent out a short tweet, saying “Wear a mask. Help save lives.”
While the statewide mask order is being struck down, local mask requirements — such as ones in Dane and Rock County — remain legal and in place, as Dane County Executive Joe Parisi reminded residents Wednesday morning.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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