MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A lawsuit has been filed seeking to overturn Wisconsin’s statewide mask mandate issued by Gov. Tony Evers.
The lawsuit filed by three western Wisconsin residents Tuesday in Polk County Circuit Court argues that Evers did not have the legal authority to issue the order.
It took effect Aug. 1 and is scheduled to run until Sept. 28.
Wisconsin is one of 34 states with such an order designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Several other state orders also face legal challenges.
Two Polk County residents and one in St. Croix County filed the lawsuit.
Britt Cudaback, Deputy Communications Director for Gov. Evers, issued the following statement in response to the lawsuit:
"Republicans and their allies have tried at every turn to prevent the governor from keeping Wisconsinites healthy and safe. From safer at home to the April election and now masks, they’ve filed more lawsuits than they have passed bills during this pandemic. We know requiring masks and face coverings will help us save lives, and Gov. Evers will continue listening to science and public health experts in making the best decisions for the people of our state."