MADISON — The Wisconsin State Assembly did not vote on repealing the statewide mask mandate Thursday, in the face of criticism from health, education and business leaders and out of concern over losing $50 million in federal food assistance.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said the vote wouldn't happen as planned Thursday after news that the state could lose nearly $50 million in federal funding if the mask mandate was repealed, as a part of the state's emergency declaration.
Vos adds that he believes the Assembly would vote to repeal the mask mandate at a future date.
The Wisconsin State Assembly was expected to take a vote on Gov. Tony Evers’ mask mandate Thursday.
The vote would have followed the state Senate, which voted 18 to 13 to strike down the mandate Tuesday.
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Thursday’s vote would have been veto-proof because state law allows the legislature to end the governor’s emergency order. The issue of the mask mandate is also being taken up by the state Supreme Court, which hasn’t issued a decision.
If the mandate was repealed, Wisconsin would become one of only 10 states without a statewide mask mandate.