Rep. Robyn Vining Responds to Assembly Republicans’ Actions to Disregard the Lives and Livelihoods of Wisconsinites

MADISON – Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed a joint resolution to overturn the statewide public health emergency order and mandatory mask order, with the vote being 52-42. Soon after the Assembly voted, Governor Tony Evers issued another public health emergency order and mandatory mask order, effective immediately until March 20th, 2021. Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) issued the following statement in response:

“Masks save lives. They keep our neighbors safe and healthy. They help our small businesses survive. They protect our healthcare workers and other frontline essential workers. Overturning the statewide mask order threatens the lives and livelihoods of Wisconsinites, it’s a slap in the face to our already overtaxed healthcare workers, it rattles small business owners who know they desperately need the leaders of this state to lead in ways that create consumer confidence, and it discourages educators who have turned themselves inside out to recreate our educational system in impossible circumstances.

“I am incredibly disappointed and disheartened by the actions of my colleagues across the aisle. Eliminating the statewide mask requirement would undoubtedly have a dangerous impact on the people of Wisconsin. 5,992 people have died in our state due to COVID-19. This is not a time to throw out crucial public health tools to combat the public health and economic crisis in Wisconsin.

“We need to do absolutely everything we can to protect the health and safety of each and every Wisconsinite from COVID-19. We need compassionate leadership during this extremely difficult time. Wear a mask. Love your neighborhood. Stay safe. And for heaven’s sake: may we seek to find common ground for the common good.”

Rep. Vining represents the 14th Assembly District, which includes parts of Brookfield, Wauwatosa, and Milwaukee. For more information, visit Rep. Vining’s website here.