Watch Governor Evers’ live news conference below.
The governor of the State of Wisconsin says legislative leaders from the state of Wisconsin are feeling confident in the idea that local municipalities should decide upon their own safety plans and regulations to keep people safe from the COVID-19 pandemic, and not using a statewide approach which he believes is critical.
Governor Tony Evers said both Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald are “comfortable with the idea” of not having a statewide policy at all to protect citizens from coronavirus. That came from a meeting held 17 hours after the Supreme Court struck down the Evers administration’s ruling striking down Safer at Home orders.
“I thought both leaders felt very comfortable with the idea, and they were unconcerned about what I believe will be massive confusion without a statewide approach. Apparently, they believe different rules are OK,” said Evers.
“I can’t imagine another state that is in this predicament…there may be different rules across all the state of Wisconsin. Disappointed in that. Surprised in that.”
Their phone meeting involved staff members from all their officers. Evers said that Republican leaders did not provide a plan to replace “Safer at Home.”
He called the conversation respectful, but said there was no interest in any gradual reopening of state businesses.
“I do see some contradiction here. I remember receiving a letter…dated May 1 from Speaker Vos and some of his colleagues,” said Evers.
“They made it clear to me that they were interested in a gradual and safe re-opening of the state. Apparently between that time and when the Supreme Court made that decision, they decided that’s not what they want to do.”
The Governor said he expected another meeting soon with those leaders.
