MADISON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network-WSAU) – The Evers administration will not be submitting its order limiting the number of people inside businesses including bars and restaurants to a Republican-controlled legislative committee. The GOP-controlled legislature says that administrative rules must be reviewed.
Evers’ chief legal counsel, Ryan Nilsestuen described Monday’s meeting of the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules as “a pointless exercise.” “Even if they were right on the law, there’s no consequence for this. Instead of taking concrete action to do something with the pandemic. instead it was a pointless exercise in order to make a political point, nothing more, nothing less.”
Republicans on the committee claimed the order falls under its oversight. Evers said it falls under the Department of Health Services’ authority to issue orders as part of the public health emergency declaration issued earlier this year.
The current rules, limiting indoor areas that are open to the public to 25-percent capacity, will expire before the 30-day review period begins. The rule is unlikely to be extended, unless DHS issues new, different guidelines.
