Frederica Freyberg:

Now to the Wisconsin Capitol, where Assembly Republicans are already setting up their first showdown of the new legislative session with Governor Tony Evers, this time over the state’s COVID-19 response. “Here & Now” Senior Political Reporter Zac Schultz has the story.

Woman:

That I will support the Constitution of the United States.

Zac Schultz:

The biennial inauguration is supposed to be a bipartisan celebration of the new legislative session. For one day at least, Democrats and Republicans welcome new members and play nice.

Robin Vos:

Today we celebrate our Wisconsin bonds, not as Republicans or Democrats, even though Democrats aren’t here, but as Wisconsinites.

Zac Schultz:

But the pomp and circumstance of the day could not mask our state’s fractured and partisan response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Democrats in the Assembly did not even take the floor because Republicans would not mandate masks at this indoor event.

Tony Evers:

I’m absolutely jazzed to be here today and I want to offer my sincere congratulations to everyone getting sworn in.

Zac Schultz:

Some took the oath of office before the New Year, administered over Zoom by Governor Tony Evers. Others outside before a judge.

Woman:

My duty as state representative.

Zac Schultz:

Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response is also the first issue to reach the floor. Governor Evers reissued his bill from last December. Democrats introduced their own bill. But Republicans control the Legislature, so Assembly Bill 1 comes from them.

Robin Vos:

The proposal we are introducing today has over 44 provisions to help fight the virus and reopen our economy and our schools.

Zac Schultz:

The most controversial provisions include a civil liability shield for businesses, meaning they couldn’t be sued by employees who get COVID on the job. Banning a local health authority from shutting down religious services. Local school closures would be limited to two weeks, while local shutdown orders are limited to two days. After that the school board or local government would need to vote by a two-thirds majority for another two-week order. The bill passed Thursday on a party line vote, with Democrats debating the measure wearing plastic face shields while some Republicans did not wear a mask at all. It now moves on to the Senate where some Republicans say it doesn’t go far enough. Even if it passes there, Democrats say it faces a certain veto from Governor Evers. Reporting from Madison, I’m Zac Schultz for “Here & Now.”