Testin: ‘It’s freedom day in Wisconsin’ following Court’s ruling

By Brandi Makuski

State Senator Patrick Testin said he’s pleased with the State Supreme Court’s ruling, which on Wednesday announced it had struck down an extension of Gov. Tony Evers’ Safer at Home order.

The Justices ruled on Wednesday that the Evers’ administration exceeded its authority when the Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm issued the Safer at Home be extended through May 26.

The original order, intended to slow the spread of COVID-19, was scheduled to run through April 24.

“It’s ‘freedom day’ in Wisconsin,” Testin said by phone Wednesday night. “Everything is open effective now.”

Testin said there was a great deal of confusion when the Court issued its ruling, particularly over whether or not the Justices included a six-day stay in their 161-page order. The stay was discussed, Testin confirmed but did not receive majority support.

After further discussions with Majority Leader Scott L. Fitzgerald, Testin confirmed the Safer at Home order was lifted effective immediately.

Testin urged businesses to follow guidelines previously released by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, which includes a detailed list of “best practices” and a safety guide for various industries.

“The Majority Leader is actually encouraged the WEDC to expand that,” Testin said. “As far as any type of action moving forward, those conversations will be coming, regarding K-12, universities, and what happens if there are flare-ups (or COVID-19).”

In the 4-3 ruling, on May 13, the Justices found that Emergency Order #28 issued by Palm was “unlawful, invalid and unenforceable.”