Historic Reforms Herald New Era of Job Creation
MADISON – The state’s Chamber of Commerce and largest business association Wednesday praised the Wisconsin Senate for approving historic iron mining reforms that will herald a new era of job creation statewide.
“The Senators who supported this legislation are pioneers for job creation throughout our state,” said Scott Manley, WMC vice president of government relations. “They stood up to the anti-mining special interests, and sent a message to the world that Wisconsin is open for business.”
On Wednesday, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1, a comprehensive iron mining reform bill. The bill passed 17-16. The iron mining reform legislation heads to the Assembly where it is expected to pass by a wide margin. The bill passed the Assembly last session but failed in the Senate.
“We urge the Assembly to quickly pass these reforms so Governor Walker can sign them into law,” Manley said. Governor Scott Walker has called for passage of the iron mining reforms intended to streamline the development of iron mines in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin is home to one of the largest remaining iron ore deposits in North America. Roughly two billion tons of iron ore are located on privately-owned property in Ashland and Iron Counties – enough to sustain more than one-hundred years of mining. At $1.5 billion, it would be one of the largest private developments in state history.
A proposed iron mine in Iron County is expected to create 2,000 construction jobs as the mine is being constructed, and would employ 700 workers, and foster the creation of 2,100 jobs to support the mine. Mine employees would earn $60,000 annually, with more than $20,000 in benefits, far more than the average income in northern Wisconsin, Manley said.
WMC’s polling has found consistent and overwhelming voter support for iron mining, Manley said.
“Our families understand that this is about jobs,” Manley said. “We will see high-wage job creation ripple through the state with the much-needed return of iron mining.”
Related Material:
Voters overwhelmingly support iron mining reform
Iron Mining Will Not Harm Environment, WMC Backgrounder
For Further Information Contact:
Scott Manley, (608) 258-3400
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