Mining legislation appears all but dead

[Viking12]

Finally some goods news out of Madtown..

Madison - The marquee job-creation bill of the Republican-controlled Legislature appeared all but dead Wednesday when a key holdout refused to support mining legislation that held out the possibility of work for thousands but could roll back environmental protections.

Republicans who control the statehouse had banked on the mining bill as their signature employment bill this year, but with two weeks remaining in the session, their efforts have faltered amid opposition from Sen. Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) and others.

Schultz said Wednesday he met with Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and top officials with the state Department of Natural Resources in a closed-door meeting Monday, but they could not reach an agreement.

Vos and Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) made Schultz a new, written offer on the legislation just before Schultz held a news conference laying out his bottom line. Schultz told reporters he could not accept the deal from Vos and Darling, who together lead the powerful Joint Finance Committee.

Schultz's support for any mining legislation is crucial because Republicans control the Senate 17-16. Some Democrats have said they support changing mining laws, but it appears unlikely they would sign onto legislation that Schultz opposed.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/mining-legislation-all-but-dead-mb4cs1t-140952083.html

[Scuba]

1. The Republicans won't change their bill, because if they don't gut the environmental protections....

... then the mining operator can't make a profit and won't pursue the mine. Absolving Gobecic of responsibility for damage they do is key to the whole deal.



We all owe a debt of gratitude to Dale Schultz, who put the best interests of the People over his party and their special interest.

[Viking12]

2. Yes, Schultz should be commended for his stance.