State Senate passes mining bill, which now heads to Assembly

MADISON (WITI) -- The Wisconsin State Senate worked into the evening to pass Senate Bill (SB) 1, also known as the Mining for Jobs Bill, on Wednesday.  The bill was passed by a vote of 17-16 after 8 plus hours of debate in the Senate Chamber of the Wisconsin State Capitol.

State Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) joined with the majority of his colleagues to pass a bill that is expected to attract a $1.5 billion investment in Wisconsin.  Such investment could potentially create 2,000 construction jobs, 700 full-time mining jobs, and more than 2,100 additional jobs to support the mine.  It is also expected to create countless manufacturing jobs in southeastern Wisconsin.

Senator Farrow released the following statement upon the adjournment of the Senate Session:

“Wisconsin needs jobs and this bill provides the opportunity to create generational jobs for thousands in Wisconsin’s workforce.  Providing a balance between environmental priorities and economic prosperity is what we should always strive for, and it is what we achieved today.  An opportunity like this doesn’t come along all that often, but when it does, our leaders need the foresight to put Wisconsin in a position for long-term growth. 

I had the privilege to vote in favor of the Mining Bill in the Assembly last session and I am equally honored to lend my support here in the Senate and proud to be the deciding vote on passage.  This bill is the product of exceptionally hard work by a number of individuals, but I want to thank and congratulate my friend and colleague Senator Tom Tiffany on a job well done and for being a driving force behind this true jobs bill.”

The Mining for Jobs Bill now heads to the Wisconsin State Assembly for final consideration, where it is expected to pass with overwhelming support.