A lawmaker files open records request for mining contracts. Assembly Democrat Kelda Helen Roys of Madison wants to see Governor Scott Walker’s communications with representatives from the mining industry. “And I think the citizens of Wisconsin deserve to know who is influencing and helping to write these laws.”
Roys submitted an open records request demanding all communications Walker or his staff had with Gogebic Taconite regarding the 183-page Republican mining bill released Thursday. “I was very concerned when they released this huge bill that’s gonna make very significant and potentially long-lasting changes to our state’s environmental regulations to allow for this mine, and I wanted to see what kind of corporate or lobbying influence had gone into the drafting of this bill.”
Roys said she has serious concerns that this bill is being fast-tracked to benefit one company without proper review or adequate consideration of long term consequences. Supporters of the bill say it will streamline the permitting process for new mines and a new mine up north will help to create thousands of good-paying jobs.
The governor’s office had no comment.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report 1:14