Legislators will hear public testimony on AB 426 on Saturday, January 7th in Ashland
ASHLAND – In response to an overwhelming demand for an opportunity to testify on the recently released mining bill in northern Wisconsin, Representative Janet Bewley (D-Ashland) and Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) will hold a public hearing on Saturday January 7th at the Ashland High School Auditorium.
Earlier this week the Assembly Jobs Committee held their only scheduled hearing in Milwaukee. Northern lawmakers, including Representative Nick Milroy (D-South Range) have requested that the Jobs Committee schedule another hearing closer to the proposed mining site. “The people who could be the primary beneficiaries of increased economic activity related to mining, as well as the ones living with the environmental consequences deserve the opportunity to participate in the deliberation of this important bill,” said Bewley. However, Committee Chair Mary Williams has said that she won't respond to "Democratic requests for an additional hearing in the north."
"It is unfortunate that Representative Williams does not understand the purpose of the request. Asking to allow citizens who live in the impacted area to participate in their government should hardly be misconstrued as a partisan request," said Jauch. "The citizens who live in northern Wisconsin have as much right to offer their opinion as those who live in Milwaukee."
"It is indefensible that the only hearing on this bill was held 330 miles away from the part of the state most affected by the bill,” added Bewley. “I was truly saddened to see that citizens spent 15 hours on a bus and were limited to only 3 minutes of testimony. It is so important that we hold a hearing in the north to ensure that every citizen from our area regardless of their position on the bill will get a chance to offer testimony."
The lawmakers are hoping that testimony will focus on the recently introduced mining legislation (AB 426). Testimony will be alternated between opponents and proponents of the bill in the order they arrive. Although it is unlikely Representative Williams will change her mind, Bewley and Jauch have offered her the room if she does and invited all the members of the Assembly Jobs Committee to attend on their own.
“It’s our goal to make this a fair and balanced hearing, giving both supporters and opponents of the legislation a chance to have their thoughts and concerns entered into the public record and then share their thoughts with legislators who may be voting on the bill soon. We strongly encourage the public to attend and share their concerns.”
What: Northern Wisconsin Public Hearing on AB 426 (Mining Bill)
When: Saturday, January 7th
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (or until testimony is finished)
Where: Ashland High School Auditorium