WISCONSIN RAPIDS (WAOW)- An industry that has been around for a long time in the Badger State, is now seeing major growth. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle met with those in and around the paper and pulp industry to discuss the future for paper here in Wisconsin.

“I think it's an important industry in our state, it creates wonderful family supporting jobs. We are talking about 35,000 jobs across the state but it also impacts our lives every day”, Katrina Shankland (D) Stevens Point said.

Part of that major step forward includes investing in the paper industry. N-D Paper and Green Bay Packaging have both announced expansions of $150 and $500 million dollars at their facilities. Board members, business leaders and state representatives, discussed issues affecting the paper making industry.

Paper is used in obvious areas such as toilet paper, paper towels etc. But what many people don’t know is paper is used in construction, and even in the medical field. “With all the problems plastic is having right now and paper is being reborn”, says State Representative 72nd assembly Scott Krug.

For many years there has been constant debate, paper versus plastic. Some see paper as an environmental concern. “To make sure the public knows how important paper making is but also what is happening in the industry so they can be proud of what is happening in their state”, Scott Suder the President of Wisconsin Paper Council said.

 With paper being a key industry here in Wisconsin, leaders do not see it going away anytime soon, even in a digital age.