Representatives of many of the state’s business associations, universities and advocacy groups — as well as some independent speakers — recently weighed in on the Foxconn bill at a public hearing in Madison.

The Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy heard testimony for nearly 10 hours on Thursday evening. Some testified in support of the Foxconn plan, citing long-term economic benefits, while others expressed concerns about environmental impacts and the burden on Wisconsin taxpayers.

Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council:
“If this legislation passes, Wisconsin will no longer be a flyover state. It will be a destination state. What took decades to build in the Silicon Valley and the Research Triangle of North Carolina will be built inside a decade here if Foxconn comes to Wisconsin.”

Gale Klappa, chairman of WEC Energy Group and co-chair of Milwaukee 7:
“The potential impact for manufacturing leadership, economic growth and family-sustaining career opportunities is beyond anything Wisconsin has ever seen.”

The Sierra Club’s John Muir Chapter:
“Removing permit requirements and environmental review will open the door to many avoidable negative environmental outcomes.”

See more at WisBusiness.com. 

See all written testimony here.

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