Mining Bill Hearing Gets Heated
-
If Wednesday’s meeting is any indication, this will be a hotly debated bill once it makes to the floor of the state capitol. Video by nbc26.com
video
MADISON-- Democratic lawmakers voiced frustration at a public hearing on the mining bill as one lawmaker called it a “kangaroo court.”
Rep. Gordon Hintz (D) Oshkosh says the meeting was chaotic at times.
"They are sort of trying to fast track this by limiting testimony to two minutes, limiting the number of questions elected officials can ask on behalf of their constituents, so the process has been miserable quite frankly and not accomplishing a whole lot," Hintz said.
Rep. André Jacque (R) De Pere paints a different picture of the meeting.
"Both chairs have very much tried to keep the hearing under control, unfortunately there is Democrats who are trying to talk over the individuals trying to speak or testify I think that is certainly disappointing,” Jacque said.
The bill would open up mining for iron ore near Lake Superior. Republicans say the law is vital for job creation.
Democrats say while job creation is important, environmental concerns cannot be ignored.
If Wednesday’s meeting is any indication, this will be a hotly debated bill once it makes to the floor of the state capitol.
This was the only scheduled public hearing on this bill.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.