Falk Says No To Mining Bill, GOP Responds

Former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk spoke with University of Wisconsin - Madison students this week about the proposed Assembly mining bill.  The state's GOP on Wednesday said her comments show a lack of concern for job creation.

In speaking at UW-Madison, the Badger Herald reports that Falk, who has expressed interest in running against Gov. Scott Walker in a gubernatorial recall election, said current state mining regulations should not be changed, as weakening Wisconsin laws could hurt the state's ability to have thoughtful and fair discussions about mining applications.

Republican Party of Wisconsin Communications Director Ben Sparks said Falk's stance on the mining legislation is not surprising.

"Falk's opposition is completely in line with her long track record of liberal activism, which includes a distinguished career suing job creators as a government lawyer, and raising property taxes to satisfy her union allies as Dane County Executive," Sparks said. "This initiative has received bipartisan support from Northwoods residents, including counties such as Iron, which has a whopping 9.9 percent unemployment rate. In addition to creating over 3,000 construction jobs, including an additional 2,800 to 5,600 long term mining jobs, the legislation is estimated to have a $2 billion economic impact on the local economy.

Sparks also said that Falk's stance shows a lack of being in touch with northern residents of the state.