Not only are state Democrats upset that Republicans will hold just a single hearing on the mine-permitting bill, they’re also questioning why the meeting will be held this week in Madison instead of in northern Wisconsin, where any decisions on the bill would have the most impact. According to the La Crosse Tribune, Charlie Bellin, spokesperson for State Rep. Mary Williams, R-Medford, said previous hearings were already held in northern Wisconsin on the issue itself, so a decision was made to keep the meeting in Madison rather than take the committee on the road.
It is expected that Republicans will refer the bill on to the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy and Mining, which is chaired by Williams.
