(WPR, AP)---Members of the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee listened to questions on an array of issues, including workforce diversity and environmental impact, during a hearing in Sturtevant on Tuesday as lawmakers consider a deal with electronics giant Foxconn.
At issue was Gov. Scott Walker's plan to provide nearly $3 billion in incentives designed to lure a Foxconn plant to southeastern Wisconsin. The factory could employ up to 13,000 people.
Among those who spoke before the committee were Walker administration officials and local environmentalists, among others, who raised questions about aspects of the agreement.
For one, legislators are being urged to make sure any Foxconn plant that is built in Wisconsin has a diverse workforce.
Alfonso Gardner, who is African-American and lives in Racine County, said at the hearing that the state's plan says nothing about requiring a diverse workforce.
"And you want my tax dollars to go to something when I don't see nothing in here that includes me, people that looks like me," he said.
Gardner said Foxconn should have a workforce goal of 25 percent minorities and women both during plant construction and operation.
Democratic state Sen. Lena Taylor of Milwaukee said she may propose a diversity amendment to the Foxconn bill before it comes up for a Senate vote next month.
Environmental Groups Raise Concerns About Wetlands Impact
Environmental groups are also urging state lawmakers to change the proposed Foxconn package.
Amber Meyer Smith, of Clean Wisconsin, said one of her group's concerns is that wetlands normally regulated by the state wouldn't be protected if Foxconn wants to disturb them.
"They will not be covered by the federal government. They can be filled without a permit, et.al., without any of the reviews that lead to alternatives or better solutions for wetland filling," she said.
Walker said that under the deal he's proposing, two acres of wetlands would have to be created for every one acre that Foxconn would use.
However, Smith said it isn't clear that the new wetlands would be near the one that's destroyed.
Democratic Legislators Also Raised Concerns
Democrats raised several concerns during the public hearing.
State Rep. Katrina Shankland, of Stevens Point, asked Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark Hogan whether Wisconsin would be able to get back the tax money if Foxconn failed to live up to its promises to create up to 13,000 jobs.
Hogan told the JFC during the hearing that the legislation is vital to bringing Foxconn to the state. He added that Foxconn won't get any tax credits unless the company meets performance standards in a contract with WEDC.
The bill would provide Foxconn with up to $3 billion in tax breaks and exempt the company from environmental regulations. The company has said the plant could employ up to 13,000 workers.
During the hearing, Walker's top aide said he believes nearly all of the employees at the plant would be Wisconsin residents.
Democrats on the JFC asked state Department of Administration Secretary Scott Nietzel about the likelihood of Foxconn delivering on its promise to employ up to 13,000 jobs.
Neitzel said Foxconn will eventually employ 13,000 people and that other companies around the state will also benefit from the manufacturing plant.
The state Assembly passed the bill last week. The state Senate must pass it in identical form before it can go to Walker for his signature.
Foxconn announced three weeks ago it plans to build the first liquid crystal display panel factory outside of Asia in Wisconsin.
Editor's Note: This story was last updated at 9:36 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017.
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