Approximately 200 people voiced their opinions about the contentious mining bill, which would ease the permitting process for mining companies in the state, at a hearing in northern Wisconsin Saturday, the Wisconsin State Journal reported Feb. 10.
Citizens, tribal leaders and politicians from northern Wisconsin spoke for and against the bill, balancing promised economic benefits with potential negative environmental harm.
The bill drew criticism from concerned citizens and politicians at the hearing, who said it will allow dangerous environmental pollution to reach Native American land and local waterways.
But Frank Costka, a northern Wisconsin citizen and head of the Ashland County Republican Party, supported the bill and the mine it would help create, saying it would cause an economic boost and create jobs, according to the State Journal.
“Tourism doesn't pay a living wage,” Costka said, according to the State Journal.
State Sen. Tim Cullen, D-Janesville, organized the hearing to get northern input on the bill. Ten Democrats and one Republican, state Sen. Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, attended the hearing.
UPDATE: The original version of this story identified Frank Costka only as a "northern Wisconsin citizen." He is also the head of the Ashland County Republican Party. We regret the error.
