Senator rejects mining compromise

Associated Press

Updated: Feb 29, 2012 4:11 PM

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state senator who holds the key swing vote on a bill that would overhaul Wisconsin's iron mine permitting process has rejected a compromise measure from his fellow Republicans.

Assembly Republicans have passed a bill overhauling the process in January to help jumpstart a northwestern Wisconsin iron mine. The measure has stalled in the Senate, though. Republicans hold only a one-vote majority and Sen. Dale Schultz, a Richland Center Republican, says he won't vote for the bill.

Assembly Republicans offered Schultz more than a dozen changes to the original legislation on Wednesday. But Schultz called a press conference to say he can't support them either.

It's unclear whether the mining proposal is dead. The legislative session ends in mid-March, but Schultz said he's still willing to talk with Assembly Republicans.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.