"Jobs Creation Act of 2003" Is Anything But

Contact: Bill Pielsticker, 608.592.4718, billpiel@merr.com 

Anne Sayers, 608.850.4585, anne@conservationvoters.org

Waunakee, WI – In a display of apparent urgency, legislative leaders today introduced a major bill purportedly aimed at creating jobs in Wisconsin.  Considering the controversial nature of some of its provisions, it is surprising that they also announced plans to hold a hearing Wednesday, and to pass the bill in both chambers by Friday. 

At a press conference today in the state's Capital, representatives of hunting and angling interests, conservation groups, and environmentalists pointed out a series of problems with the proposed legislation. Chief among these are a long list of "minor" exemptions to DNR permitting for depositing fill in lakes and streams, moving whole sections of streams and even placing new bridges over navigable waters without DNR review for possible adverse impact on public waters. 

In another section of the bill, new limits are proposed on the regulations agencies like the DNR must issue to protect air and water quality for the citizens of Wisconsin.  At the press conference, Bill Pielsticker, board member and political chair for the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, delivered the following statement:

"This bill is less about creating jobs than about pursuing a radical right-wing agenda. Contrary to the premise of this bill, regulation is not stifling Wisconsin businesses.  Prior to the recent recession, Wisconsin was showing how states could have both good economic growth and good environmental protection.  Now, in the midst of a slow but steady national recovery, we are told our state's problems are the very regulations that make it attractive to live, work, and recreate in. 

"This bill not only undermines environmental protections critical to clean air and clean water.  It also seeks to prevent new regulations by subjecting them to a strict cost-benefit test.  The problem with this approach is illustrated by the press release from Senator Panzer and Speaker Gard (Nov. 11) claiming the proposed mercury rules have 'high costs and little benefit.'  "The mere fact that the benefits of lower mercury exposure, reduced damage to children's mental and physical development, and fewer learning disabilities is difficult to quantify does not mean these are of little benefit.  If this is the leadership's concept of cost benefit analysis, we should drive a stake through its heart right here, right now." 

The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters urges lawmakers to sit down with us and help develop legislation that will truly add jobs to the state without directly or indirectly undermining our environmental and natural resource protections.  In the meantime, we urge all lawmakers to see this bill for what it is, and kill it.

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters

Post Office Box 455, Waunakee, Wisconsin 53597-0455 · Tel. (608) 850-4585 · Fax (608) 850-4588

info@wlcv.org · www.conservationvoters.org