Last month Janet Bewley, a Democrat representing the 74th Assembly district, penned an Op-ed in the Ashland Current titled ” Mining the Divide.” The piece lays out three core principles that Bewley believes should be adhered to as state lawmakers go forward with a review of Wisconsin’s mine permitting process. Given the make-up of the legislature and the lack of opposition to the mine from elected Democrats, it appears the project will likely go forward.
So instead of talking about Mining the Divide, let’s talk about Dividing the Mine. Gogebic Taconite estimates that there is more than 200 billion dollars worth of iron ore in the Penokee Range. That’s quite a nice little chunk of change, and last time I checked Governor Walker was claiming that Wisconsin is broke.
So bargain for 25% of the Penokee mine gross profits, Governor Walker! That would put 50 billion dollars into the state coffers. We can pay for education, Badgercare, Familycare, Seniorcare, we can fix our crumbling roads and bridges, you name it.
I’d like to hear from all of you on this. If the Penokee mine is going to become a reality shouldn’t we get more than just temporary jobs and the inevitable boom and bust economy mining brings? Shouldn’t we get at least 25% of the gross profits?
Recent Comments