Labor to Dems: Pass the Mining Bill Now

[Madison, Wisc...] Hundreds of Representatives of several building trade unions gathered at the Wisconsin state Capitol Tuesday in support of efforts to modernize the permitting process for Iron Ore mines in the state.

Their support came in the wake of a pledge by Gogebic Taconite, the operators of a proposed mine in Iron and Ashland counties, who signed agreements to use unionized labor force to construct and operate the mine.

The sudden and strong support of Big Labor for Assembly Bill 426 ratchets up the pressure on Senate Democrats. Until today, they had been unanimous in their opposition to the proposal.

With long-time moderate GOP Senator Dale Schultz opposed to the mining bill, proponents need to pick up at least on Democrat Senator in order for the bill to pass.

Organizers of the rally estimate between four and five hundred laborers flooded Capitol offices at the conclusion of the noontime rally.

They gathered in the rotunda and proceeded in search of one Democrat to vote for a bill supporters say could lead to thousands of jobs both at the mine site, and at manufacturers throughout the state.