MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Latest on Kimberly-Clark incentive bill (all times
local):
Another Republican state senator is raising concerns with a $100 million tax
break bill for paper products giant Kimberly-Clark Corp.
State Sen. Luther Olsen said Wednesday during a public hearing on the measure
that he’s “not convinced that this is the right thing for the state to do.”
The Assembly passed the bill in February but it’s stalled in the
Republican-controlled Senate due to lack of votes. Three other Republicans have
previously publicly opposed the bill.
Olsen peppered Kimberly-Clark vice president John Deitrich with questions about
why the company was looking to close the plant in Fox Crossing to begin with and
why the tax breaks being considered would be enough to change its mind.
Deitrich calls the bill a “game changer” and if passed the Wisconsin plant
would remain open and one in Arkansas would close.
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11:25 a.m.
A Kimberly-Clark Corp. vice president is telling Wisconsin lawmakers that if a
$100 million tax break bill passes, the paper products giant would hire more
than 50 people at its Cold Spring plant and potentially invest up to $500
million over the next 15 years.
John Deitrich tells the state Legislature’s budget committee on Wednesday that
passing the bill would also allow Kimberly-Clark to retain nearly 390 jobs at
the plant. The facility makes adult incontinent products, including Depend
undergarments.
Kimberly-Clark is weighing whether to close the Wisconsin facility or one in
Arkansas.
Deitrich says the Wisconsin plant was targeted for closure because it was among
the company’s higher cost facilities. But the company would keep it over if the
incentive bill passes.
Supporters say that will be a boost to the state’s economy.
10:30 a.m.
A state senator says there’s still not enough support to pass a $100 million
incentive bill designed to keep Kimberly-Clark Corp. from closing a northeast
Wisconsin plant that employs nearly 400 people.
Sen. Roger Roth, of Appleton, tells the Legislature’s budget committee
Wednesday “we’re working to see if we can find those votes, but they’re not there right now.”
Kimberly-Clark is weighing whether to close the Cold Springs plant in Fox
Crossing or one in Arkansas. The company says if the bill passes it would add 52
jobs at the plant and possibly invest up to $500 million in the facility over
the next 15 years.
The Assembly passed the bill in February, but it stalled in the Senate.
Republican Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald says he will call for a vote later
this month if there are enough votes.
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8:27 a.m.
Supporters of a $100 million tax break bill designed to save about 500 jobs and
keep a Kimberly-Clark Corp. plant in northeastern Wisconsin open have what may
be their final chance to make their case.
The Legislature’s budget committee was holding a hearing Wednesday on the
measure, which remains short of the votes needed to win approval.
The Assembly passed the bill earlier this year, but it stalled in the Senate.
At least three Republicans are against it, meaning at least two Democrats would
have to break ranks and vote for the bill.
Democrats have not indicated support, while conservative groups are renewing
their criticism of the plan, calling it a corporate giveaway that’s unnecessary.
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