State Sen. Melissa Agard, Senate Democratic Leader
Press Release

Rep. Sargent’s Statement on Second Request for Public Review of Foxconn Contract, WEDC Board’s Two-Day Review

There’s no excuse for the lack of transparency or accountability with this much on the line for Wisconsin taxpayers.

MADISON – Late last week, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Mark Hogan announced the WEDC board would have the opportunity to review the contract between Wisconsin and Foxconn before voting on it. Hogan released the contract yesterday afternoon, less than two full days before the WEDC board is expected to vote on it this Wednesday. Today, State Representative Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) sent a letter to Secretary Hogan demanding once again that the Foxconn contract be available for public review prior to its approval, and released the following statement:

“You’re telling me that giving twelve people—most of whom aren’t answerable to Wisconsin voters, by the way—two days to review a billion-dollar contract just in time to vote on and approve it behind closed doors and before the public ever has a chance to see it, that’s the absolute best we can do for taxpayers in Wisconsin? Really?

Whether conservative or liberal, urban or rural, pro-Foxconn or anti-Foxconn, the one thing people across Wisconsin can all agree on is that this process absolutely stinks, and it has from the beginning. It’s secretive, it’s unscrupulous, and it’s disingenuous. And most importantly, it’s a disservice to the people of our state who are supposed to be able to trust us to be good, prudent stewards of their tax dollars.

There’s no excuse for the lack of transparency or accountability with this much on the line for Wisconsin taxpayers. Secretary Hogan should not only allow the public to review the Foxconn contract but should delay the WEDC board vote to provide ample time for the people of Wisconsin to give the contract thoughtful consideration and thorough review.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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