MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - The Majority Leader of the Wisconsin Assembly says he hopes to have mining legislation finished by the end of this year. Abbotsford Republican Scott Suder made the announcement at a morning news conference in Madison. Republicans took the occasion to announce they are moving forward with their efforts to expedite mining operations just south of Lake Superior. Gogebic Taconite wants to mine iron ore in the region. The company says the mine would create thousands of jobs, but it wants assurances there will be an end point in the permit process. An informational hearing will be held in Hurley Thursday.