MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - The state’s largest business group takes issue with environmentalists who say that most Wisconsinites are against the proposed mining incentive bill.

The Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce released the results of a poll Tuesday, showing that 62 percent of 500 likely voters favored a bill to allow, “the creation of an iron mine and good-paying jobs in Wisconsin.”

The business group has cited thousands of new jobs as a reason for supporting the current Republican package – which sets a timetable for approving state mining permits while changing certain environmental regulations.

The WMC poll said 24 percent opposed the mining bill – a gradual increase from the group’s previous two polls last September and October. The survey has a 4.5 percent error margin either way.

Monday, the League of Conservation Voters – which is against the mining package – put out a competing poll showing that almost two-thirds of 900 randomly-picked residents were against the state’s mining package.

The bill would make it easier for Gogebic Taconite to open a new iron ore mine in Ashland and Iron counties. The state Senate will take up the bill Wednesday.