MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A bill that aims to keep Kimberly Clark from cutting nearly 600 jobs in Northeast Wisconsin is at a standstill.
The Senate on Tuesday did not consider the up to $115-million dollar package, which has already passed in the Assembly.
Republican Senator Roger Roth says they want to hear from Kimberly Clark before acting.
“We’re pulling this bill back, just to give Kimberly Clark time to go through their process. Let us know if this is something that they would need.”
Roth likens this to another deal that got the green light in the Legislature.
“In the terms, much like Foxconn, it would allow for a payroll tax credit up to 17% of wages that are paid.”
Democratic Senator Dave Hansen says passing the bill would set a dangerous precedent.
“We’ve opened the door, any company that is thinking of leaving now. What are they going to ask for, the same? What is it? 17% or whatever.”
Hansen says he and his Democratic colleagues would’ve preferred going a different route.
“We had a bill for Kimberly Clark that we brought out. The governor heard we were doing it. It is a revolving loan, interest free loan, to try to keep people open, like Appleton Coated.”
Republican leaders say a special session could be called if Kimberly Clark says it approves of the offer.
