MADISON (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers says it's "unrealistic" to think that Foxconn Technology Group will employ 13,000 people in Wisconsin, given that the size of its planned manufacturing facility has been reduced.
Evers told reporters Wednesday that the state was working with Foxconn to look at revising the original contract given the changes to the project.
He says changes are being looked at because the current contract "deals with a situation that no longer exists."Foxconn has insisted it will employ 13,000 people and invest $10 billion in Wisconsin, even as the project has scaled back in size.
Also, Evers says he doesn't think the company's plans will change because its chairman and CEO Terry Gou says he plans to run for president of Taiwan.
Here is the statement from state Sen. Van Wanggaard:
“Governor Evers appears hell bent to kill thousands of direct and indirect Foxconn jobs throughout Wisconsin.
“First, Governor Evers hoped that his rhetoric would drive Foxconn away. When it recommitted to Wisconsin, he threatened its air permits. After his political appointees at the DNR reaffirmed the air permits, Foxconn recommitted again by buying a building that you can see from Governor Evers’ office. Now Governor Evers is trying to drive Foxconn out of Wisconsin by unilaterally renegotiating the contract between Foxconn and the state.
“The contract is simple. If Foxconn doesn’t perform to its obligations under its contract with the state, Foxconn it doesn’t receive any incentives from the state. If Foxconn underperforms, it leaves incentives on the table.
“What job creator, what person, would come to a state that goes back on its promises? Evers should keep his campaign promises and respect the deal that was made.”
Here is the statement from Speaker Robin Vos:
“Since the election, I have been concerned that Governor Evers would try to undermine the state’s contract with Foxconn. Luckily, WEDC negotiated an ironclad contract with expectations from both sides.
“As Foxconn works to create 13,000 jobs in Wisconsin, I’m open to hearing if any flexibility is needed to achieve that goal, which I hope is the intent of Governor Evers.”
