With Evers in, Foxconn deal likely to remain in place

With Tony Evers winning election as Wisconsin’s next governor, what will that mean for Foxconn? Many democrats have been critical of the billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies promised to the manufacturer in exchange for the promise of thousands of new jobs. Some have said the state should pull the plug on the deal. That isn’t likely, or perhaps even possible, given the Taiwanese company has a signed contract with the state. Evers has taken a more moderate approach, suggesting he supports the Foxconn deal, but wanting to make sure taxpayers are protected. There are plenty of ways to do that without gutting the deal. The state waived many environmental regulations to allow the plant to be built. The election of Evers could see the state restoring the enforcement of those regulations. And that makes sense. We shouldn’t be willing to let any company pollute our land and water in exchange for the promise of jobs. Evers also should work to make sure all of the promises Foxconn has made are kept. We have already heard reports the plant will be smaller than first promised, with fewer jobs, and that because of Wisconsin’s tight labor market some foreign workers may be brought in. Evers would be wise to make sure the company lives up to its end of the bargain, and protects our environment. That would make it a better deal for Wisconsin taxpayers.