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State leaders comment on report of GM plant closing

Associated Press  —  10/11/2008 8:10 pm

Comments from Wisconsin political leaders amid reports that General Motors is planning to close its Janesville operations:

Gov. Jim Doyle: "On June 3rd, General Motors announced they were closing the Janesville plant because soaring gas prices deflated demand for the sport utility vehicles produced there. Since that time, we joined forces with the local union, businesses, community leaders and our Congressional Delegation to convince General Motors to rethink their decision and continue production at the Janesville plant.

"We worked together and delivered a package that General Motors is still seriously considering. We are still hopeful that in the midst of the current financial crisis, we can convince General Motors that Janesville is ideally suited for a new product line. I have received assurances from General Motors that any announcement is not a response to the incentive package we delivered to them last month and that they will continue to consider our package.

"I will continue to fight for the General Motors' workers and provide the resources necessary to help the Janesville community as the Department of Workforce Development and the Department of Commerce continue their work to provide services and assistance to the workers and their families.

"It is my understanding that General Motors has a policy to first talk to their workers before publicly announcing news regarding plant closings."

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Middleton: "While the news today is disappointing, I will continue to work with Governor Doyle, Representative Ryan, the Congressional delegation, and local leaders to support the strong incentive package that the hard-working employees of GM Janesville, the local community, and the state presented to GM last month. I know GM was impressed with the work of the Janesville GM Retention Task Force in crafting the package and is currently reviewing the Janesville proposal. I will continue to do all I can to help the people of Janesville through this difficult transition."

U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison: "I have been briefed about an announcement GM is expected to make on Monday after meeting with employees at the Janesville plant. While I cannot comment on the specifics prior to Monday, I can say that this announcement of a specific date on which production on the current lines of vehicles will cease is a setback for the Janesville GM workers, their families and the entire Rock County community. The loss of these jobs will compound the financial strain that families are already facing.

"While I am mindful of the challenges that GM faces, I remain hopeful that they will continue to work with us and ultimately accept the very strong package of incentives offered to them to remain in Janesville producing new product lines. This package, coupled with the recent assistance package approved by Congress will permit GM to retool domestic plants to keep these important jobs here at home."

Associated Press  —  10/11/2008 8:10 pm