Budget lifts ban on foreign ownership of land
MADISON—Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposal would lift a longtime ban on foreign ownership of large tracts of land in Wisconsin.
The 1887 law bars foreigners from owning more than 640 acres in the state. Some Republican legislators are among opponents of the change.
Rep. Lee Nerison, of Westby, tells the State Journal, the ban should be kept in place and the issue should be debated on its own merits, rather than in the state budget.
Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie says the law needs to be changed because it conflicts with the General Agreement on Trade in Services treaty. It was enacted by World Trade Organization members in 1995 to stabilize international service trading.
The federal Farm Service Agency says about 118,000 acres of privately-owned land in Wisconsin is held by foreign interests.
Mar 1, 2013 at 4:56 a.m.
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I think the Repubs are reaching on this one. Their excuse for this one is that we are just getting around to complying with a World Trade Organization treaty that was agreed upon nearly 20 years ago? Why is it slipped into a budget bill? Something smells very fishy Walker.
Mar 1, 2013 at 2:29 a.m.
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You asked for it I am pro Walker and no it is not good for Wisconsin but did you read the article? This is in compliance with the WTO. It had to be done by federal law, I guess that maybe you on the left should agree we do not have to abide by Obamacare either. I wish he did not have to abide by this. My guess is he wishes the same. The states should have the right to decide what is best for them. Unfortunately this is not the way our government is now being run. Originally the states had power over the fed now the fed says do this or we wont give you cash.
Mar 1, 2013 at 1:09 a.m.
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I want the pro Walker people here to chime in and tell us all how this is GOOD for Wisconsin and be specific please .
Mar 1, 2013 at 1:07 a.m.
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Really Scotty your gonna lift a ban thats been there since 1887 ? you THINK you know more then any of the other lawmakers since 1887 ? that it quite the ego you have .
Feb 28, 2013 at 7:43 p.m.
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Isn't Walker going to China in April to build ties between Wisconsin and Chinese investors?
Feb 28, 2013 at 5:03 p.m.
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Bad idea Walker
Feb 28, 2013 at 4:54 p.m.
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...one of the first buyers will probably be China. That way they could build a plant and not have to worry about shipping costs.
Feb 28, 2013 at 2:54 p.m.
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Will we have to pay the lottery tax credit in dollars or Yuan...Euro...Peso...
Feb 28, 2013 at 2:46 p.m.
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Other than complain, what have you ever done carlitosway?
Feb 28, 2013 at 1:38 p.m.
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And justsaying when was that twice vote Please share link or proof as I have voted in every election and did not see that on my ballot as I would never allow that idiot such dictation
Feb 28, 2013 at 12:15 p.m.
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Fall in line with WTO guide lines but Ignore Federal Laws. Hey China want to buy an iron mine?
Feb 28, 2013 at 12:12 p.m.
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Let's hope the rest of the elected officials have enough common sense to strike that part out of the budget and not just pass it by party line voting.
Feb 28, 2013 at 11:45 a.m.
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For Sale - 1 state - slightly used. Includes poor leadership, $3 billion debt and poisonous iron mine. Make an offer.
Feb 28, 2013 at 9:47 a.m.
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carlitosway - TWICE!
Feb 28, 2013 at 9:46 a.m.
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carlitosway - The people did vote on it, and they voted to let Scott Walker make the decisions.
Feb 28, 2013 at 9:44 a.m.
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the people did have a vote, they voted for Gov. Walker. Glad to see you're over it. :)
Feb 28, 2013 at 8:30 a.m.
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Instead of the dictator making all the laws in this state. do the right thing and let the PEOPLE note on it.Walker is nothing but a loser and he is doing everything to destroy this State. The people should have had a vote on the Mine as they are the ones going to pay in the long run, a few temporary Jobs and permanent damage to land and lakes...
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