Concerns Increase In Wisconsin Over Deal For Foxconn Plant

Concerns are increasing among lawmakers and others in Wisconsin over what incentives the state may offer to become the first U.S. home of Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn.

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Little has been revealed about what tax breaks, subsidies, free land and other financial incentives or promises Republican Gov. Scott Walker and state economic development officials may be extending to seal the deal with Foxconn, the biggest contract assembler of smartphones and other devices for Apple and other brands.

Foxconn has said Wisconsin is competing with Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana and Texas for its first U.S. factory with billions in investments and thousands of new jobs. Foxconn is looking to build the country’s first liquid-crystal display factory and possibly other operations in the U.S. An announcement on Foxconn’s plans could come as soon as this week.

Walker has refused to even confirm that he’s in negotiations with Foxconn, let alone disclose what enticements he’s extending. State lawmakers have said “huge, big numbers” are being discussed, but even they don’t know the details. Michigan recently approved a $200 million annual job-creation tax incentive package to sweeten its offer to Foxconn.