Contact: Speaker Robin Vos (608) 266-3387
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Madison…Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) is leading a bipartisan delegation of state Assembly lawmakers to the inaugural International Trade Legislative Conference in Québec City this weekend. The trade summit brings together legislators from the United States, Mexico and Canada and is organized by the National Assembly of Québec in collaboration with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
“With the current negotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and newly imposed tariffs, it’s essential that we’re actively engaged in a dialogue to protect our state’s interests,” said Speaker Vos who is the Vice President of NCSL.
Wisconsin’s strong trade relationship with Mexico and Canada is important to the state economy as 45 percent of Wisconsin exports go to its closest neighbors. In addition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ranks Wisconsin as one of the states that would suffer the most if the U.S. withdraws from NAFTA.
Jacques Chagnon, the President of the National Assembly of Québec, tapped Speaker Vos to lead a panel discussion entitled, “The Role of Legislators in International Trade” on Saturday. Joining Speaker Vos at the conference are several members of the new Assembly Committee on International Affairs and Commerce, including its chair, Representative David Steffen (R-Howard).
“The economic impact of these trade relationships in our state is significant, making it critical that we know and understand the NAFTA negotiations, and that Wisconsin’s trade interests are well represented in these discussions,” said Rep. Steffen.
Rep. Michael Schraa (R-Oshkosh), Rep. Cindi Duchow (R-Town of Delafield), Rep. Gary Tauchen (R-Bonduel), Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison), Rep. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) and Rep. Dave Considine (D-Baraboo) are part of the bipartisan Assembly delegation.
