Speaker Vos Creates New Committee on International Affairs & Commerce

On Nov. 3, Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) announced he is creating a standing committee for cultivating and strengthening international relationships in order to attract foreign investments in Wisconsin. In addition to encouraging foreign investments, the new Assembly Committee on International Affairs and Commerce will develop incentives promoting international trade, communication, and tourism.

Last year, Wisconsin exported products (most notably industrial machinery) valued up to $21 billion, with $6.5 million going to Canada and $3 million going to Mexico, according to Speaker Vos’s press release. The goal of the committee is to boost this international success among Wisconsin farmers and companies. Many other states, including Michigan and Illinois, have an equivalent committee, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Rep. David Steffen (R-Green Bay) will chair the committee. Other committee members have yet to be announced.