UPDATE: Senate, Assembly committees approve mining bill - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

MADISON (WKOW) -- The GOP's version of a mining bill is moving forward.

Both the Senate and Assembly mining committees approved the bill Wednesday.  The legislation now goes to the Joint Finance Committee, the last stop before it heads to the full Senate and Assembly.

The bill would make it easier to open an iron ore mine near Lake Superior.

Republicans insist the bill will help create hundreds if not thousands of jobs. Democrats counter the legislation is moving too quickly, relaxes environmental protections and won't create the jobs Republicans say it will.

Republicans made a number of revisions to the bill Wednesday they say address critics' concerns.

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MADISON (WKOW) -- Senate and Assembly committees will vote on the latest version of a bill designed to pave the way for a new iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin.

Republican lawmakers and Governor Scott Walker are hoping to act quickly on the bill, which they say will lead to the creation of hundreds of jobs near Lake Superior. The bill would also improve the state's regulatory process, according to Republicans.

Republicans unveiled changes Monday to appease Democrats, but some Democrats say the changes don't go far enough to protect the environment.

The Senate and Assembly mining committees are both meeting Wednesday morning.