CONTROL-ALT-DELETE
WISCONSIN DESERVES BETTER
THAN AI DATA CENTERS
AI data centers are a bad deal for Wisconsin. Companies that build them bring few good permanent jobs and don’t invest locally. Even worse, data centers’ unprecedented energy needs spike utility costs for locals; pollute the air, soil, and water; and drain state resources with huge corporate tax breaks — $2 billion so far. Politicians are meeting in secret to take money from working people and give it to some of the richest corporations in the world in exchange for massive facilities that might be empty in a decade. Wisconsinites can’t afford another Foxconn, and it can’t afford a governor who will allow this to continue.
That’s why Fran proposed CONTROL-ALT-DELETE, which would pause AI data center construction until we know the true costs to our state. If communities decide to allow data center construction, those data centers won’t be built with public money — and we’ll make sure they pay their fair share in taxes. We’ll invest that money in building clean, publicly owned energy, driving down costs and increasing reliability for communities across our state.
Our plan will increase decision-making power at the local level, stop wasteful handouts that only benefit billion-dollar companies, and secure affordable energy for the future. Alongside her LABOR SHIFT and FIREWALL packages, CONTROL-ALT-DELETE means Fran is the only candidate in Wisconsin taking AI seriously.
Pause AI data center construction
ENACT A MORATORIUM ON DATA CENTERS
The current rush to build so many AI data centers too quickly is irresponsible. We’re still learning what happens when AI data centers are constructed, like their effects on climate, pollution, temperature, and noise. And Trump’s war in Iran and its consequences for the energy sector, plus questions of financial solvency in the AI industry, mean there’s no guarantee data centers constructed today will still be used in a few years — even though Wisconsin would still be on the hook for their costs. We’re being rushed by huge corporations that want nothing more than to cash in on the AI investor craze, and they don’t care what happens to Wisconsin if they make a profit. Fran is the only candidate in this racewho’s calling for a data center moratorium, pausing data center construction until we have a full record of their environmental and energy risks and how to mitigate them, because she knows we need to understand what we’re signing up for before we commit ourselves to it.
No AI Data Center Tax Breaks
END Corporate Handouts with No Return on Investment
Current tax exemptions for data centers are rapidly outpacing their estimated costs. Similar policies across the country have been shown to be a massive drain on state budgets and, in the last state budget, Republicans committed to giving away nearly $2 billion to AI data centers. Fran believes any tax breaks for any business must come with an enforceable guarantee that companies will invest in the state and our workforce.
STOP WASTEFUL SPENDING BEFORE IT STARTS
Unfortunately, Wisconsinites know the feeling of wasting money on promises from a big tech company. Foxconn took tens of millions in Wisconsin taxpayer dollars but failed to live up to their business development commitments. Fran will make sure we don’t fall for more empty promises by building a lean, efficient, and publicly accountable economic development agency with the ability to establish and enforce rigorous standards for Wisconsin’s investments.
Clean, Affordable, Transparent Energy
NO DIRTY ENERGY FOR AI
AI data centers are extremely environmentally dangerous when they’re powered by dirty energy. Even when governments bend over backward for them, AI data centers still break the rules: Elon Musk’s AI company is being sued for using illegal methane gas turbines to meet energy demand for his AI data centers. Fran won’t let that happen here. If a community decides it wants to proceed with data center construction, it needs to be powered by clean energy.
Cap Utility COSTS to MAKE LIFE AFFORDABLE
The cost of living continues to rise as many people already struggle to afford basic necessities. Fran is ready to take action to provide relief whenever possible. That’s why she co-authored a bill that would cap utility rates at 2% of household income for energy-burdened families. By prioritizing energy affordability, this plan will bring down costs and ensure Wisconsinites don’t have to fight inflated prices just to keep their lights on and their homes warm.
Hold Massive Corporate Energy Consumers Accountable
Communities deserve to know who is using taxpayer funded infrastructure. CONTROL-ALT-DELETE requires energy, water, and electric utilities to report consumption and provide a clear picture of who demands the most from our grids. This oversight is a crucial component of preventing excessive strain on our energy grid and ensuring regular citizen ratepayers don’t cover the bill for corporations.
Reinvest in Wisconsin With Public Utilities
EXPAND PUBLIC UTILITIES
Fran believes in putting people over profits. One major way to get it done is expanding public utilities. Privately owned utility companies routinely hike rates and cut service to vulnerable people in pursuit of maximum profits. Public utilities, which currently provide 11% of Wisconsin’s energy, are a democratically controlled alternative. Allowing local municipalities to govern their own utilities would ensure major decisions about energy supply remain in the hands of the people.
CUT UTILITY COSTS
Privately owned utility companies provide worse service for higher cost than public utilities. We Energies customers in Milwaukee routinely pay 30-40% more per kilowatt hour than customers on Wisconsin state public utilities. A 40% rate reduction would drop the average Milwaukee resident’s bill from $500 to $300 per month. That’s $2,400 per ratepayer per year fueling the local economy instead of inflating already sky-high corporate profits.
INVEST DATA CENTER REVENUE IN WISCONSIN’S FUTURE
AI data centers draw massive amounts of energy, putting strain on existing infrastructure. Under Fran’s plan, tax revenue on companies that demand the most from our systems would be directed to a Revolving Energy Infrastructure Fund. This model would prioritize decarbonization and cost reduction as well as regional industry support and employment to make sure we improve communities, the economy, and the environment all at once.
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Get email updates from Fran and the campaign team.
By submitting this form, you consent to receive donation asks, voter contact, and informational emails from Francesca Hong. Email frequency varies. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email. Privacy Policy & Terms.