"Over the next few weeks were going to find a way to save the jobs at Kimberly Clark, we don't have a deal to announce yet but were cautiously optimistic we're heading in the right direction and that's just critically important, more important to me than any of the other things that are pending in state government through the end of the year."

The Republican governor said Tuesday that saving the facility is his top priority before he leaves office and that he hopes he can announce a plan in a few days. Walker is working with the state's economic development agency on a proposal that may not need legislative approval.

Walker wanted the state Senate to vote on the bill during its lame-duck session last week. But Republicans who control the Senate couldn't get enough votes.