No more protesters allowed in Wis. Capitol
MADISON, Wis. — Police at the Wisconsin Capitol blocked protesters and others from entering the building until conflicts with demonstrators inside are resolved.
About 150 protesters stood outside the King Street entrance Monday morning, waiting for police to open the doors. Inside, police set up a security check area while protesters inside sang, "We Shall Not Be Moved."
State Department of Administration officials said some protesters who refused to leave Sunday night have ignored orders to remain on the ground floor of the Capitol. Until those protesters comply, no other demonstrators will be allowed into the building.
A group of protesters who set up a "Family Center" on the first floor have refused to move, saying only that they are attempting to work out a deal with police.
Harriet Rowan, one of the protest organizers, said the move is an attempt to "pit officers against the protesters."
Meanwhile, constituents are finding it difficult to visit their representatives during office hours.
Rep. Kelda Helen-Roys, D-Madison, tried to enter the building with several constituents, but was told the constituents would have to find a different entrance for the general public. Helen-Roys was also denied access when she refused to show her state ID.
"I just don't feel they have any legal authority to keep me out of that building, whether I have an ID or not," Helen-Roys said. "I don't think there's anything that makes me more special than the rest of the public to come in on a Monday morning. It's the posted hours of the building."
Assembly Minority Leader Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, condemned the move in a statement.
"There are a number of scheduled meetings in the building today and the public has a right to attend them and visit their legislators," Barca said. "This silencing of public input is an unacceptable and disturbing trend during these budget debates."
Officials said that once they resolve the issues with protesters inside, others will be allowed access to the building. They've also said crowd sizes may be adjusted throughout the day to prepare for Republican Gov. Scott Walker's Tuesday afternoon budget address. Walker will unveil his budget to a joint session of the Legislature in the Assembly chambers.
Protesters have spent two weeks protesting Walker's budget repair bill by demonstrating and sleeping in the state Capitol. Walker's bill would strip most public employees of the right to collectively bargain on any issue other than salary. Walker has said his bill is necessary to close a $137 million state shortfall and a $3.6 billion deficit in the next biennium budget.