Occupy Columbia is returning to the SC Statehouse in Columbia today at 5 pm. Temporary rules put in place by the Governor expired yesterday and the legislature hasn't yet approved the law prohibiting camping on the Statehouse grounds. A hearing was held on the legislation this afternoon which was attended by the Occupiers. The legislation has passed the Senate however and action is expected in the house shortly, so the reoccupation may be short. Occupiers hope to use the opportunity to point out the many important issues the legislature has not acted upon.
Update- Occupation likely to continue at least until Tuesday, from Occupy Columbia on Facebook
Hi All,
We'll likely have through the weekend to Re-Occupy the State House (unless there are some legislative maneuvers we haven't anticipated).
We should create a schedule for keeping the Occupation going. We have enough for this evening, but it would be great if everyone could spend time each day (and night) for however long we can last before legislation is passed banning protests such as ours from the grounds.
Start thinking about how many hours you can pitch in; we'll create a schedule that will allow people to sign up sometime tomorrow.
-- Tim
Here is the announcement from the Occupiers, just recieved by email
Hi All,
Since the "Emergency" regulations have expired and the Legislature has yet to pass a law barring our form of protest, we will re-Occupy the State House this afternoon. This is a call for everyone to return and re-connect.
Join us at the Gervais Street (north) side of the State House to let our politicians know that we're still watching them and that we expect them to make policy that helps ALL South Carolinians.
-- Tim