Dozens of demonstrators defied the Washington State Patrol and are spending the night in the rotunda of the State's Capitol. The State Patrol, as directed by Governor Chris Gregoire, are not making arrests to protesters that stay the night, provided they are peaceful.
From the Seattle PI:
"The demonstrators, a mix of members of several community groups and college students, are lobbying lawmakers to end tax breaks on certain industries and services".
The protesters are remnants of a few hundred that rallied earlier in the day over budget cuts.
"They arrived in the afternoon and marched outside the Capitol, set up camp inside, demonstrated at a budget committee hearing and some chanted during a Senate floor voting session, from which the group was ushered out", the PI reports.
According to The Stranger, about 40 people brought sleeping bags. MoveOn coordinator Sandra VanderVen reported that there have been no arrests, but state troopers are not letting their pizzas be delivered!
So I guess it's a sit-in, and a fast.
The Washington Liberals website explains:
"The background to this protest is the passage last November of a regressive and unconstitutional anti-tax initiative, I-1053, which restricts the ability of legislators not only to raise taxes, but also to eliminate the many tax exemptions that riddle Washington State’s tax system."
I-1053 requires a two-thirds majority to raise taxes.
Senate majority Lisa Brown (D-Spokane), explained to the group,
"I support ending tax breaks, but we don't have the votes,"
Sound familiar?
That's all I have for now. I think I'll drive to Olympia later this morning, so I may not be able to update.
UPDATE: Major rally set for Friday. Via Facebook "10,000 at the Capitol", public event:
This is the big one: a major Labor Rally at the Capitol in Olympia. Washington's working families are tired of being blamed and punished for the damage done by Wall Street banks and corporations. Join thousands of public and private-sector workers from all trades as we stand together as one and demand that lawmakers PUT PEOPLE FIRST! We want good jobs, we want our rights, and we want them NOW!
Many unions are organizing buses or ride-sharing to get to this rally. Contact your local union to see if transportation is available.
