Hundreds stake out Capitol in Wash. State budget protest

[Generic Other]

OLYMPIA, Wash. —

Hundreds of protesters are staking out space inside Washington state's Capitol building, venting their frustration with proposed budget cuts.

The Washington State Patrol locked doors to the building Monday night, preventing more people from entering. Protesters have vowed to stay in the Capitol, and many have brought sleeping bags to the building's rotunda. Dozens of troopers are in the building, with many standing at entrances.

The protests defined the opening day of a 30-day special session that is to focus on budget cuts. Gov. Chris Gregoire has proposed cuts to fill a $1.4 billion shortfall and wants voters to approve a half-cent sales tax increase to offset some of the reductions.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2016882283_apwaspecialsession9thld.html

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Thousands descended on Washington state's capital today to protest deep budget cuts.

As of 6:47 PM. Occupiers from several cities including Forks, Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Bellingham, Seattle etc...are inside blocking the governor's office defying orders to leave. Others are milling about outside the doors prevented from re-entering the building. They are linking arms inside.

live stream from Olympia.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/occupyolympia

Inside the building link:
http://www.livestream.com/occupyolympia

[Generic Other]

1. CHANTING: Let Us In!

Getting louder and louder.

[uppityperson]

2. k&r. Hear tell Basic Health will be over. That will hurt many people, many

hospitals and clinics will have to eat more costs. People will continue the "get sicker before being seen" thing. And that's only BHP.

Thanks for the post, please let us know how it goes, what happens.

[Huey P. Long]

3. occupy! -eom

[Generic Other]

4. Which Side Are you on? they keep singing

beautiful harmony with the drums.

[Generic Other]

5. People inside being arrested

people outside being tased trying to prevent busses from taking those arrested away.

[Matariki]

6. tased?! link?