This Washington
Thousands Rally Against Budget Cuts in Olympia
Josh is down in Olympia, where thousands of protesters are rallying against state budget proposals that close a $5.3 billion shortfall largely by cutting social and human services programs. The protesters want legislators and the governor to eliminate corporate tax loopholes before balancing the budget on the backs of the poorest Washington State residents.
Busloads of union members descended on Olympia today to protest the proposed cuts, the culmination of four days of protests against the budget.
Although today's protest was by far the most heavily attended this week, Josh reports that today's demonstration was more like a progressive celebration than a demonstration, with the usual chants of "The people united will never be divided," bagpipe players, and none of the aggressive standoffs that characterized yesterday's targeted Service Employees International Union demonstration. During that protest, union members amassed outside Gov. Chris Gregoire's office and engaged in a pushing match with state patrol officers, who eventually cleared the hallway and arrested more than 15 demonstrators.
Today, the hallway is clear and Gregoire's office door is closed. The hallway outside is lined with a dozen or so state troopers who have little to do, given the lack of boisterous protesters outside the governor's office.
The state patrol estimated that between 5,000 and 6,000 people showed up to protest today, with about 2,000 of those marching into the Capitol rotunda.
The house is taking up budget amendments now. We'll see if any surprise amendments to take on corporate loopholes are even introduced, much less voted on.
Busloads of union members descended on Olympia today to protest the proposed cuts, the culmination of four days of protests against the budget.
Although today's protest was by far the most heavily attended this week, Josh reports that today's demonstration was more like a progressive celebration than a demonstration, with the usual chants of "The people united will never be divided," bagpipe players, and none of the aggressive standoffs that characterized yesterday's targeted Service Employees International Union demonstration. During that protest, union members amassed outside Gov. Chris Gregoire's office and engaged in a pushing match with state patrol officers, who eventually cleared the hallway and arrested more than 15 demonstrators.
Today, the hallway is clear and Gregoire's office door is closed. The hallway outside is lined with a dozen or so state troopers who have little to do, given the lack of boisterous protesters outside the governor's office.
The state patrol estimated that between 5,000 and 6,000 people showed up to protest today, with about 2,000 of those marching into the Capitol rotunda.
The house is taking up budget amendments now. We'll see if any surprise amendments to take on corporate loopholes are even introduced, much less voted on.
