I don't want to make more of this than it deserves, but word is out that demonstrators are not being allowed in to the Wisconsin Capitol building until overnight protestors comply with requests to remain on the ground floor.
Wisconsin State Journal:
Department of Administration officials say 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.
It's being reported slightly differently in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:
The Capitol is shut down to visitors from the public Monday morning, with only staff and media being allowed inside.
The state Department of Administration tightened rules on access to the statehouse Monday morning after deciding the night before not to force out hundreds of demonstrators who were camped out in the rotunda.
"We are going to let people in in a measured way but we have to get this building cleaned up," Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch said.
We have suspected all along that the Governor will try to turn the top floors of the capitol into a gated community, and this does not help deter that suspicion.
Heading down there at lunch. I'm going to make an offer on Devil's Lake State Park. I need a place to dump my coal ash.Updated by Giles Goat Boy at Mon Feb 28, 2011, 02:11:18 PM
Just got back from the capitol. It's true - nobody is being allowed in. Large group of firefighters may have been allowed to march through then back out, but it was hard to tell. Everyone else is being shut out. Just what we thought would happen. The capitol is now a private club - media, staff, and billionaires only. What a disgrace.
Large group of laborers from IIllinois showed up. many busloads from other unions. Peaceful crowd of about 1,000 near one of the entrances when I left. Short speeches from individuals, chants, thank you's to groups that have donated food and money.
Updated by Giles Goat Boy at Mon Feb 28, 2011, 03:55:48 PM
Apparently the firefighters were never allowed in. From the State Journal :
State Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, caused a ruckus at around noon, when he tried to enter through a side door. He was joined by dozens of firefighters, many of them carrying signs in support of union workers.
Also, reports that Walker is having the windows welded shut to prevent people from passing food and medical supplies to the protestors inside. STAY STRONG AND PEACEFUL, BROTHERS AND SISTERS INSIDE THE CAPITOL. Caps are for yelling, right? I'M YELLING!
Updated by Giles Goat Boy at Mon Feb 28, 2011, 04:54:55 PM
From foggycity in the comments regarding conversation with the fire marshal's office:
UPDATE: Got called back, first floor windows affected only according to the Fire Marshalls office. She said things were not adversarial there, still calm and peaceful. Firedog lake has an update that this is a smaller issue than thought. Said it was a broken latch and not the big deal originally concerned it might become.
I spoke to the very nice lady of my concern that those with medical conditions must be given access, immediate access, to the medical supplies and medications they brought to manage their condition. And that ADA law provides these people with the right to have access to these supplies should they become separated from them for some reason. Reasons such as setting them down in one area and being moved to another area without reasonable efforts being made to allow them to get their medical supplies. Preventing people from getting their supplies is probably a violation of ADA law.
She said she thought she would remind the fire chiefs of this.
Updated by Giles Goat Boy at Mon Feb 28, 2011, 05:09:22 PM
From sandhill crane in the comments:
The AFL-CIO tweeted:
RT @DefendWisconsin: RALLY tonight at 6 in the Capitol -- State St. entrance. We'll hold it inside if possible, otherwise outside
Updated by Giles Goat Boy at Mon Feb 28, 2011, 05:24:48 PM
From marigold in the comments, a tweet from my assembly representative:
xxxxxxxxxxxx RT @xxxxxxxx: "7 lobbyists were just let in as 150 firefighters were denied access. Sad day." - Rep. Kelda Helen Roys #WIunion