The stakes have been raised in Madison as the working people of Wisconsin continue to fight back against Governor Walker’s attack on workers’ right to organize.
On Saturday, Voces Action brought another delegation of around 250 student and community members to participate with nearly 100,000 people who braved freezing temperatures and snow in the largest demonstration to date of two weeks of daily mass, peaceful protests.
On Sunday, police were ordered to remove all demonstrators from the building at 4pm for cleaning. Over the past two weeks, there has been a continued occupation inside the state capitol building of thousands of dedicated supporters consisting of everyone from students to labor leaders to police and firefighters- many who had been sleeping in the capitol.
Hundreds of occupiers held their ground upon police arrival on Sunday, day 14, with the intention of a peaceful civil disobedience. Instead, police announced that they would not forcibly remove the protesters, resulting in those inside staying for another night.
On Tuesday, the governor is set to give his state budget address. Organizers are calling for others to join another action at the capitol tonight to resist being evacuated.
“What happened on Sunday in Madison is a true measure of the strength of a collective resistance and solidarity to Governor Walker’s clear violations of our civil rights,“ says Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Director of Voces de la Frontera Action.
In addition to the attack on labor rights, the bill aims to cut Badger Care, health care for low-income families, for pregnant women who are not US citizens and children and adults who are lawful permanent residents.
Voces de la Frontera Action will continue to mobilize in response to these events. Please help us to sustain the fight and make the workers’ movement broader and stronger! Donate safely here
Or you can mail a check to Voces de la Frontera Action, 1027 S. 5th St. in Milwaukee. Donations are not tax-deductible, which makes them even more powerful for us. Many thanks!
Background links:
Governor Scott Walker admits that he had considered planting “troublemakers” amongst peaceful protesters: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/23/scott-walker-buffalo-beast-phone-prank_n_827058.html
Madison police angered by Walker’s comments: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_40c3dfbe-402c-11e0-8c68-001cc4c002e0.html
Wisconsin Troopers Association regrets endorsing Walker: http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2011/02/20/wisconsin-troopers-association-regrets-endorsing-walker-for-governor/
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