Tuesday, February 22, 2011

11-02-22 Wisconsin Capitol Shuts Off Comment Line. Is This Libya or America? // Capitolio de Wisconsin Apaga Comentar línea. Este es Libia o Estados Unidos? // 威斯康星州的国会会自动关闭注释行。这是利比亚还是美国?




Wisconsin Legislature Shuts Down Comment Line After Too Many Complaints


Demonstrators inside the Wisconsin state Capitol, February 16, 2011.

Share

Twitter Fark Reddit Send to a Friend
The protesters amassed outside the state capitol in Madison, WI and their supporters across the country have succeeded in getting state Republicans to back down on at least one front: the toll-free Legislative Hotline that the legislature has kept open 24 hours a day for more than 20 years.
After a flood of calls that legislative staff tell TPM came from "unions and other non-profits," the legislature's Sergeant at Arms ordered the number disconnected Friday, a move that according to sources could save the state quite a bit of money as the protests against Gov. Scott Walker's (R) union-busting budget plan rage.
One union source said he didn't know about the call flooding, but he said that Republicans have another think coming if they believe taking down a phone number will silence the frustrated union supporters with their eyes on Madison this week.
During business hours, the Legislative Hotline is answered by a real person, a longtime staffer in the Sergeant at Arms office told me. Normally, people call to ask who their legislator is and how to contact him or her -- usually so the caller can complain about something the state government's up to.
Read the full story: