63°UPDATED: After initially being locked out, thousands of protestors allowed inside statehouse
Feb 22
2011
(UPDATED AT 8:40 P.M.) Thousands of union protesters were denied access to the Ohio Statehouse for hours Tuesday as they tried to voice opposition to a bill that would abolish collective bargaining rights for state employees.
As crowds chanted outside, Democrats inside mustered their political and legal resources to fight what they called an undemocratic lockout, which Republican Gov. John Kasich's public safety agency said was a necessary precaution.
The Ohio Democratic Party had joined forces with unions and union-friendly groups across the state over the three-day President's Day weekend to mobilize large crowds of bill opponents. The measure, designed to help plug a hole in the state budget, undoes Ohio's nearly 30-year-old collective bargaining law and imposes other limits on negotiations between police, firefighters, teachers and college and university staffs and their employers. It is supported by Kasich.
Of an estimated 5,200 people who gathered, about 1,000 were initially allowed to enter. They were restricted to two public halls — the Atrium and Rotunda — and the rest of the Statehouse was silent. Democratic lawmakers tried to bring union supporters in as personal guests in groups of a few dozen at a time, but they were blocked.
Democrats threatened legal action at mid-afternoon, and doors were opened by 4 p.m., the scheduled start time of a hearing on the bill before a Senate committee.
"There's people outside in the snow that could be inside," said U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, a Niles Democrat, as he stood in the loosely populated Atrium earlier Tuesday. "There's no reason why Ohio citizens who get on a bus at 4 or 5 in the morning to come to Columbus and protest an issue — for or against — should not be allowed in the Statehouse."
Ohio Department of Public Safety spokesman Joe Andrews said the number allowed in was determined by Ohio State Highway Patrol officials working on site. But no one could say why authority had been turned over to public safety officials. Kasich spokesman Rob Nichols deferred questions to Andrews.
An occupancy permit for the Statehouse that was reviewed by The Associated Press allowed for "5000-plus" to legally be on site within fire code. That number includes hearing rooms that accommodate about 3,200 people, permit figures showed.
Spokesman Gregg Dodd of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, which manages the Statehouse property, said the board controls only public spaces. He couldn't address why empty committee hearing rooms couldn't have been opened for the crowds. Visitors wanting to attend the hearing after doors were closed were directed to an off-site theater, where the meeting was simulcast.
"It's a sad day for the state of Ohio and the people of Ohio when they can't get into the House they own," said House Democratic Leader Armond Budish. "You hear a lot about taxpayers' rights today. And yet, when it comes to taxpayers coming to talk to their elected officials, they're shut out." Budish brandished a thick stack of witness slips that were to be delivered to the Senate to show how many people wanted to testify against the bill.
Kasich, Jones and other supporters of the measure say it could help control spending and provide more flexibility for cash-strapped governments to negotiate with employees. Protest organizers, meanwhile, call the bill misguided, saying it does nothing to create jobs or help the looming $8 billion state budget deficit.
Columbus attorney Don McTigue said his office had contacted the office of Attorney General Mike DeWine on behalf of labor organizations in an effort to gain access for as many protesters as possible, and Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern called on Kasich to instruct the Highway Patrol to allow more people in.
"Ohioans came from all over the state today to make their voices heard," Redfern said in a statement. "To make them stand in the freezing cold and snow today is an unfathomable and unprecedented step."
A spokeswoman for DeWine's office said she could not comment on whether any meeting was held between DeWine and union supporters.
Also Tuesday, a newly formed coalition of police and fire unions urged the Senate to slow down action on the bill, and Senate Democratic Leader Capri Cafaro sent a letter asking the chamber's Republican leaders to schedule more hearings before a vote.
Kasich declined an interview request from the AP. He told CNN: "On the issue of pay and perhaps some other items, I'm not opposed to people being able to talk. Let me just suggest to you that if we do not get a handle on pensions, if we do not get a handle on health care, a lot of these employees could ultimately be left high and dry, and I don't want to see that happen."
He indicated that his state budget proposal to be released on March 15 would include suggested collective bargaining changes.
For more coverage, check out Register reporter Annie Zelm's live blog from today's even in Columbus.
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10:45 AM
brutus smith says
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945; pronounced /ˈroʊzəvəlt/ ROH-zə-vəlt;[1] also known by his initials, FDR) was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war. The only American president elected to more than two terms, he forged a durable coalition that realigned American politics for decades. FDR defeated incumbent Republican Herbert Hoover in November 1932, at the depths of the Great Depression. FDR's combination of optimism and activism contributed to reviving the national spirit.[2] Working closely with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin in leading the Allies against Germany and Japan in World War II, he died just as victory was in sight.
Starting in his "first hundred days" in office, which began March 4, 1933, Roosevelt launched major legislation and a profusion of executive orders that gave form to the New Deal—a complex, interlocking set of programs designed to produce relief (especially government jobs for the unemployed), recovery (of the economy), and reform (through regulation of Wall Street, banks and transportation). The economy improved rapidly from 1933 to 1937, but then went into a deep recession. The bipartisan Conservative Coalition that formed in 1937 prevented hispacking the Supreme Court or passing much new legislation; it abolished many of the relief programs when unemployment practically ended during World War II. Most of the regulations on business were ended about 1975–85, except for the regulation of Wall Street by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which still exists. Along with several smaller programs, major surviving programs include the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which was created in 1933, and Social Security, which Congress passed in 1935.
As World War II loomed after 1938, with the Japanese invasion of China and the aggressions ofNazi Germany, FDR gave strong diplomatic and financial support to China and Britain, while remaining officially neutral. His goal was to make America the "Arsenal of Democracy" which would supply munitions to the Allies. In March 1941, Roosevelt, with Congressional approval, provided Lend-Lease aid to the countries fighting against Nazi Germany with Great Britain. He secured a near-unanimous declaration of war against Japan after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, calling it a "date which will live in infamy". He supervised the mobilization of the US economy to support the Allied war effort. Unemployment dropped to 2%, relief programs largely ended, and the industrial economy grew rapidly to new heights as millions of people moved to new jobs in war centers, and 16 million men (and 300,000 women) were drafted or volunteered for military service.
Roosevelt dominated the American political scene, not only during the twelve years of his presidency, but for decades afterward. He orchestrated the realignment of voters that created the Fifth Party System. FDR's New Deal Coalition united labor unions, big city machines, white ethnics, African Americans and rural white Southerners. Roosevelt's diplomatic impact also resonated on the world stage long after his death, with the United Nations and Bretton Woodsas examples of his administration's wide-ranging impact. Roosevelt is consistently rated by scholars as one of the greatest U.S. Presidents.[3]
09:59 PM
Captain Gutz says
Roosevelt had affairs outside his marriage, including one with Eleanor's social secretary Lucy Mercer which began soon after she was hired in early 1914. In September 1918, Eleanor found letters revealing the affair in Roosevelt's luggage, when he returned from World War I. According to the Roosevelt family, Eleanor offered Franklin a divorce so that he could be with the woman he loved, but Lucy, being Catholic, could not bring herself to marry a divorced man with five children. According to FDR's biographer Jean Edward Smith it is generally accepted that Eleanor indeed offered "to give Franklin his freedom." However, they reconciled after a fashion with the informal mediation of Roosevelt's adviser Louis McHenry Howe, and FDR promised never to see Lucy again. His mother Sara also intervened, and told Franklin that if he divorced his wife, he would bring scandal upon the family, and she "would not give him another dollar." However, Franklin broke his promise. He and Lucy maintained a formal correspondence, and began seeing each other again in 1941—and perhaps earlier. Lucy was even given the code name "Mrs. Johnson" by the Secret Service. Indeed, Lucy was with FDR on the day he died.
Let's see:
Married his cousin, cheated on her, got caught, was browbeaten by his mother, promised not to do it again, did it again anyway. That's a heck of a man!
07:53 PM
brutus smith says
FDR led our country to victory in WWll.
07:51 PM
brutus smith says
FDR came in when the nation was in poverty and rose our nation above poverty.
05:24 PM
Captain Gutz says
Problem? I don't have no stinkin' problem!
FDR had 12 years in office and laid the groundwork for most of the social ills our country is experiencing today. Lincoln had 4 years in office and was responsible for saving the union of states known as the United States of America.
Lincoln, born into poverty, rose above it all.
FDR, born into wealth, thought he was above it all.
There is no comparison.
10:36 AM
brutus smith says
That's part of your problem, the greatest President was FDR.
08:35 AM
Captain Gutz says
Dear iamrevolting,
My Lincoln quote was posted to show that not everything our greatest president believed was proper. Including the quote you posted.
p.s. why are you stalking?
03:23 AM
iamrevolutionary says
Comment was directed @ Capt. No Gutz....
03:22 AM
iamrevolutionary says
And that has to do with THIS conversation.....WHAT?????!!!!!! FOOL!!
07:01 AM
Captain Gutz says
"I will say, then, that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races--that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which will ever forbid the two races living together in terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together, there must be the position of superior and inferior. I am as much as any other man in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race. "
-Abrahm Lincoln
05:32 AM
iamrevolutionary says
Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.
09:46 AM
goofus says
Capt., judging by revolting's rants, he has not a clue on what he is rambling about. I really doubt if he even knows the difference between private and public sector unions.
08:03 AM
Captain Gutz says
@iamrevolting,
Either way it is an easy way out and a lazy move. People use it to bluff others by pretending like there is much more to say, when in reality they can't think of anything to add that is important or useful.
Mostly used by people who desperately want to feel superior, but lack the actual supporting information to be superior in an argument (or even contribute).
When you say "nuff said" you are letting people know that you are not able to have a normal conversation, and cannot accept anything against what you believe.
Call me a fool again.
04:55 AM
iamrevolutionary says
@ Capt. NoGutz YOU, are a FOOL! "ENOUGH SAID!"
Oh, since you obviously don't READ, here is a little something that you can LISTEN TO! CHOKE ON IT!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBnSv3a6Nh4&feature=related
Gov. Walker and psuedo Koch....( that means FAKE)...........Plotting on privatizing the civil servants....WHICH, ironically, Wisconson is the AUTHOR of the laws that provide that anyone doing work for the gov't. MUST be a PUBLIC EMPLOYEE, NOT PRIVATE! Care to guess WHY?? Or DO YOU KNOW???
10:25 PM
Captain Gutz says
The Grapes of Wrath is a novel. You know, fiction. As in, never happened, not real, a story.
09:27 PM
EZOB says
Cancel the SR and subscribe to the Journal.
05:13 AM
iamrevolutionary says
It is a SAD day when our countrymen want us to return to the days of "The Grapes of Wrath!" WHY, oh WHY would the RICHEST country in the world(debatable) want to pay its workers on a level of 3rd world countries?? We scratched and clawed our way UP from that since the '30s!!!! WTH is going ON in this country?! Is it that all that survived the days of "big business rules all" are dead and gone now? NO ONE remembers or learned their history, to know the evil, destitution and poverty that await us if the unions are broken?! PLEASE folks, it is NOT a D vs R fight! It is an US against BIG BUSINESS fight! You ALL stand to lose, whether you are union or NOT! If it were not for unions, the min. wage would still be $2.15/hr.!! WHY? Because WHO would continue to fight for cost of living wages? AND be able to NEGOTIATE those wages? NOT your fast food worker, or your non-union factory worker, or the Walmart worker.... THINK ABOUT IT! DO YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO THE TIMES OF "Grapes of Wrath?"
01:03 AM
Falling Down says
What Kasich said:
Kasich declined an interview request from the AP. He told CNN: "On the issue of pay and perhaps some other items, I'm not opposed to people being able to talk. Let me just suggest to you that if we do not get a handle on pensions, if we do not get a handle on health care, a lot of these employees could ultimately be left high and dry, and I don't want to see that happen."
He indicated that his state budget proposal to be released on March 15 would include suggested collective bargaining changes.
What I heard:
On the issue of pay and perhaps some other items, I'm opposed to people being able to talk. Let me just suggest to you that I will get a hand on the pensions, if I will get a hand on health care, all these employees ultimately will be left high and dry, and I want to see that happen.
He indicated that his state budget proposal to be released on March 15 would include suggested coooective bargaining changes,
(Meaning if Senate Bill 5 does not get me what I want; I will backdoor you all one way or another)
Just to let you know Kasich; I DID NOT VOTE for you and if you are not recalled or impeached; You will be a one term Governor.
12:29 AM
EddieOs says
"Chanting this is our house let us in"
Watch the Slideshow:
http://www.progressohio.org/blog/2011/02/citizens-locked-out-of-statehouse.html
12:22 AM
EddieOs says
Wisconsin Solidarity Rally in NY at Fox News
11:47 PM
eriemom says
MaxFactor: I take it that you didn't look at the photos before you wrote your post. Most look old enough to be retired. The photos taken later in the day show working people--after a days work. Of course, not everyone works during the day.
11:49 PM
Falling Down says
While I understand not packing the building with people for safety reasons, but it should have been allowed to fill to capacity. Not allowing as many people as possible is a government trying to ignore the people.
But let us look at it this way instead of locking out the protestors; our Imperial Leader Governor could have called out the National Guard and locked up all the protestors in order to prevent Wisconsin style protests, meanwhile having his minions pass Senate Bill 5 as emergency legislation without a hearing.
Of course he may use that tactic on his next big agenda.
11:41 PM
buckeye15 says
To all the haters:
Don't let the facts get in the way of a good hate speech. If this bill passes, it will be overturned by referendum because over 60% of the public knows it is a bad idea.
10:55 PM
why is it says
our newly elected governor says this is in the cause of balancing the budget shortfalls. he gave himself s raise over the past governor. he makes almost 200K A YEAR . everyone else is overpayed, all his new appointments make more than those they replaced, is this a savings or just the usual M.O. of the republican, line your pockets and blame the workers, and pit them against the dumber ones who believe your lies and get envy over those just above you and can not see the big picture. you are being used, race to the bottom.FOOL the gov and the rich feed off your ignorance WAKE UP YOU ARE BEING USED
10:50 PM
Truth or Dare says
Wow, our new Gov. is using the State Hwy. Patrol to block people from entering the Statehouse? Our Statehouse? Who does this guy think he is? He's not opposed to people "being able to talk", just not protest?! EVERYONE, REMEMBER PASSIVE RESISTANCE!
Pay attention to Egypt, to Lybia people. They've been oppressed for decades. It usually starts w/the suppression of the people!
You all are worrying about Socialism, Facism? Fooled ya, it's called Communism! Happened right befrore your eyes, didn't it?! Kasich, what a pu.......never mind. I'll be deleted. He is what he is, a hypocrite!
10:04 PM
thinkagain says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained personal attacks. Discussion Guidelines09:44 PM
MaxFactor says
Wow look at all those state workers. Took a day off work to protest. Probably a PAID day off. How many called in sick for the day? A PAID sick day? Peeing our money away. Gotta love it.
09:10 PM
reader says
Government of the people, by the people, for the people.....
OR
Government of the people, by the corporation, for the corporation.
Which do you prefer?
08:56 PM
mikel says
i think tea party is the color purple
08:23 PM
MINE says
Are you the only taxpayer here?
08:22 PM
Mr. Info says
No, Mikel, you obviously don't read much or watch TV. A "blue" state is a Democratic state in this country. A "red" state is a Republican state. Nice try, though.
08:21 PM
MINE says
My employer's been "dictating" for some time now. Not really fond of dictatorship although we have been able to bear with it until this. What's your feelings one dictatorship?
08:19 PM
mikel says
mr info - i hate to burst your bubble but blue is the color associated with republicans not red.
08:14 PM
fifteenthgreen says
15,000 soon to be disappointed protestors. Woohoo! Your suffering will soon be over and you'll go back to your job being provided to you by the taxpayers of Ohio. Be grateful for once. You don't dictate terms of employment. Your employer does. Us!
08:06 PM
MINE says
15 thooooousand people at the state house.....ALRIGHT! ;)
07:57 PM
Centauri says
The Big Three and UAW membership is a midget of its former. How many of these union public workers chose to buy a foreign company car? Trickle down economics perhaps?
07:56 PM
6079 Smith W says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained profanity. Discussion Guidelines07:41 PM
pntbutterandjelly says
I'll say it again, You are either for the American worker (including yourselves) or you are against the American worker." In essence, "You are either part of the solution or are part of the problem."
I salute those demonstrating in Wisconsin and Ohio. It is long over do. But....never too late. "We" the people can, must and will take a stand against such tyranical ideologies for ourselves, our neighbors and all future generations in this country and abroad. The eyes of the nation and indeed the world are upon you. Go with courage, conviction and know you are acting as the bastions of freedom, democracy and decency. God speed and God bless you all.
07:34 PM
fifteenthgreen says
It doesn't matter what any of us think 9599 and Gardenman. The Bill will pass and history will be made. Ohio Dems can't run out in this state. It's over. Start worrying because you'll soon join the rest of the ranks.
07:28 PM
Gardenman says
"9599" I agree with you in your words about "fifthteenth green"
I fail to see public workers in any position dictating wages and conditions to any employer. I find the comments by fifthteenth green to be insulting to anyone who has ever worked for any public payroll position. To imply that anyone who collects a check from the taxpayers is some kind of loofer or non productive worker is truly stupidity. That statement would most certainly include this person's croonies who are supporting this bill for they too are collecting a pay check from the taxpayers.
07:26 PM
Mr. Info says
Red is also the color of Republicans and their "red" states. It's dumb to associate a color with one movement or idea. Also, it doesn't look like there are that many red colors in the crowd.
07:23 PM
6079 Smith W says
Why are so many of the union protesters wearing red? Don't they know that the color "red" is symbolic of socialism?
Just ask Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chávez; it's his favorite color too:
07:00 PM
fifteenthgreen says
Those at the top are elected officials by the people or they are business owners and administrators who earned their position through higher education or promotion. Every one of us has the right to run for office, get the proper education needed to hold or attain a position of leadership or start our own business. In doing so, you make decisions and most of the time, more money. Go do the same. It's your right...Democrat or Republican and then you can make the decisions.
06:51 PM
mikel says
"fifteenthegreen: You have it backwards. The union workers don't dictate the terms of their employment, they sit down and talk about them"
and when they don't get their way they start crying, quit working and walk off the job. now that is negotiating!
06:48 PM
rottnrog says
Where do all you right wing wacko's stand on YOUR governor creating all these new jobs for his cronies working for the state and paying them with your tax dollars?
But thats OK cause he is a repub, right????
Can you say blind sheep !!!
06:34 PM
MINE says
Goooooooooo State employees! GO! We know what we have given up for the last few years....
06:21 PM
9299 says
fifteenthegreen: You have it backwards. The union workers don't dictate the terms of their employment, they sit down and talk about them. It takes two sides to agree to fair compensation and benefits in that process. What is happening with these republicans and big business backers is called dictating.
Ford and GM workere, police and fire, teachers and other public sector workers have all given concessions in the past few years. Don't see those same wage and benefit cuts coming from the those who are demanding others take the cuts.
05:36 PM
Cityslicker says
What would those same legislators do if the school doors were locked on their children, firehouse doors locked when their house was burning, police station doors locked while they were being robbed, and so on. Probably would be a different story then, wouldn't it?
05:27 PM
fifteenthgreen says
Face it people. The days of dictating to your employer your wants and desires is over. Time to go to work and earn your paycheck. If you don't like the terms, quit and start your own company, school or organization.
05:24 PM
Falling Down says
Sorry reader and mine, I did not mean you two.