GOP Takes Away AWOL Dems' Photocopy Privileges

Wisconsin Democrats will also have to pay $100 per day fine
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 3, 2011 1:39 AM CST
Updated Mar 3, 2011 3:25 AM CST
AWOL Wisconsin Dems Being Fined $100 Per Day
Many seats are empty as Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker addresses a joint session of the Legislature at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis.,.   (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Republicans in Wisconsin's state Senate have voted to fine the chamber runaway Democrats $100 for every day they stay away, beginning tomorrow. The Republicans have also taken away the Democrats' staffers' parking spaces and photocopying privileges. The 14 Dems fled the state last month to block Gov. Scott Walker's plan to strip public employees of their collective bargaining rights, and show no sign of returning. Walker has proposed $4.2 billion in budget cuts, but the Democrats could fill the hole in state finances themselves if they stayed away long enough to rack up 8,219 years' worth of fines, notes NPR. (More Wisconsin stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X