Statement from Rep. Barca on Gov. Walker's new restrictive state building policy
MADISON - Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) issued the following statement today on the release of Gov. Walker's new policy that severely restricts public use of the Capitol and other state buildings:
“The idea that four ministers who plan to come to the Capitol to hold up signs because they are upset that 30,000 children may be kicked off BadgerCare could have to obtain and possibly pay for a permit, or take out liability insurance or cover security costs is truly offensive.
“The framers of the United States and Wisconsin constitutions would be alarmed to witness the price tag that Gov. Scott Walker is putting on our First Amendment rights. The ability of citizens to petition their government and seek redress is a basic freedom that must be protected. Yet continually, throughout this year, Gov. Walker has disrespected that bedrock principle as he seeks to restrict dissent while protecting his own position and adding to his executive power in a multitude of ways.
“Gov. Walker’s latest state building access policy that attempts to curtail the First Amendment rights of our citizens is an extreme example of his disregard for basic Wisconsin values and traditions.”
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