Some lawmakers question use of Capitol by homeless
MADISON — Some Wisconsin lawmakers say the state needs to do a better job of helping the homeless people who often occupy the state Capitol.
The homeless rest and socialize in the building from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., when it closes and police shoo them out. Police say the homeless cause no more problems than others who work in or visit the Capitol.
But first-term Rep. Richard Spanbauer says he was surprised by the homeless in the building. The Oshkosh Republican says he thinks there's bound to be a problem unless something is done.
Democratic Rep. Cory Mason of Racine has sponsored legislation to help the homeless who frequent the Capitol. He says getting federal economic stimulus dollars for programs dealing with homelessness may ease the problem.
Jun 1, 2009 at 6:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
Its a case of the "white elephant" in the living room! The best part of having these poor souls hanging around the capital is that it really forces OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS to see the blight on our communities. I swear, once they are elected, they just skate through their term, and enjoy the cocktail parties, the state paid trips etc...
.
Our ecomony is depressed, suppressed, repressed! These are human beings! Do something!!!
Jun 1, 2009 at 12:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
I think they should stay right where they are!! Remind the politicians that we have homeless people!! Maybe they would take an interest in the people instead of hiding in their commitees and offices thinking up new ways to waste our money!!! Amen to housing them in a new ice arena here!! Our city council also sits around thinking of new ways to waste money we don't even have! Use some of that stimulus money up there in the capitol and feed those poor people! Buy them blankets and clothes and shoes for their feet!!
May 31, 2009 at 11:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
Hey Cory Mason, brilliant idea! It's a wonder this state is $6 billion in the red with geniuses like you representing us. With ideas like yours, you'd think we be rolling in surplus. Sheesh...
May 31, 2009 at 2:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
"getting federal economic stimulus dollars for programs dealing with homelessness"
What? How does that stimulate the economy? Could we also get getting federal economic stimulus dollars to help you get to work on things that matter? Leave them alone. Get to work. Stop wasting, ah, I mean "stimulating" anything you can get your hands on with our kids money!
May 31, 2009 at 2:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
I went on a field trip with my daughter to the Capitol last year, and sadly, while the kids were having their lunch downstairs, 2 homeless men were watching and waiting for any leftovers. I thought it was ironic how the tour guide spoke of the massive amounts of money that went into building a
Capitol such as ours when our current government system leaves so many behind.
May 30, 2009 at 11:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
The way I see it, it is their Capital to visit whether they have a home or not. Since when is it a prerequisite to have a residence to visit historical monuments? Seriously!! If and WHEN there is a problem, maybe that is when this should be addressed!
May 30, 2009 at 6:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
"Rep. Cory Mason of Racine has sponsored legislation.......says getting federal economic stimulus dollars for programs dealing with homelessness may ease the problem."
Tranlation: He wants to use taxpayer money to put them somewhere else so that he doesn't have to look at them. Oh how wonderful the bottomless container of taxpayer money is to these people.
May 30, 2009 at 6:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
Maybe they could make some room for the homeless in Sen. Judy Robson, D-Beloit's new nursing building.
http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/45...
May 30, 2009 at 6:04 p.m.
Suggest removal
They have just as much of a right to be there as I do! Maybe it makes the politicians "uncomfortable..." Maybe they are unnerved by seeing poverty up close. Maybe they should DO something about it!
.
Hitting a little too close to home, it sounds like. Take a few home and feed them, why don't they? That would really be working for your constituents!
May 30, 2009 at 4:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
color me surprised, no problems till a 1st term repubican shows up.
May 30, 2009 at 4:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
How about we build a new ice arena to house them in?
May 30, 2009 at 3:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
"...government by the people, for the people." with the amount the State of Wisconsin taxes it's constituents I think everyone has the right to enjoy their state capitol. A good case could be made for allowing the homeless to sleep there too.
May 30, 2009 at 3:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
Amen to that Roadmaster!
May 30, 2009 at 2:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Can't be any worst then the lobbyists who hang around the Capitol.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.