Judge blocks seizing pay of Indiana House Democrats

[Newsjock]

http://www.indystar.com/article/20120119/NEWS05/120119030/Judge-blocks-seizing-Democrats-pay?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|IndyStar.com

A Marion County judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking the state from seizing the pay of three House Democrats to cover the fines being imposed for the legislative walk-out.

The order, issued late today by Judge David Dreyer, does not stop the state from imposing the fines, which now total $2,000 per lawmaker, but does block the state from withholding their paychecks to cover them.

The order currently applies only to the three Democrats who are the plaintiffs in the case: Rep. Bill Crawford of Indianapolis, who had started this legal action last year after the state withheld pay to cover fines from the 2011 walk-out; and Rep. Vanessa Summers of Indianapolis and Rep. Shelli VanDenburgh of Crown Point, who were added the suit today.

... The House Republicans are fining the Democrats $1,000 for every day they deny the House a quorum to do business. So far, 35 of the 40 Democrats are participating in the walk-out. Republicans, who have a 60-40 majority, need 67 lawmakers in the House to do business. Democrats are trying to stall action on the controversial “right to work” legislation, which bans companies and unions from negotiating a contract that requires non-members to pay union fees.

[niyad]

1. gee, I wonder how the rethugs would feel if the situations were reversed

[gateley]

2. Can the citizens of Indiana contribute to a fund to help these folks do this brave action?

This is the first I've heard of it!