Wisconsin Labor Standoff (NEW UPDATE 03/03/11)

Wisconsin has been ground zero for protests on state budget debates that center around raising health care premiums for government workers and also eliminating union collective bargaining for them. The issue has also spread to Ohio and Indiana as governors look to find ways to balance their budgets.

A protester is urged to come off a ledge by law enforcement at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI on February 28, 2011 after finding his way out on a balcony. The capitol was locked to protesters trying to get back inside to demonstrate. Several remained inside after being allowed to stay the night. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
A protester is taken off a ledge by law enforcement at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI on February 28, 2011 after finding his way out on a balcony and being in a standoff with officers. The capitol was locked to protesters trying to get back inside to demonstrate. Several remained inside after being allowed to stay the night. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
Police officers block protesters from enteringthe Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI on February 28, 2011. The capitol was locked to protesters trying to get back inside to demonstrate. Several remained inside after being allowed to stay the night. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
     
  
Protesters filled the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI on February 25, 2011 due to a budget debate that centers around raising health care premiums for government workers and also eliminating union collective bargaining for them. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
  
Protester, Chris Berg of Milwaukee, WI screams for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to kill his budget bill at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI on February 25, 2011. The debate centers on raising health care premiums for government workers and also eliminating union collective bargaining for them. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
     
  
Town of Linn police office, James Bushey, left, watches Brian Roessler of Madison, WI meditate inside the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI on February 27, 2011. Demonstrations have resulted from a budget bill debate that centers around raising health care premiums for government workers and also eliminating union collective bargaining for them. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
Surrounded by empty chairs left by democratic senators who fled the state, Wisconsin state senator, Glenn Grothman listens to discussion in the senate chamber at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI on February 25, 2011. Fourteen democratic state senators fled the state so they could not be forced to be part of the budget bill vote. This has stalled the bill. Protests have centered on a budget debate on the raising of health care premiums for government workers and also eliminating union collective bargaining for them. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
Protesters, Ruth Frawley and her husband, who did not want his first name to be known take part in a demonstration at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI on February 25, 2011 due to a budget debate that centers around raising health care premiums for government workers and also eliminating union collective bargaining for them. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
     
  
Potesters clasp hands inside the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI on February 27, 2011. Demonstrations have resulted from a budget bill debate that centers around raising health care premiums for government workers and also eliminating union collective bargaining for them. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
Longtime educator and current school counciler, Saunnie Yelton-Stanley stands with a crowd that Madison, WI police estimated from 70,000 to 100,000 outside the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI on February 26, 2011 during a rally against a budget bill that centers around raising health care premiums for government workers and also eliminating union collective bargaining for them. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
Scott Greene of Madison, WI protests as he country skiis outside the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI on February 26, 2011 after a large rally earlier in the day on a budget bill that centers around raising health care premiums for government workers and also eliminating union collective bargaining for them. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)