"HELENA, Montana -- Protests against union-busting state bills and cuts to state programs are spreading from Wisconsin across the country today. In Montana, the environment is front and center as protesters challenge Governor Brian Schweitzer, a Democrat, on his budgetary plans, which they say cut health, nvironmental, and labor programs to pay for corporate tax cuts.

As states burdened by ballooning budget deficits attempt to eliminate public employees' collective bargaining rights or cut state-funded programs, thousands are demonstrating in favor of the unions.

People jammed the capitol in Ohio today, Indiana's House Democrats staged a walkout and 14 Wisconsin Democratic lawmakers remain in an undisclosed location outside the state."

Environment News Service had the story February 22, 2011. [2]