Hundreds 'Occupy' Highway 99 Overpass
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Hundreds of protesters took position over thousands of commuters Thursday to call for more government funding for public infrastructure.
The group, comprised of "Occupy Sacramento" protesters and SEIU Local 1000 union workers, gathered on the 12th Avenue pedestrian overpass overlooking Highway 99 and plastered the inside of the overpass fence with signs and slogans.
The demonstrators said the overpass is in need of repairs, and said Washington leaders recently blocked $60 billion in infrastructure projects. In a press release, the SEIU argued for more infrastructure investment to be funded by a "minimal tax increase on millionaires."
"This bridge we're standing on is falling apart," said Maria El Patterson. "We're here fighting for jobs."
Protesters inspired by the "Occupy Wall Street" movement staged rallies across the country Thursday, leading to more than 300 arrests nationwide.