MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin officials say the protests at the Capitol over public workers' collective bargaining rights cost more than $7.8 million for police, but that damage to the Capitol will only cost about $270,000. Department of Administration officials say the police cost is based on claims from more than 200 police departments and other state agencies. Thirty-two police agencies have not yet submitted claims.
DOA officials also say a Capitol damage report found that protesters only caused "3-5 years of wear" on the building in the course of two weeks. About $112,000 should be spent repairing damage to stonework.
The figure is far lower than DOA Secretary Mike Huebsch's initial estimate of $7.5 million in damage. The department later revised those figures, saying it would cost as little as $350,000.
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