Taxpayers Spending Millions on Occupy Protests

The Occupy protests that have sprung up across the nation have received a lot of attention for their unconventional and not-so-subtle message(s). Since the initial demonstration, protestors and desperados have occupied more than areas like Zuccatti Park (NYC) and McPherson Square (DC). Subsequent of the first Occupy event in New York City, the squatters have cost the taxpayers millions of dollars for federal, state, and local governments across the country.

The case in the District is particularly troubling. The protestors have been allowed to occupy two different parks in the city, despite the fact that their permits have expired. To complicate the matter, the city itself does not have jurisdiction over the Occupy camps – the parks are under the jurisdiction of the National Parks Service.

DC Mayor Gray has requested $1.6 million from the federal government for costs accrued as a result of Occupy DC. The city spent $1.3 million in overtime and additional support for police and security, as well as $2,100 for portable restrooms. The additional expenses caused by rioters are not isolated to DC. Rebecca Rhynhart, Budget Director for Philadelphia, estimates that the city will spend $2.5 million this year on those dwelling in the tent villages. Occupy L.A. was not much different, costing the city approximately $2.3 million.

These numbers do not even begin to tell the real price of the protests. Expenses for imprisonment of the criminals, property damage, and lost commercial revenue to private businesses affected by the protests further erode the economy. Though the jail and court costs for the hundreds of occupiers continue to grow, local business owners in NYC estimate a $479,000 loss of revenue since Occupy engulfed the streets around their shops.

This year, the federal government spent $400,000 in “stimulus” funds to re-sod McPherson Square, banning pedestrians from walking through the park for months. Thanks to the Occupier’s makeshift shanty-town, the park has been destroyed, laying all of the money, work and time to waste. Unfortunately, District denizens will have to continue to put up with – and fund – the protests until further notice. City officials have begun to question the wisdom of allowing the protestors to remain in perpetuity at untold costs to taxpayers. However, for now (and to no surprise), the federal government isn’t listening.

TAGS: Spending