Protesters took over the rotunda at the state Capitol Monday (Photo courtesy Creative Commons)

The protesters were joined by some of the Golden State’s top-ranked Democrats Monday afternoon, including Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg.  Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown, whose budget was responsible for the cuts to higher education, did not attend but a spokeswoman for him told the Los Angeles Times “the students today are reflecting the frustrations of millions of Californians who have seen their public schools and universities eroded year after year. That's why it's imperative that we get more tax revenue this November.”

The 2012 fiscal year budget got higher education funding by 23 percent, resulting in higher tuition and fees for students at state universities.

The state Capitol closed at 6 p.m. and protesters were told they would be subject to arrest if they remained in the building after that time.  California Highway Patrol officers prevented anyone else from entering after the building closed.  Hundreds of protesters remain outside the building along with rows of CHP officers in riot gear according to the Washington Post.  No arrests have been reported as of this time.

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