More arrests in Pa. state Capitol in protests over gift-ban bill

     (Matt Rourke/AP Photo)

    (Matt Rourke/AP Photo)

    Five more people have been arrested inside the Pennsylvania Capitol on the second day of demonstrations for a ban on gifts to state lawmakers.

    Police arrested demonstrators Monday in the office of House State Government Committee Chairman Daryl Metcalfe, a Republican.

    Capitol Police spokesman Troy Thompson says they’re being charged with disorderly conduct, a summary offense, for refusing to leave Metcalfe’s office. Thompson says two demonstrators who were arrested on two straight days were charged with defiant trespassing, a misdemeanor.

    The March on Harrisburg demonstrators say they want a gift-ban bill that’s been sitting in Metcalfe’s committee since January to move forward. Group members say Metcalfe refuses to meet.

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    Unlike most other states, Pennsylvania doesn’t limit how much in gifts lawmakers may take. Lobbyists routinely dole out free meals, drinks and even tickets to expensive sporting events.

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