Hundreds of angry Central Floridians flooded Senator Beth Johnson Park today to protest recent budget cuts put forth by Governor Rick Scott and the Republican controlled Legislature.
Local community organizations, union groups, and political collections all marched together from the IBEW Union Hall to Johnson park, just outside of the Chamber of Commerce, where they gathered to voice their concerns.
According to event organizers this rally was put together to send Governor Rick Scott and those in Tallahassee a message that the people of the state of Florida oppose the proposed budget cuts and that they stand with public sector employees who have come under attack by the Governor.
One such concerned citizen is Katie Murphy, a teacher of 30 years in Seminole County. Katie says the Governor is trying to balance the budget on the backs of the people who need the money and that what the Governor is doing is wrong.
“He’s not creating jobs like he said, he’s taking away jobs. The jobs we’ve seen him create are the jobs in his office,” said Murphy. She went on to state that she hopes people will get fired up enough to make a change and realize they have to take control and stay alert.
If Scott’s budget passes the Florida Legislature then those who will be hardest hit by his proposed cuts will be lower income families, children, and the impoverished. Scott plans to cut education by $4.8 billion dollars and slash at least 1,800 staff positions in the Department of Children and Families.
Sheena Rolle, a community organizer with Organize Now in Orlando knows a lot about how deep budget cuts will impact departments like the aforementioned ones.
“My organization represents those who suffer the most, have the smallest voice, and are the most overlooked in the process. We know of all the suffering that will happen, our folks will suffer the most, meaning lower income individuals and working and struggling families,” stated Rolle who came to support working class families, teachers and those who are not pleased with what’s going on.
Ms. Rolle went on to say that she hopes this rally will make those who are usually silent on political issues to stand up and say something.
Over 500 people attended today’s rally where former Congressman Alan Grayson came to lend support and former political candidate and social activist, Steve Barnes also turned up to back local unions, along with hundreds of teachers and public employees.
Laura Hammond, President of the Orange County Young Democrats, showed up to the rally to give encouragement to teachers and union workers.
“Our government workers are people who support our society and without them we wouldn’t survive… I think we need capable people who are being paid appropriately to do a competent job,” said Hammond. She also stated that Scott needs to understand the voice of the people as powerful and if he doesn’t there may be a recall of one of the nation’s most un-popular governors.
But Gov. Scott was in the news for a different reason today, as well. Scott delivered his first State of the State address in which he told lawmakers “not to blink” and that his plan for Florida is “achievable.”
More rallies and protests are planned in the near future. Florida New Majority will hold a kick off rally behind the state Capital on March 9th, at 11.00 a.m., at the Dolphin Fountain.
By Jason Henry
Special to West Orlando News
