A year and a day from Election Day 2012, the statewide Awake the State effort brought nearly 100 to the steps of the Old Capitol.
Union members, teachers and Democratic legislators waved banners in favor of the Affordable Care Act, PBS funding and infrastructure programs.
Unlike the Occupy Tallahassee effort that has been appearing on the same front steps the past three weekends, the Awake the State leaders admit to having a political agenda, with the target being Florida Gov. Rick Scott and members of the Republican-dominated Legislature.
Even though we face an uphill climb every single day here at the Capitol, we must never give up, said Senate Minority Leader Nan Rich, D-Sunrise. I know that together we can reverse the failed policies that have driven the economic agenda of those in charge of this state for more than a decade.
The event was one of more than 50 that have been held throughout the state in the past two weeks.
The idea is to motivate supporters for both the 2012 legislative session and the election year, said an organizer, Barbara DeVane.
Among the organizations backing the effort are: Physicians for National Health Care, NAACP, Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, ACLU, NOW, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, AFSCME, FEA, MoveOn and members of Occupy Tallahassee.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859 or (772) 215-9889.
