Protesters descended on the Capitol Thursday, some of them dressed as characters from the film “The Wizard of Oz”, to demand the expansion of Medicaid. The group visited legislative leaders’ offices to ask for the expansion.
More than 100 members of Florida’s Service Employees International Union rallied at the Capitol Thursday afternoon to urge legislators to expand Medicaid here in Florida. As it currently stands Governor Rick Scott has endorsed the expansion, the House voted not to expand, and the Senate is still considering its next move. Senator Arthenia Joyner, a Democrat from Tampa, said some legislators are misleading what the expansion really is.
“They call it Medicaid expansion, but it really is providing healthcare to the people,” Joyner said.
Some protestors thought Wizard of Oz costumes were appropriate for the occasion. Like the Tin Man, who had no heart, asked for compassion for families.
“I’m the Tin Man and I’m here to tell our legislators with all of you here today to find their hearts to do what’s right for working families in Florida and expand Medicaid now,” said the Tin Man.
The Scarecrow, who had no brain, says expansion will benefit the economy.
“I’m a scarecrow, I don’t have a brain, but I know it the smart thing to do, is a smart thing to do,” the Scarecrow added.
And the Cowardly lion, who had no courage, says lawmakers need to get this done now.
“I’m here today to tell Senator Gaets to have some courage to get his stuff together to pass this Medicaid expansion ASAP,” the Cowardly Lion said.
The group followed what they called the yellow brick road. The scarecrow to House Speaker Weatherford’s office, who was in meetings. The Lion to the Lt. Governor Caroll’s office, who was busy. And the Tin Man to Senate President Gaetz’ office, who did come out to greet them. Protest organizers said that President Gaetz assured the group he would “support Medicaid expansion”. Gaetz’ office staunchly says though that he did did talk about policy, just a simple meet and greet. Monica Russo, Vice President of SEIU Florida, said she’s disappointed in Speaker Weatherford, after it was revealed that his family benefited from Medicaid.
“It’s hypocritical to accept Medicaid for yourself and your family and not play a leadership role and make sure that your constituents have that opportunity if they’re eligible,” said Russo.
SEIU Florida leaders did meet with Governor Rick Scott about the expansion earlier in the day Thursday. During the protest, they said they were delivering a message to Scott: “thank you”.