By Tom Flanigan
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-956513.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Not all of the rallies that took place during the opening day of the Florida Legislative Session took place at the Capitol Building. Tom Flanigan found several groups waving signs and cheering speakers in front of the Leon County Courthouse, across the street from the Capitol.
There were hundreds of people. Many of them public employees, worried about their jobs and benefits. The Florida AFLCIO's Rich Templin was there to represent unionized public employees.
"You know, we've got several hundred people here in Tallahassee. This is happening in thirty-one..er, thirty-TWO cities across the state right now."
But some sign wavers weren't government workers. Like Bob Jones who says he just opposes Governor Rick Scott's priorities.
"What he wants to do is take a big chunk of money out of funding education and give it all to corporations in the form of tax breaks and that's insane."
Also concerned about how the state might continue providing critical services with fewer, more financially-stressed employees, Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor.
"Our state is relatively well-served with the level of people who are serving us now and this is about the quality of life as well as the individual financial compromises, which individual workers will face."
Tallahassee musician Randall "Big Daddy" Webster's finances aren't just compromised. They're essentially non-existent. He's been looking for a day job for about a year.
"Each and every one of you knows somebody who is unemployed, who's been looking hard for work; who is underemployed flipping burgers when they have a PhD. Everyone of you knows somebody that is being affected by that evil stew being brewed across the street here!"
Organizers say more such rallies are planned throughout the legislative session. They say it's up to them to counter the "cut taxes/cut government" message of the Tea Party gatherings.