Floridians Fight Back Against Politicians' Attacks, Look to 'Awake the State'

TALLAHASSEE - Floridians rallied today from Key West to Pensacola as part of a statewide, grassroots chorus of protests against devastating budget cuts being proposed by Gov. Rick Scott and legislative leaders.  Thirty-two 'Awake the State' rallies are being held throughout Florida.

"Ever since Gov. Scott and legislative leaders announced their plans to cut thousands of jobs, raise taxes on hardworking Floridians, cut essential services to the developmentally disabled, cut care to nursing home residents, condone gross legislative waste including a record number of six-figure staff salaries, and make the deepest cuts to education in history, people from all across the state have been looking for a way to voice their opposition," said former Republican Senator Nancy Argenziano.  "Awake the State is giving them that chance."

Progress Florida, Florida Watch Action and America Votes joined together to provide a platform for everyday Floridians to make their voices heard.  Awake the State started as a Facebook page that quickly grew to thousands strong who have now organized rallies in cities all across the state of Florida.

Tallahassee politicians are proposing to cut thousands of jobs and target teachers, healthcare workers and first responders with a tax increase.  The 'Awake the State' rallies have culminated from a growing grassroots backlash against the misguided budget proposals being proposed by Gov. Scott and legislative leaders.

"Imposing a tax on teachers, firefighters, police officers, nurses and other public employees who have already agreed to cuts over the past six years to balance state and local budgets is just plain wrong. The more Floridians learn about Gov. Scott and the legislative leadership's agenda, the more that 'buyer's remorse' sets in," said Progress Florida executive director Mark Ferrulo.

"Gov. Rick Scott and legislative leaders have launched an all-out assault on Florida's middle class families," said Florida Watch Action executive director Susannah Randolph.  "Average Floridians are fed up with Tallahassee politicians balancing the budget on the backs of hard-working Floridians.  Working families simply cannot afford more budget cuts."

'Awake the State' started as a Facebook page and grew into 32 rallies statewide on the opening day of the legislative session.  Now, 'Awake the State' has spread to additional rallies starting on March 9th and going on into April.  For more information, stay tuned to www.AwaketheState.com.

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