As Florida teachers and other government workers lay plans for Wisconsin-style protests, a tea party coalition announced it will stage its own rally on March 8 in Tallahassee.
Taxpayer and tea party groups say they will rally under a “Save Our State” banner at the Capitol on the opening day of the 2011 Legislature.
“We’re going to be a voice for everyone else,” said event organizer Robin Stublen.
Reaching out to 130 tea party and 9/12 groups around the state, Stublen said the consortium supports Gov. Rick Scott’s efforts to reform the public pension program and cut state spending by $5 billion.
“Save Our State” activities, which will begin 7 a.m., will include a noon rally at the front steps of the old Capitol building, said Stublen, a tea party leader from Charlotte County.
The tea project arose in response to social-media buzz about an “Awake the State” rally by government employees opposing Scott’s plan requiring public-sector workers to contribute to their pensions. Florida is the only state that does not do so. Continue reading Kenric Ward’s column here.