Peter Schorsch
Later this morning, Gov. Rick Scott will give his seventh State of the State address as lawmakers kick off their annual 60-day legislative session.
After the applause from his fellow Republicans dies down, Florida Democrats and progressives will offer a response to the GOP’s agenda.
“Labor leaders, legislators and advocates for access to health care, quality public schools, reproductive and immigration rights will provide a counterpoint to Gov. Rick Scott and his legislative allies’ agenda that rewards their corporate backers while ignoring the needs of everyday Floridians,” reads a press release from Damien Flier of Progress Florida.
In addition to the press conference in Tallahassee, there will be events in other cities across Florida, including Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa.
Organizers of this progressive response describe this effort as “Awake the State.“
To which I must reply, “Zzzzz.”
It’s been going on six years that Florida progressives have been trying to awake the state, yet, clearly, Florida voters seem to enjoy sleeping in.
Scott was re-elected in 2014. So, too, was Marco Rubio in 2016. Florida went for Donald Trump for President, while also returning to the Florida House every Republican incumbent.
This is not to suggest Democrats and progressives should just roll over and die. In fact, a vocal opposition is probably needed now more than ever.
But, since the slogan Florida progressives have employed during three losing campaign cycle obviously isn’t working, maybe they should go back to the drawing board and update their branding efforts.
