On March 7, more than 200 Delegates of 1199SEIU traveled from all parts of Florida to the state capital in Tallahassee to tell their first-hand accounts of how cuts to nursing homes and hospitals are impacting their patients and their jobs.



“Our patients come in to our hospitals and nursing homes sicker and we have fewer resources to handle the crisis,” explained Boston Alexander, a Behavioral Health Specialist at Florida Regional Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale to Rep. Franklin Sands during a lobby visit.



Delegates flooded the Capitol, delivering pledge cards and petitions that thousands of Floridians signed to restore safe staffing in Florida’s nursing homes to legislators.



“This was my first time in Tallahassee,” said Marcia Rigdell, a nurse at West Boca Medical Center, which joined 1199SEIU Florida in October 2011. “It felt good to be a part of a group of healthcare workers inside the Capitol. We let them know working people are upset and we need change.”



After a morning of lobbying, Delegates united with members of Florida New Majority, 1Miami and Florida Fair Economy to rally for a fair economy that prioritizes the needs of the majority. The rally started inside the capitol when the group of several hundred Floridians sang “Which Side Are You On?”



Delegates’ voices traveled throughout the entire 22-floor capitol building. The rally marked the beginning of the upcoming electoral season when Florida’s majority will elect lawmakers who stand for good jobs, quality healthcare, quality schools and safe care for seniors and ensure corporations pay their fair share.