A small coalition of community organizations in Florida is holding a Valentine's Day-themed protest Monday against legislation meant to slash unemployment benefits, asking a key GOP sponsor of the bill to "have a heart."
According to the Miami Herald, Badili Jones of Florida New Majority has helped coordinate the move against the proposal, which would reduce the duration of benefits from 26 weeks to 20 weeks.
"This heinous legislation will further cut unemployment insurance for jobless Floridians while our unemployment rate is one of the highest in the country," Jones said in a statement, according to the Herald. "We need to expand unemployment insurance in order to stimulate our economy and support our working and middle class families."
The demonstration will be centered outside the office of Republican state Rep. Carlos Trujillo, one of 7 members who voted last week to propel the legislation out of a subcommittee. The event is slated to include the presentation of a "giant Valentine's Day card" asking him to "have a heart," according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
The Herald reports that Trujillo won't be there to receive the protesters, however, as he is on his way to the state capitol in Tallahassee. He is reportedly open to scheduling a meeting with the groups later in the week.