Rally in Tally to highlight children's issues

Come get some milk and cookies at the Children's Movement of Florida's Rally in Tally.

The movement, or Milk Party, is a citizen-led, nonpartisan organization that hopes to educate politicians, business leaders and parents about the dire state of children in the Sunshine State.

Throughout September, the group will hold 15 rallies across the state. The Tallahassee rally will be Sept. 7 at the Civic Center from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Through the rallies, David Lawrence Jr., retired publisher of The Miami Herald, said the initial and September goal is to build large crowds and show the elected and other leaders of our state that the people truly demand that children become the first priority in Florida's decision-making. From there, the group will not stop until changes are seen.

Among the issues he wants to see addressed are the hundreds of thousands of children not covered by health insurance, and the state's pre-kindergarten program, which fails to meet most national standards.

"We don't have our priorities straight," said Lawrence, co-chair of the movement. "Children must be our first priority if this state is going to be a safe, secure, educated place."

Additional Facts

IF YOU GO

What: Children's Movement of Florida's Rally in Tally.

When: Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Leon County Civic Center.

Read the full article here.