Tallahassee church calls on governor to restore felon voting rights, fix unemployment system

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — A local church is making a call to the governor to revise some of the policies in place.

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee held a press conference Friday to bring light to issues in Florida.

First was unemployment. They want a revision to the system.

Second was an expansion of Medicaid. The churches leaders do not want to see minority groups not get the medical care needed.

And finally, they want a reform of the Fourth Amendment, as most transitioning citizens are still unable to vote.

"I have been out about nine years, going on 10 years," said Melvin Blackshare, a transitioning citizen. "I have done everything that has been asked of me. I have grandkids who are of age now to vote and say, 'Come on grandpa, lets go vote.' And I say, 'I cant,' and they look at me like 'Why?'"

The church said that they are hoping changes will be made so transitioning citizens are able to vote in the upcoming presidential election.