Miami-Dade County commissioners facing a $400 million budget crisis heard from frustrated taxpayers Thursday as the county mayor recommended raising bus and train fares while diverting millions of dollars away from nonprofits, including groups that serve vulnerable children.
Groups wearing T-shirts with messages lined up early outside the downtown Government Center to protest ahead of the first of two public hearings.
Down the hall, dozens of residents made their case before commissioners, urging them to spare programs and jobs from losing support.
Arts community sounds alarm
Among those speaking was poet and entertainer Mo Beasley, who voiced concern about the mayor’s proposal to slash arts funding by half…