LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Lori Berman, member, Florida Senate. If

Gov. DeSantis and state Republicans can call a special legislative session to draw up gerrymandered districts that reduce Black representation and exact political revenge on Disney for opposing Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, then they most certainly can call one to protect the public from gun violence. Recently, I joined state Rep. Joe Geller and others in asking the Secretary of State to conduct a poll of the Legislature for the purpose of calling a special session. Florida must pass regulations on high capacity magazines, universal background checks, and an expansion of our red-flag law to end this carnage.

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. Given the devastating impact of the COVID pandemic, the last thing we need is another contagious disease. Fortunately, at this point, it appears unnecessary to “go ape” over the monkeypox virus, but caution is critical. Transmitted primarily by skin contact, the rash transforms from red spots to ugly, pus-filled blisters, which usually disappear in a few weeks, but there’s a 3% mortality. The disease is endemic in Africa, but this spring, 16 countries in Europe and North America confirmed many cases. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an effective vaccine.

Dan Gropper, dean, College of Business, Florida Atlantic University. Finally, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen admitted that she was wrong over the past year in her statements that U.S. inflation was transitory. But the bigger problem is that she and other cabinet officials still refuse to address the underlying inflationary pressures from both monetary and fiscal policy. In addition, the regulatory policies pushing up the costs of energy through financial markets and through permitting processes are still Biden administration priorities, and combined with the war in Ukraine, will keep gas and diesel prices high. These high prices are largely an entirely predictable result of the Biden administration polices to transition toward non-fossil fuels.

Marlon A. Hill, of counsel, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, P.L. Inaction is the pandemic of our most recent generation. We profess to be the greatest nation on Earth and we cannot even protect our own citizens as we endeavor to be the protector of freedom across the world. We are the hostage of our own disease and denier of any prescription. Our inaction will likely lead to more tragedies. For the sake of freedom and the sanctity of owning weapons of all kinds, we have self-created a national security crisis. And it falls right at the doorstep of muted leaders. Accountability is imminent and hopefully before the next tragedy.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines. The revival of My Safe Florida Home, a 16-year-old program, means Florida residents will soon be eligible for up to $10,000 in state grants to strengthen their homes against hurricane winds via projects like roof reinforcement or garage door replacement. Different from the previous program, qualifying homeowners can receive $2 back for every $1 spent on strengthening improvements, and applicants are eligible for up to $10,000 instead of the original $5,000. It’s a great program. I just hope it launches efficiently and quickly, Floridians can easily apply, and fraud prevention doesn’t become an issue like before.

Wendy Sartory Link, supervisor of elections, Palm Beach County. We are looking for more poll workers to work with us in the upcoming August primary and November general elections. Answer the call of civic duty, serve your community, meet new people and earn some money! Help us conduct fair and accurate elections by applying online at VotePalmBeach.gov. Training classes will be offered throughout Palm Beach County starting mid-June, so don’t wait to sign up. Students are welcome, and our Adopt-A-Precinct (AAP) program offers opportunities to raise money for your organization or charity. You can learn more on our website or by calling 561-656-6200, option 3.

Andy Thomson, member, Boca Raton City Council. June 1 marks the beginning of hurricane season and, in South Florida, we know all too well how important early preparations and planning can be. Already, we are following a storm in the Gulf of Mexico that has the potential to impact us. Now is a good time to start thinking about keeping your family safe. Here are some simple steps you can do now to prepare: Start stocking up on hurricane supplies, know your evacuation zone, test your generators and shutters and trim your trees. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

Ghenete “G” Wright Muir, attorney, LGBTQ advocate. Thou Art Woman kicks off LGBTQ+ Pride Month at the Fort Lauderdale City

Hall with the art exhibition “Liberation.”

The opening reception is on Monday, June

6 at 6 p.m. “Liberation” is curated by CarolAnne McFarlane and features artists Drea Lawrence, Zipporah Michel, Najja Moon,

Jane Kreinberg, Trish Delish Art, Jessica Concepcion, Ronnie Greenspan, Thailand M. Petty, G Wright and Rosaria Vigorito. “Liberation” is funded by Our Fund Foundation, Broward Cultural Division and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Come enjoy this complimentary evening, which includes poetry by Jasmin and music by Emily Sheila. Register at thouartwoman.com/tickets.