LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

RichardClark, CEO, Clark Leadership Consulting. The Black community must not be ignored in the recovery fromCOVID-19. Harder hit by both the coronavirus and unemployment, they will encounter insurmountable difficulty in the recovery. First, while priorities for vaccine distribution are being determined, there is an absence of public discussions providing for the Black community. Their needs should not be considered a political handout, but rather a civic responsibility. America’s futurewill never emerge as a nation of inclusion untilwe turn rhetoric into action, standing united and committed to empower our Black brothers and sisters to become reemployed and gain access to quality healthcare.

BeamFurr, member, Bro ward County Commission. Next week, the Electoral College will cast their ballots and elect our next president. The electionwasNov. 3 – but the 158 million Americanswho participated did not actually elect a president, they elected a slate of electors. This archaic system has outgrown its usefulness in the 21st century. This entire election cycle, therewas little doubt that Joe Bidenwould get more votes frommore Americans than DonaldTrump– the questionwas whether theywould be in the right states. Floridians are lucky to live in a battleground state, but all votes should matter just asmuchas ours.

PhilipPurcell,

CEO/ President, Marine Industries Association of South Florida.

WaltDisney WorldResort and Brightline have entered into an agreement to construct a train station at Disney Springs linking South Florida directly to the Disney park system. This is great news for the future of transportation. Offering efficient options to congested trafficis a positive as the struggle of our highway system to keep pace with the growing population continues. International visitors are already accustomed to a train alternative. It should not take long before locals will also see the advantages of leaving their car when they can opt for stress free, environmentally responsible alternative travel to Orlando.

Nan Rich, member, Bro ward County Commission. The Area Agency on Aging of Bro ward County has contracted withUniperCare to utilize technology to reach out to seniors in their homes. The services and interactive programs enhance emotional, physical and socialwell-being. Uniper is delivered through accessible technology – the standard TVset, computer or mobile device. Seniors can connect with loved ones, caregivers and other important people in their lives through theirTVremote control or the click of a button on a computer or smartphone. What a wonderfulway to enhance socializing duringCOVID-19 when somany are suffering fromisolation. Formore information emailUniperNWD@adrcbroward.org.

Nora Rupert,

Board. Collective breath holding finally had its release when Gov. DeSantis delivered guidelines for spring semester for public schools and districts around the state. Although 65% of Florida’s public-school students are learning in-person, Broward’s rate is at 25%. This order respects our local community and what they feel is best for their family. There is a great number of at-risk students who are struggling, and this order emphasizes the need to vary instructional delivery: a full selection of in-person, online, and after school tutoring engaging our students and giving them the skills to be successful in an ever changing world.

member, Broward School

Laurie Sallarulo, CEO, Junior Achievement of South Florida. InMarch, the U.S. women’s national soccer team sued its employer, the U.S. Soccer Federation, for gender discrimination, particularly equal pay andworking conditions. Thisweek, they sawa victory that ensures equal conditions and clears the way for them to appeal the pay- discrimination claim previously rejected. The parallels between this claim and claims in the corporateworld are undeniable. Now, organizations with over 100 employees are required to disclose detailed pay data, including women’s compensation, to the EEOC. It could take years to close the gender pay gap, but the results of this claim could accelerate progress toward gender parity.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate. Legislation by the governor and the Florida Legislature to expand the state’s Stand Your Ground lawand shield business liability claims from coronavirus will be introduced. A one-size-fits-all lawdoes notwork as it disallows exceptions for realworld experiences. Hopefully, common sense will prevail to protect all Floridians. If our government is to succeed, our political parties must compromise with true bipartisan laws. Congress’ Problem Solving Caucus is a model for our Legislature to emulate, with both parties and both chambers joining together on policy solutions.

MattWillhite, member, FloridaHouse of Representatives. The FloridaHouse agreed to a rule change that expands the number of bills that a state representative is permitted to file from six to seven bills. With this extra bill slot, I’m hoping to give a high school student the opportunity to turn their idea into lawand followit through the legislative process – which is whymy office is hosting the ‘Howa Bill Becomes a Law’ contest. High School students in District 86 will have the chance to submit their idea tomy office, along with why they think their idea will make a great law.