LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Lauren Book, member, Florida Senate . As the 2022 legislative session begins, I am proud to serve as Leader of the Senate Democrats because, for our part, we will be fighting for things that really matter to Floridians, like expanded access to affordable high-quality health care, affordable workforce housing, better local schools and environmental protections that mean clean drinking water, cleaner oceans and community waterways that are safe. Conversely, partisan counterparts will seek even more ways to give tax dollars to our largest and wealthiest corporations and seek to divide our state with invented culture wars and false enemies. Floridians will be offered a clear choice.

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County. On Jan. 9, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we honor the dedicated men and women who protect and serve our community and communities across our country. Law enforcement officers work hard, often in dangerous situations, to ensure that our citizens remain safe and secure in our daily lives, and they are among the first to respond in times of crisis. United Way of Broward County is proud to partner with our local law enforcement agencies year-round on many important initiatives, and we salute those working on the front lines and behind the scenes to make life better for all.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul Castronovo Show on Big 105.9. Recently, CBS 4 reporter Jim Defede found himself in that 22-hour traffic jam in Virginia. This is my worst nightmare. Jim was alone, had plenty of snacks and handled the situation way better than I would have. I was on the road the day before and realized I would not have fared so well. So, just in case, next road trip I’m bringing a case of water, empty Gatorade bottles (ya gotta go, ya gotta go), blankets, beef jerky, donuts and potato chips (the 3 basic food groups) and about 12 movies downloaded on my iPad. Road trip!

Lamar Fisher, vice mayor, Broward County. Small businesses are struggling, dealing with many difficulties, trying to sustain business through this pandemic. The county commission is always looking for innovative ways to help our small businesses, and most recently, we approved our participation and funding for the Southern Opportunity and Resilience (SOAR) Loan Fund. The county’s funding will provide flexible, affordable capital up to $100,000 and free business support services to small businesses and nonprofits in Broward County to help them navigate and rebuild from the COVID19 economic crisis. Designed for the smallest and historically underbanked, this is a great opportunity to get businesses back on track.

Kerry Ann Royes, CEO, YWCA South Florida. The opening of the legislative session comes with a big agenda amid an election and redistricting year. As always, legislation that empowers women and people of color, specifically economic justice, criminal justice reform, education and public health, remain our highest priorities. Now more than ever, it is crucial that our leaders are committed to creating a just society where everyone has an equal opportunity at success regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status. If the officials we elect truly want change, bringing communities closer together to create an equitable and just environment is vital.

Michael Udine, mayor, Broward County. Manufacturing coming back to the United States instead of being sent offshore to countries like China? With supply chain struggles, and parts like car chips and batteries that need a skilled labor force to produce, the United States can be more competitive in the globalized marketplace. We can make things better at home while still receiving goods through diversified import streams. Large companies like Ford, Steel Dynamics and others are assessing where America can have a competitive advantage. If our country is to be successful long term, we must diversify the supply chain and invest in American made goods.

Chad Van Horn,

founding partner attorney, Van Horn Law Group, P. A. The Labor Department released job growth numbers on Friday showing a surge of growth — with a record number of jobs and layoffs falling to a 50-year low — despite the omicron wave. While a hot economy and increased demand are a factor, I believe significant job growth illustrates the resiliency of businesses, large and small. Successful business owners have been nimble by necessity, learning how to better improvise, strategize and modernize in this ever-changing world of COVID-19. This adversity has made us stronger and will serve us well as we look ahead to a burgeoning 2022.

Beverly Williams, vice mayor, Lauderdale Lakes; president, Broward League of Cities. Over the past couple of weeks, we have been reminded that we are still not out of the woods with the COVID-19 pandemic. The record-setting number of positive cases have caused staffing shortages in just about every industry. As our health care providers, business owners and local leaders continue to navigate these challenging circumstances, I hope everyone will remember to show kindness and patience. We are one Broward and must remain supportive of one another. Now is the time for each of us to do our part to support our neighbors and communities regardless of municipal boundaries.