LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. In this increasingly punishing world of pandemic side effects, devastating inflation, significant shortages of critical needs and other factors, it’s tempting to take advantage of the “buy now, pay later” offers. Typically, this allows buyers to pay in four installments and usually interest free. Increased online shopping, promoted by COVID and other factors, has markedly increased the number of companies offering these programs. Research indicates that $680 billion is spent this way annually. But consumer protection groups are alarmed about the potential for people going into deep debt without the protections that every lender should be required to provide.

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union. Congress finally appears poised to pass gun legislation. The plan, already passed by the House, includes provisions for state red-flag laws, stricter background checks for buyers under 21, a crackdown on purchases for others who can’t pass background checks, and funding for school safety and mental health. This is a great first effort, but left out of the law is banning military-style assault weapons! It doesn’t even raise their purchase age to 21. Our leaders need to go further to get the chosen weapons of so many mass shooters off the streets and make America safe once again.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines. Under new laws signed by our governor, veterans and service members will now get help with their education and in getting jobs. The laws, most of which are effective July 1, will provide tuition breaks for veterans, ease temporary teaching certificate requirements, and allow military experience to count when applying for jobs in government and schools. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation will also be required to expedite license applications of active-duty military spouses. They deserve our support and help, and these measures are small changes that will make a large impact on their lives.

Wendy Sartory Link, supervisor of elections, Palm Beach County. The Palm Beach County Elections Office has been at the forefront of transparency, and we take election security seriously to ensure that your vote counts and your voice is heard. In addition to the multiple checks and balances already in place, we were one of the first offices to digitally display the Canvassing Board and canvassing process to open up additional viewing space at our Voting Equipment Service Center, ensuring the public had access to the canvassing process — a first in Palm Beach County history. Learn each step of the election process at bit.ly/3yzItXs.

John “Jack” Seiler, former mayor, Fort Lauderdale. With the vast majority of Republican senators showing hesitation to fully embrace the announced gun safety framework, all eyes will be on Washington, D.C., to determine whether enough Republicans will stand up to pro-gun groups and others who oppose the compromise framework. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who is the most conservative Democrat in the Senate and a consistently staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, defended the new bipartisan agreement and emphasized that it takes “no rights away, no privileges away” from lawful gun owners. Hopefully, enough senators will sign on to protect our children and our communities.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate. Although numerous religious traditionalists have worked to limit access to abortion, not all religious assemblies endorse pro-life ideologies. In fact, a Florida synagogue recently filed a lawsuit challenging Florida’s 15-week abortion ban. The new law, which is expected to take effect in two weeks, would provide no exemptions for cases involving rape and human trafficking. Because Jewish teachings deem abortions necessary to protect the physical and mental health of pregnant women, the congregation contends that the ban violates Jews’ religious freedom and Jewish teachings. This action is the second challenge to Florida’s law following a lawsuit brought by Planned Parenthood.

Michael Udine,

mayor, Broward County. Extreme heat is gripping parts of the nation, and it is bringing into focus the dangers of soaring temperatures. Utility companies have cited this as a major stress factor on the power grid, and some have experienced outages or water disruptions. Events like this illustrate the need for upgraded infrastructure for public safety. In South Florida, we deal with high temperatures on a normal basis, but this does not mean we are not susceptible to the dangers. Remember to keep as cool as possible, limit outdoor exposure, and drink plenty of fluids. Your health depends on it.

Thomas Wenski, archbishop, Archdiocese of Miami. Religious Freedom Week, with this year’s theme of Life and Dignity for All, takes place June 22-29. The week begins on the feast day of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, includes the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and ends with the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. Religious freedom is more than freedom to worship; it includes the freedom to serve. Thus, a major area of concern continues to be freedom for Catholic institutions to carry out their missions without compromising their core moral beliefs because of intrusive government mandates.