Looking ahead to this week

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami

President Trump has promised to do right by the DACA youth (irregular immigrants brought to the U.S. as children by their parents). However, some in his administration want to end the program which could have these youths end up prioritized for deportation. DACA needs to be extended less these young people lose their protection. However, DACA — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — is not a permanent solution. Congress must work in an expeditious and bipartisan manner to find a legislative solution for DACA youth as soon as possible. Legalization is the just and compassionate solution — and advances the common good of all.

Anthony Abbate, Florida Atlantic University, associate provost, Broward

The governor quietly signed SB120/HB 989 that would allow any resident — not just parents — to challenge classroom textbooks. This presents another affront to advocates of scientific reasoning, as extremists have already shared affidavits outlining what they consider offensive: from indigenous cultural perspectives to evolution. Add to this South Florida Water Management director Pete Antonacci’s call to cancel a longstanding review of Everglades restoration by the National Academies of Science. It’s no wonder STEM advocates feel as if Florida is looking backward at a time the state needs scientific knowledge the most to overcome present and future challenges.

Earl Maucker, commissioner, Lighthouse Point; former editor, Sun Sentinel

Local municipalities are in the thick of adjusting tax rates, fees and expenses so residents would be wise to pay close attention. Whatever happens will have a direct impact on the amount of taxes paid by each of us. As we’ve read this past week, some local officials are significantly raising salaries and travel expenses for commissioners on top of higher taxes and fees. Baffling. However, in every case, a public hearing is required before action is finalized. Now is the time for each resident who cares about their community to get involved in the process.

Joy Cooper, mayor, Hallandale Beach

Cities are like homes; we are required to pay our bills keep the appliances running and balance our budget. There needs to be a better understanding that the quality of life in a city is dependent on the level of services. After the recession, our city held the line on increasing taxes while struggling to keep pace with infrastructure needs. It is now time to in many cities to keep the same rate or even increase rates.

Frederick Lippman, chancellor of health professions division, Nova Southeastern University

We must pay attention to the current teacher shortage for our K-12 children. Florida is soon to be the second most populous state in the union. The state has three of the 10 largest school systems in the U.S. We have thousands upon thousands of children to teach. It is imperative that the public and private university systems receive funding from the state to teach the professionals, especially in the areas of STEM. We are in a crisis situation and this must be done now or we will suffer the consequences of a poorly educated society and a diminished economy.

Katie Edwards, member, Florida House of Representatives

The Florida Legislature needs to fix worker’s comp. Businesses of all sizes were shafted when the Senate and House — each dominated by the GOP which purports itself to be pro business — could not reach an agreement on a bill. With premiums expected to rise by as much as 14 percent, Tallahassee needs to make passing a worker’s comp bill a priority. Workers need the ability to get back on your feet and return to work after an injury. Employers need the stability of affordable and stable rates. Whatever reforms we make should limit the need for attorneys — on all sides.

Maria Sachs, member, Florida Senate

More and more of our children are victims of commercial exploitation. Human trafficking is a scourge that is not confined to developing countries. It is happening right here in South Florida. Increasingly, sober home investigations reveal that many young girls are being imprisoned and used for sexual favors. Enforcement against sober homes has been aggressive but one important element is missing: using the state RICO statutes to enforce civil penalties against the perpetrators will strike at the cash flow of this profitable business. We need to rescue our children. The strongest weapon is to strike at the profits of this nefarious business. The time to act is now.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul Castronovo Show

At press time, Tropical Storm Don is out there, and he’s expected to dissipate. Cool. It’s too early for the headaches. But, we’re Floridians, we’re prepared, right? I’m in the media, and we talk about this stuff all the time: Have plenty of water, batteries, canned goods, etc. (These are known as hurricane supplies, apparently.) on hand in advance. Sure. Do you know anybody that does (it doesn’t count if they’re left over from last year)? No, we all do the same thing. Weather person: “We’re in the cone of death!” South Floridians: “Go buy all the water that’s left (and wine)!”