Looking ahead to this week

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

Justice should be blind. Unfortunately, current pretrial release practices in Broward result in separate systems of justice: one for the rich and one for the poor. Broward sets bail amounts without regard for defendants’ ties to the community or criminal history. People charged with minor, nonviolent offenses shouldn’t be locked up for days or weeks simply because they can’t afford to pay their way out. Our bail system disproportionately incarcerates minorities and the poor and costs Broward millions of dollars that could instead be used for social services and infrastructure in communities that need it most. The system needs reform.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Another dozen Zika virus cases were just added to our state’s count, according to Florida health officials. Those numbers seem to be rising with 128 reported infections this year. Officials say that most of the cases were contracted outside of Florida, however, we as a state are still dealing with this. Just because we don’t have any new reported cases that took place here, doesn’t mean we can put our guard down or that it doesn’t affect us. As a city we continue to get the word out about prevention. We all have to do our parts and take precautions.

Mike Ryan, mayor, Sunrise

As the world watches the showdown with North Korea, the human tragedy in Venezuela worsens. The political structures intended to protect the people have failed. Deprivation of basic medical care and prescription drugs is causing human suffering. Fighting for democratic ideals has cost people their lives and freedom. If faced with such turmoil, what would you do for your family? Many are fleeing to other countries and creating strains. The global community must provide support those fleeing what may be characterized as economic hardships. Violence and devastating economic hardship actually represent a human tragedy requiring compassion and opening your doors.

Lauren Book, Florida Senate member

For so many Florida families, back to school means a time of hope, optimism and a fresh start to the new academic year. As a former teacher, I know that. I also know that for too many, that also means a time of stress and financial heartache. That is one reason I am so grateful to the Broward County Childrens’ Services Council for giving out literally thousands of backpacks to families in need. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. After two weeks of sad and distressing news, you inspire hope and remind us of the best Florida has to offer.

Marlon A. Hill, partner, Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel

As our students return from their summer sojourns, our public school system reconvenes into an undermining legislative environment moving needed resources to nurture their success. Our kids already face daunting socioeconomic pressures in various communities, and now our state government is reallocating hope with the transfer of wealth to charter schools. Despite these existential threats to our public schools, all parents are encouraged to be more engaged with their PTSAs and to be more demanding of your local representatives in ensuring that local public schools are not left to fend for themselves.

Barbara M. Sharief, mayor, Broward County

Haitian nationals living in the U.S. are protected under the Temporary Protection Status (TPS) that was recently extended until January 2018. Broward commissioners sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security asking for the status to be made permanent. Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services James McCament responded, informing me that Haiti continued to qualify, but its status would be re-evaluated next year. TPS is a designation given when safe return of citizens is not possible, such as the 2010 earthquake. Haiti has suffered devastating disasters since then and we will continue efforts to make TPS permanent.

Gary Farmer, member, Florida Senate

As someone who believes in human dignity, I have no doubt that health care is a right. Thanks to the ACA, millions of Americans have been added to the Medicaid rolls in order to provide for their care and to reduce the costs of healthcare across the board. In Florida, however, our government has refused to enact this crucial component of the legislation, choosing instead to leave millions without insurance. This should not be a partisan issue, as it has been enacted by Republican governors across the country. This session I intend to make expanding Medicaid in Florida a top priority.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate

Sexual assault on college campuses is under assault. Studies indicate at least 20 percent -25 percent of college women are sexually assaulted. Women are raped more often than men are falsely accused. So why is Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos considering a change to the legal standard from the “preponderance of evidence” to a harder standard to prove? Title IX prohibits sexual discrimination with federal funding at stake. College administrators should acknowledge the problems and create real and effective campus solutions. The social climate of our colleges and universities needs to change. Curricula and codes of conduct should include information discouraging sexual misconduct.