Looking ahead to this week

Eduardo J. Padrón, president, Miami Dade College

Only one week remains in 2018 state session, though the extension or the calling of a special sessions seems likely. We are hopeful our able members of the local delegations and others help avoid unintended consequences that will not allow for the just funding of our College System. Maintaining the current governance and properly funding these institutions is an investment in Florida’s healthy future. In addition, we urge all stakeholders to contact the Members of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission to please vote “yes” on Proposal 83 to add the College System to the Constitution. The national model FCS deserves inclusion alongside our State University and the K-12 Systems.

Kathy Koch, president, Ambit Advertising and Public Relations

Important conversations are taking place about gun control in our public schools and the role of mental health services for children and all residents in our county. Increased and improved services will require funding. Florida spends $7,400 annually per student, compared to a national average of more than $11,700. Some of the highest performing states invest more than $20,000. Florida’s support for mental health ranks lowest in the nation. In 2014, we spent $36.05 per person, less than one-third the U.S. average of $125.90. If we expect change, we’ll have to put our money where our mouth is.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

The Florida Senate is proposing that negotiations begin with the federal government to find a health care alternative for our veterans. This would not expand Medicaid for veterans, but instead would possibly open access to the Medicaid managed-care infrastructure of health plans and physicians. Agencies would basically seek approval for a waiver for federal funding for the “Florida Veterans Care” program so services improve. Something must be done. Our veterans deserve better than what they’re getting. With over half of Florida’s veterans at age 65 or older, we’ve got to look for solutions now.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate

Wishful thinking — the Florida Legislature doing the right thing about gun legislation. The similarities between the Florida House and Senate bills suggested a behind the scenes deal. The die had been cast. No significant amendments. How could they reject the painstaking pleas from articulate students from MSD who witnessed the bloody deaths of their friends and school staff? How could they not hear the cries of the parents of students who died from automatic military style rifles-bullets that tore away large chunks of their children’s bodies that couldn’t be stitched together? What was I thinking?

Tom Shea, president, Right Management

WeWork and other firms opening coworking offices are a strong draw for the innovative, fast-learning talent our region needs, as shown by Miami’s new top national ranking for co-working space as a percent of total office space. Social and tech-savvy, the shared spaces throughout South Florida keep costs low and shorten commutes for many start-ups, while building collaborative cultures and business networks. Yardi Matrix’s ranking shows Miami’s nearly 3 percent of total office space for co-working outpaces even Manhattan’s 1.7 percent.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami

In Jennings v. Rodriguez (2/27/18), the Supreme Court affirmed in a 5/3 vote that indefinite detention of migrants and asylum seekers is permissible. This reinforces a growing trend to deal harshly with people whose only offense, in seeking conditions worthy of human life, is to have crossed a border. The clear majority pose no danger or threat but are treated worse than convicted criminals who at least have been afforded due process and can claim the protection of the U.S. Constitution. Migrants and asylum seekers, including children, can be locked up indefinitely without trial; 34,000 are detained in U.S. currently.

Andrew Duffell, president, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University

The Trump administration continues to defund critical research that contributes to life-saving measures and the scientific advances of the future. The latest target is the Environmental Protection Agency, which will fold the National Center for Environmental Research into other offices that handle public information requests and budgetary functions. If we’ve learned anything from the post-World War II era, it should be that government-sponsored research spurs innovation and unimagined breakthroughs that fuel American innovation and economic growth.

Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser

Property owners who purchased their home before Jan. 1, 2018 and missed the March 1 exemption filing deadline can still late file for 2018 homestead exemption and any other exemptions they qualify for. The late filing deadline for all 2018 property tax exemptions is Sept. 18, 2018. Individuals who purchased their property in 2018 can pre-file for 2019 exemptions at any time. Residents can apply online at www.bcpa.net or in our main office. Staff is also available at community events around the county. Please visit our Community Outreach Calendar at www.bcpa.net/events.asp to see where we will be assisting residents.