Looking ahead to this week

George Moraitis, chairman, Broward Republican Executive Committee

Florida’s economy is directly linked to our environment, and this year the Florida Legislature has made investments to ensure our environment is preserved for the future. For the last three years, we have successfully implemented minimum levels of annual funding for crucial areas of need such as the Everglades. The 2018-19 Environmental Budget includes $4 billion with $143.1 million for Everglades Restoration. These funds will bring relief to areas devastated by toxic discharges, protect Floridians that live south of Lake Okeechobee, and restore the flow of clean water to the Everglades and Florida Bay that is crucially needed.

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc.

Walmart is the nation’s largest retailer and is seeking interest in expanding into health insurance. Humana and Walmart have been discussing ways to strengthen their partnership. They have had recent discussions in regards to Walmart buying Humana. Last week, it was announced that Humana, the health insurer, had a market valuation of $37 billion dollars. As this will not be a low-cost settlement for Walmart, this will help create Walmart to be a healthier company. This collaboration could increase customer traffic and influence consumers to purchase healthier products.

Ghenete Wright Muir, attorney. Realtor. LGBTQ advocate

We need good news! We are exhausted from the constant gun violence, continued racism, and all the rubbish that pours out of the president’s mouth. I have joked with my friends, and I will say it here as well: Let’s ignore all of his tweets and antics for one solid week ... maybe two. If you’re not following him on Twitter, great! If you are, stop! Stop retweeting ... stop reacting to his tweet tantrums — twantrums, I call them! And, just like that toddler kicking and screaming in the mall, whose parents keep walking, he may just stop and act right — or not.

Eduardo J. Padron, president, Miami Dade College

The presidents of Florida’s 28 state colleges are unanimously in support of Constitution Revision Commission Proposal 83, that will finally recognize the college system in the constitution and preserve its governance. The K-12 and university systems have long had their place in Florida’s constitution, but our model college system, serving more than 800,000, is not yet included. Hopefully, soon, that will change and the FCS will be added when Proposal 83, which is now in ballot drafting, is placed on the November ballot for voter approval. It’s important we keep contacting commissioners, thanking them for their work and kindly imploring the inclusion of Proposal 83.

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission

Broward County commissioners will consider joining numerous cities in litigation against the state’s draconian effort to intimidate local elected officials who support commonsense gun safety regulations. Preemption laws that reserve regulating a particular activity to the state are not unusual. But the state went too far with a 2011 law that threatens local officials who pass or enforce local gun ordinances with removal from office and personal fines. These outrageous penalties were adopted to appease the gun lobby that dominates Tallahassee. In the wake of the Stoneman Douglas tragedy, this lawsuit sends a message that local officials won’t be intimidated.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate

Out of sight. Out of mind. Living in Florida, hurricane preparedness should always be paramount. Progress is being made after Irma and the Hollywood Hills nursing facility disaster. Our Legislature has recently passed laws requiring an alternate supply of energy in our nursing homes and ALFs. Questions remain about timely enforcement and inspections of thousands of facilities. Shelters are in short supply with a drought of people helping. Teachers are knowledgeable about school shelter facilities and Department of Health workers can help with health issues and should be included in the mix of hurricane shelter workers. We must prepare now.

Mike Ryan, mayor, Sunrise

Law enforcement can now petition a court for an order prohibiting a violent or mentally ill individual from purchasing or possessing a firearm or any other weapon. Judge Jack Tuter, the Chief Judge of Broward County courts, has demonstrated great leadership in implementing this new law to protect our community. As reported in the Sentinel, there have been multiple occasions where the court has utilized the new law involving people in crisis or threatening violence against themselves or others. We can all wonder how life would have been different for so many if this law had been enacted years ago.

Maria Sachs, former member, Florida Senate

The marches have ended, the legislative visits are completed, nationwide interviews are wrapped up. Life should be continuing as it was before tragedy took 17 lives, but it isn’t. The conversation turns to: What next? The real work begins now. Community leaders must be ready to apply funding for mental health counselors at our schools, law enforcement must be available to give our students a sense of security with their presence, and legislators must push for commonsense gun regulation. We will never be the same; we will be stronger and much much wiser. Now, let’s get to work!