LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Lori Berman, member, Florida Senate

The inauguration of Florida's new Governor and cabinet members takes place this Tuesday, Jan. 8. With the exception of the CFO, Florida will have an entirely new elected executive branch. New beginnings are a time of change and optimism. As we celebrate the pomp and circumstance of this transition, all elected officials need to focus on assuring that we are providing adequate healthcare, a proper education, a clean environment and safety and security for all Floridians.

Thomas Wenski, archbishop, Archdiocese of

Miami

The annual January March for Life held every year in Washington, D.C., with attendance through rain, snow or sleet of 100,000+ gives lie to the assertion by some pro-abortion advocates (including editorial writers) that the permissive abortion regime ushered in by the fateful Roe v. Wade decision is “settled law.” Roe v. Wade and the later Casey v. Planned Parenthood were exercises of raw judicial power. The hope of pro-lifers that originalist justices will overturn Roe v. Wade will not totally end abortion but it would return lawmaking to state legislatures which are increasingly pro-life.

Robert Weinroth, member, Palm Beach County Commission

Gov. Rick Scott recently announced a $3 million grant to southeast Florida counties (including Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach) for red tide cleanup. Palm Beach County’s $500,000 share will be distributed to its municipalities to reimburse them for their own red tide-related expenses. This is but a Band-Aid on a problem we can anticipate will continue to grow as ocean temperatures continue to rise coupled with the damage being caused by the green algae choking our estuaries. Incoming governor, Ron DeSantis, and the Legislature, must move quickly to protect tourism and other ecosystem dependent employment with a permanent solution.

Howard Simon, retired executive director, ACLU of Florida

Will Florida’s new Governor – conservative and hostile to government’s overreach – nevertheless use the machinery of state government to curb the destructive policies of developers and agribusiness and protect the health of Floridians? Curbing the over-use of septic tank sewage disposal systems by developers and limiting nutrient run-offs into rivers and streams by agribusinesses are urgently needed. This crisis involves more than a threat to our tourist-based economy, declining opportunities for fishing and unsightly beaches cluttered with dead fish. Scientists are reporting that the air and water around the blue-green algae blooms contain toxins that are poisoning the people of Florida.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Com

mission

Despite large funding cuts for advertising and navigators to assist with enrollment, over 55,000 additional Floridians enrolled for healthcare under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2018 compared to last year. Although many barriers were put in place to undermine the law, Florida enrolled more than 1.78 million people this year! These high enrollment numbers demonstrate the extraordinary need and desire for access to healthcare coverage. Unfortunately, due to the unwillingness of the Governor and Legislature to expand Medicaid, about 850,000 Floridians earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but too little to qualify for ACA subsidies. Floridians deserve better!

Irela Bagué, president, Bagué Group

Our next Governor has the opportunity to position the State of Florida as a global model for resilience. Many of our communities have endured the impacts of extreme weather and recurring tidal flooding, but these challenges can create economic opportunities if we focus on and invest in innovative solutions.

Barbara Sharief, member, Broward County

Commission

Be part of Broward County's Census 2020! Every ten years the U.S. Census Bureau counts residents across the country. A correct count is critical for Broward as Census numbers are used to determine federal representation and funding of programs like supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP), Section 8 Housing Vouchers, Children’s Health Insurance, and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP). By attending the Census 2020 Complete Count Committee kick-off meeting Wednesday, Jan. 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Oakridge Hall in Tree Tops Park, 3900 SW 100th Ave., Davie, you can make a difference and make Broward count! Please visit Broward.org/Census2020 and/or RSVP to Census2020@Broward.org

Philip Purcell, executive director, Marine Industries Association of South Florida

The glitch in the payroll system that prevented U.S. Coast Guard military personnel from being paid prior to the government shutdown was thankfully fixed, however, it’s important to note that since the partial shutdown took place many local members have been furloughed with only a skeleton crew left in place. The U.S. Coast Guard is the federal agency responsible for maintaining the safety and navigability of our waterways as well as search and rescue operations globally. We look forward to paying tribute to the brave members of the Seventh U.S. Coast Guard District on Thursday, Jan. 24 at Pier 66.