THE TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Melissa McKinlay, member, Palm Beach County Commission

Palm Beach County recently approved a foster care group home project for HomeSafe. These are kids who, through no fault of their own, have been removed from abusive or neglectful homes. When that happens, the State of Florida becomes the parent for these children. More importantly, it means the taxpayers of Florida become parents and, as such, we should all be concerned about the welfare & best interest for all of our children. The lawsuit filed by neighbors opposed to this project for no real reason other than NIMBY-ism (Not In My Back Yard) disappoints me. So many people love to say they support the homeless, the abused, the needy - but when it comes time to actually do it and it’s in their backyard, they hide behind weak legal arguments. I pray the court system upholds the county’s decision to provide these children with a home in a safe neighborhood.

Lamar Fisher, member, Broward County Commission

This week, Broward County’s Aviation Department at Fort Lauderdale’s International Airport (FLL) led an initiative to collect donated goods for our federal employee partners. This initiative is in response to the nationwide partial federal government shutdown, which has left thousands of federal employees unpaid for several weeks. I want to personally thank all the individuals working for the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Aviation Administration at FLL and airports across the nation that continue to report to work in order to keep our nation’s airports secure.

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine

The government shutdown has already impaired safe air travel by limiting TSA employees, markedly reduced food bank resources for the poverty-stricken, created financial chaos which economists predict will constrict the economy, and other devastating consequences. This week the absence of sufficient Homeland Security and Secret Service staff has persuaded House Speaker Pelosi to ask Trump to delay his State of the Union message since it exposes members of all three branches of government to possible attack. When will POTUS get the message? People can climb over or tunnel under a wall, but they cannot tolerate/survive a long controversial government shutdown.

Robert Weinroth, member, Palm Beach County Commission

On the heels of appointing Judge Robert Luck as the first Jewish justice to the Florida Supreme Court in two decades, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his support for a bill being filed by Rep. Randy Fine to make another $2 million available for Jewish day school security. He also called out AirBnB for refusing to accept listings from property owners in Israel’s West Bank and announced a planned mission to Israel after the upcoming legislative session. The governor is to be applauded for these decisive actions and unambiguous declaration that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated by Florida or its citizens.

Anthony Abbate, associate provost, Florida Atlantic University, Broward

As the shutdown of the Federal government and political stand-off continues, students will continue to receive Pell grants and federal student loans but, with a drastic reduction in workforce, processing could be held up and selection of grant recipients will slow down. This week Education Secretary DeVos warned of the impacts on higher education. If this drags on programs that support disadvantaged students, research and education payments on existing grants, programs and projects will be suspended, and civil rights investigations and enforcement will be curtailed. The shutdown surely demonstrates the powerlessness of leaders to effectively seek consensus and govern.

George Moraitis, chairman, Broward Republican Executive Committee

Gov. DeSantis is on track to be one of the most effective governors in our state’s history having already completed multiple campaign promises in addition to bold, decisive moves to do what’s right for Florida. Among those decisions is an executive order to tackle the state’s environmental problems -- from toxic algae to sea level rise, to Everglades degradation and offshore drilling. It also includes $2.5 billion for Everglades protection and restoration, the appointment of a chief science officer, and a new Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection. Thankfully, Gov. DeSantis has made the environment an immediate and top focus.

Lori Berman, member, Florida Senate

Gov. Ron DeSantis visited the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County for an announcement this week about Israel relations and Florida. It was a three-pronged announcement: 1. The intention to travel to Israel for an overseas trade mission. 2. Allocations for security in Jewish Day Schools; 3. Enforcement of the anti-BDS movement’s enacted legislation effect on Air BnB in Florida. I am pleased that we have an Enterprise Florida office in Tel Aviv. I am happy to see the continuation of the strong Israel/Florida relationship.

Tracey Grossman, chairperson, AntiDefamation League

ADL was disheartened to learn that in one of Gov. DeSantis’ first acts as governor, he issued an executive order reaffirming Florida’s non-discrimination employment policy. While this is a positive step, the governor did not include protections for the LGBTQ community. After the attack at Pulse in Orlando, in which 49 people were murdered and 53 wounded, then-Gov. Scott committed to establishing policy that would include such protections. No measure was taken. Gov. DeSantis and all elected officials must recognize that Floridians deserve a state that champions inclusion and diversity.