LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Richard Clark, CEO, Clark Leadership

Consulting. The Black community must not be ignored in the recovery from COVID-19. Harder hit by both the coronavirus and unemployment, they will encounter insurmountable difficulty in the recovery. First, while priorities for vaccine distribution are being determined, there is an absence of public discussions providing for the Black community. Their needs should not be considered a political handout, but rather a civic responsibility. America’s future will never emerge as a nation of inclusion until we turn rhetoric into action, standing united and committed to empower our Black brothers and sisters to become reemployed and gain access to quality healthcare.

Beam Furr, member, Broward County Commis

sion. Next week, the Electoral College will cast their ballots and elect our next president. The election was Nov. 3 – but the 158 million Americans who participated did not actually elect a president, they elected a slate of electors. This archaic system has outgrown its usefulness in the 21st century. This entire election cycle, there was little doubt that Joe Biden would get more votes from more Americans than Donald Trump – the question was whether they would be in the right states. Floridians are lucky to live in a battleground state, but all votes should matter just as much as ours.

Philip Purcell, CEO/President, Marine Industries Association of South Florida.

Walt Disney World Resort and Brightline have entered into an agreement to construct a train station at Disney Springs linking South Florida directly to the Disney park system. This is great news for the future of transportation. Offering efficient options to congested traffic is a positive as the struggle of our highway system to keep pace with the growing population continues. International visitors are already accustomed to a train alternative. It should not take long before locals will also see the advantages of leaving their car when they can opt for stress free, environmentally responsible alternative travel to Orlando.

Nan Rich,

sion.

member, Broward County Commis

The Area Agency on Aging of Broward County has contracted with Uniper Care to utilize technology to reach out to seniors in their homes. The services and interactive programs enhance emotional, physical and social well-being. Uniper is delivered through accessible technology – the standard TV set, computer or mobile device. Seniors can connect with loved ones, caregivers and other important people in their lives through their TV remote control or the click of a button on a computer or smartphone. What a wonderful way to enhance socializing during COVID-19 when so many are suffering from isolation. For more information email UniperNWD@adrcbroward.org.

Nora Rupert, member, Broward School

Board. Collective breath holding finally had its release when Gov. DeSantis delivered guidelines for spring semester for public schools and districts around the state. Although 65% of Florida’s public-school students are learning in-person, Broward’s rate is at 25%. This order respects our local community and what they feel is best for their family. There is a great number of at-risk students who are struggling, and this order emphasizes the need to vary instructional delivery: a full selection of in-person, online, and after school tutoring engaging our students and giving them the skills to be successful in an ever changing world.

Laurie Sallarulo, CEO, Junior Achievement

of South Florida. In March, the U.S. women’s national soccer team sued its employer, the U.S. Soccer Federation, for gender discrimination, particularly equal pay and working conditions. This week, they saw a victory that ensures equal conditions and clears the way for them to appeal the pay-discrimination claim previously rejected. The parallels between this claim and claims in the corporate world are undeniable. Now, organizations with over 100 employees are required to disclose detailed pay data, including women’s compensation, to the EEOC. It could take years to close the gender pay gap, but the results of this claim could accelerate progress toward gender parity.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida

Senate. Legislation by the governor and the Florida Legislature to expand the state’s Stand Your Ground law and shield business liability claims from coronavirus will be introduced. A one-size-fits-all law does not work as it disallows exceptions for realworld experiences. Hopefully, common sense will prevail to protect all Floridians. If our government is to succeed, our political parties must compromise with true bipartisan laws. Congress’ Problem Solving Caucus is a model for our Legislature to emulate, with both parties and both chambers joining together on policy solutions.

Matt Willhite, member, Florida House of Representatives.

The Florida House agreed to a rule change that expands the number of bills that a state representative is permitted to file from six to seven bills. With this extra bill slot, I’m hoping to give a high school student the opportunity to turn their idea into law and follow it through the legislative process – which is why my office is hosting the ‘How a Bill Becomes a Law’ contest. High School students in District 86 will have the chance to submit their idea to my office, along with why they think their idea will make a great law.