LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. America’s hospital systems have been the envy of the world for their superb care, but the pandemic and other factors have had a devastating impact on their effectiveness. Revenues have not matched dramatically rising costs as insurance sources have vanished, making it difficult to retain personnel and provide appropriate care. This is tragically prominent in low-income communities, where high fetal and maternal mortality rates are examples of the crisis. An expansion of Medicaid would counter the effects of uncompensated care, but there’s political opposition to that. Unbelievable! Many hospitals are considering closing. This demands immediate collective, cooperative, compassionate action nationally.

Beam Furr, member, Broward County Commission. This week is the 14th Annual Southeast Florida Climate Change Summit. The summit brings together elected officials, business leaders, science experts, community advocates and more to set our course for a more sustainable and resilient future across our entire region. This event is led by our Regional Climate Compact, which features Broward, MiamiDade, Monroe and Palm Beach counties. This year’s event will be held at the Broward County Convention Center. Past summits have seen historic moments, such as the adoption of a unified sea-level curve and signing of our region’s landmark climate document. More history will be made this year.

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union. The month of December is National Giving Month and not just because it’s a month with gift-giving holidays in it. Historically the end of the year is a time when charities experience their biggest gains. Giving to others is one thing that unites all Americans as a people regardless of background, ethnicity or political beliefs. As a people, we readily step forward to help out those who need it. Even in these divisive times we remain committed to helping improve the lives of others. Let’s take some time to celebrate, continue and even add to our selfless volunteerism and generosity.

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale. The Senate passed a bipartisan bill called the Respect for Marriage Act that would protect same-sex and interracial couples. Given the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court, this is an important initiative so we don’t go backwards. Next step is a similar bill in the House and signature by President Joe Biden.

Tim Lonergan, former mayor, Oakland Park. Oakland Park is a wonderfully diverse and progressive city on the move! On Monday,

Dec. 12 at 12:30 p.m., the residents of Oakland Park will be celebrating the groundbreaking ceremony of The Sky Building at 3701 Dixie Highway. The Sky Building is being constructed by NR Investments and will comprise 136 residential units, ground floor retail and a new Oakland Park City Hall. This development includes two signature buildings overlooking Jaco Pastorius Park and becomes part of the civic, commercial and entertainment heart of Oakland Park. Join us and then explore all that Oakland Park has to offer.

Melissa McKinlay, member, Palm Beach County Commission. Congress is in a lameduck session. All eyes will be on Washington to see what pieces of the president’s agenda can get passed quickly, a railroad crisis averted, and year-end budget measures passed. It’s amazing how much can happen when the final seconds on the clock start ticking. It’s a shame Congress can’t be this efficient year-round!

Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, president and CEO, Community Foundation of Broward. Did you know that more than half of Floridians (about 52%) make volunteering a regular part of their weekly routines? Volunteer Florida’s recent report offered insights into how and why we volunteer our time. For example, about 39% of volunteers help feed others, and 47% of volunteers give their time through religious organizations, compared to 23% volunteering through civic or professional organizations. Volunteering is a way for everyone to help make our community a better place to call home. Visit volunteerflorida.org to learn more about the volunteerism report as well as opportunities to give your time.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines. Despite widespread public awareness campaigns against drunk drivers, Florida motorists continue to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. December is described as one of the deadliest and most dangerous on our roadways due to increased impaired driving. As part of National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month, we encourage everyone to drive sober and defensively, especially during this holiday season. Thousands of Floridians die or are injured each year from drunk driving accidents, which are totally preventable. Reports show that four out of every 50 drunk driving accidents in the U.S. occur in Florida. Let’s stop this madness.