Looking ahead to this week

Thomas Wenski, archbishop, Archdiocese of Miami.

The Supreme Court’s decision not to allow the administration to rescind DACA was only a punt. DACA recipients still need congressional legislation to provide them with a path to permanent residency and possible U.S. citizenship. While the House has already passed legislation, a companion bill is needed in the Senate. S.874 a/k/a The Dream Act is intended to protect immigrant youth who entered the United States as children and know America as their only home. The bill offers qualifying immigrant youth “conditional permanent resident status” and a path to full lawful permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

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

More Floridians have turned to Medicaid during the COVID-19 pandemic. Newly released figures show that enrollment in Florida’s Medicaid program grew by nearly 7.7% between February and May. Florida Agency for Health Care Administration data shows that 4.06 million people were enrolled in Medicaid by the end of May and that was an increase from about 3.77 million in February. Even with increased funding, state Medicaid officials said the influx of new people into the program could blow a $1 billion hole in the state’s budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2020.

Barbara Sharief, member, Broward County Commission.

Broward County is seeing a daily increase of positive COVID-19 cases. Everyone must wear your face coverings when in public, wash your hands continuously, stay at least six feet apart and stay home as much as possible. I know you want Broward to continue the phased openings, but unfortunately, we cannot at this time. We need everyone’s cooperation and participation during this difficult time. We must continue to follow all CDC guidelines as well as the county’s executive orders. Remember, we are all in this together, so please dial 311 to report a business or person violating the rules.

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

A Sun Sentinel reader contacted me questioning if being charged $2,500 was correct for a coronavirus test. Typical charge is $100; we contacted the facility and received an immediate reduction. This incident highlights why U.S. healthcare costs are higher than anywhere else. Every other developed country oversees rates. But here, medical labs, drug companies, hospitals and doctors’ offices can charge high prices to insurance companies and patients without consequence. Despite understandable resistance to governmental intervention, these unconscionable excess billings should be controlled for the benefit of everyone seeking medical attention. Especially during these stressful times of pandemic resurgence – and forever.

Howard Simon, retired executive director, ACLU of Florida.

More people will vote by mail in the August 18th Primary and November 3rd Election than ever, for convenience and during the pandemic it is safest for both voters and poll workers. Despite the President’s effort to discourage voting by spreading false claims that mail ballots create fraud, voters do need to protect their vote. Make sure that your vote counts by (1) returning the ballot well before 7 p.m. on Election Day, (2) signing the ballot envelope, and then (3) tracking your ballot on the Supervisor of Elections website to make sure that it was received and tabulated.

Peter Moore, president, Chen Moore and Associates.

I’ve read about impending restrictions from the Trump administration on H1B and other high-tech visas for some time, and I expect that they will be enacted by the time this is printed. I can’t emphasize enough what a terrible idea this is. For the chosen few that have the time and talent to become a high-tech individual, it doesn’t matter where you were born. My firm loses people every year that don’t get to stay because of their immigration status. Why train these people at our top universities in our most soughtafter jobs and let them go?

Michael Udine, member, Broward County Commission.

The open road is back in vogue and calling your name. Whether you are taking the scenic route, visiting our national or state parks, or just feeling the wind fly by, there are options near and far. AAA has reported that instead of flying or cruising, many are hitting the road to get out of town for some R & R. RV rentals have seen an increase, and this means you will see plenty on the road. For those who feel comfortable to travel, taking a road trip will create summer memories for years to come. Let’s rediscover America together!

Beam Furr, member, Broward County Commission.

Being a patriot is about more than waving the flag or setting off fireworks. With the Fourth of July coming up, it’s a reminder that our greatest responsibility in America is to our fellow Americans. This is especially important as we grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing protests. This week, we should not just celebrate a holiday, but reflect and honor the virtues of equality and fairness that this country was founded on. These are trying times for America – but difficulty can create powerful change. We should take advantage of this holiday to consider how we make that happen.