LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Anthony J. Abbate, architect. The so-called “intellectual survey” that passed the Florida Senate and is headed to the House (House Bill 233) is yet another waste of taxpayer money and time. Whether you question your beliefs or seek ways to scaffold them is up to you to decide, not government. And if the Legislature is truly interested in “intellectual diversity,” then why not allow academic exchange with Cuba? The goings-on in this year’s Legislature only underscore its distance from the everyday reality of most Floridians, who seek stability in employment, affordable housing and a transportation system that can get us places on time.

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. The alarming frequency of mass shootings has quite understandably focused attention on the Second Amendment in the Bill of Rights. The wording is quite specific in identifying “a well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State” but a bit vague on “the right of the people to keep and bear arms.” What types of firearms and for what reasons? It’s a precious right, but doubtful the forefathers would condone the sale of assault weapons. Interestingly, only three countries in the world have a constitutional right to own guns: the US, Mexico and Guatemala.

Lamar Fisher, member, Broward County Commission. The pandemic has brought a lot of grief to many families in Broward County, and it is important that these families have as much support as possible during this tremendous hardship. In response to the many lives lost, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced the launch of a Funeral Assistance Program that will begin to accept applications on Monday April 12. The program will assist eligible families with COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. For more information, please visit fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance.

Mike Ryan, mayor, Sunrise. Businesses catering to customers who want vaccinated-only events or experiences are now prohibited from requiring proof of vaccine under the governor’s executive order. Some businesses may see this as an illegal or unconstitutional encroachment on their right to make decisions for the safety and protection of their staff, customers and their families. Vaccineonly cruises or restaurant, theater, arena experiences may be sought by customers. Yet businesses requiring proof of vaccination could be denied licensure and permits by the state agencies and will be ineligible for state grants or contracts; they could also be sued. Businesses are caught in the middle.

John “Jack” P. Seiler, former mayor, Fort Lauderdale. The International Monetary Fund predicts President Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package will boost the U.S. economy and drive faster global growth this year, while warning that many countries continue to suffer and are at risk of being left behind. The IMF also predicts the U.S. economy will surpass its pre-pandemic size as growth reaches 6.4% this year, and the rebound will help the global economy expand 6% in 2021, which estimates are in line with Wall Street’s expectations. The IMF stated the unprecedented policy response to the pandemic means the recession will likely leave smaller scars than the 2008 global financial crisis.

Barbara Sharief, member, Broward County Commission. Equal pay for equal work still isn’t a reality for many women in the workforce today. And with COVID-19 still affecting all of us, there remains a disparity in how men and women are paid when all comparable factors are controlled, meaning that women are still being paid less than men due to no attributable reason other than gender even when doing the exact same job, are equally qualified and sometimes better qualified. To achieve equal pay, we must strengthen the equal pay laws so that pay discrimination stops and women are finally respected and paid accordingly.

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale. Inter Miami CF is kicking off the 2021 Major League Soccer season in partnership with AutoNation to promote the year-round initiative of breast cancer awareness. Starting in April, Inter Miami Stadium will be named DRV PNK Stadium in a purpose-driven collaboration between the futbol team and AutoNation to raise continuous awareness surrounding breast cancer. Since 2015, AutoNation has raised more than $25 million for cancer research through its Drive Pink campaign. And with Inter Miami’s team colors already being black and pink, it’s powerful to know that the pink now stands for the mission of defeating breast cancer.

Randall Vitale, president, Hoffman’s Chocolates. The NFL draft is quickly approaching, and the Miami Dolphins are well positioned to make some big splashes for the upcoming season. Between free agent signings and trades in the draft, the Dolphins are ready to further improve from last year’s 10-6 season. As a lifelong Dolfan, I can confidently say that I have not been as excited about an upcoming season for the Dolphins in a long, long time. General manager Chris Grier and head coach Brian Flores deserve a lot of credit for the team they are building — and how they built it. The future looks bright!