LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Michael De Lucca,

Recently, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a safety warning notice about the Peloton Tread+. If you or someone you know owns this product, make sure this equipment is stored in a safe and secure place while unattended. There have been various reports of children and pets becoming trapped or pulled under the back roller on the treadmill. While this product is not in use, it is recommended to follow the safety and warning instructions, unplug the machine and store in a closed off room where children and pets cannot go on without an adult.

Lamar Fisher,

Our day-to-day life, economic liveliness, and national security depend on a stable, safe and resilient cyberspace, especially now, with the increase in teleworking options in our community and the many cyberattacks we have recently witnessed. The federal government’s “Stop.Think.Connect.” campaign encourages everyone to recognize potential cybercrimes in the form of identity theft, phishing attacks or imposter scams. It is vital that you take these steps to protect yourself: Have strong passwords, update your security software, enable stronger authentication, do not open suspicious emails/sites and definitely limit the amount of personal information shared online.

Joe Russo,

There will be progressive strains on our educational system’s ability to fuel tech industry growth. With the governor’s $75 million Workforce Get There Faster Initiative, we will see rapid credentialing and certification programs that help today, but we have to think about our long-term strategies. Now is the time to invest in our favorite acronyms: FAU, FIU, NSU, UM, PBSC, MDC and BC!

Laurie Sallarulo,

Leaders across South Florida industries are facing workforce shortages that threaten the success of their businesses. Recruiting quality staff was already a challenge, but during COVID-19 was amplified. One way to address the skills shortage is to recruit from nontraditional labor pools, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals and veterans. And don’t overlook high school students who are in the midst of making career and education decisions. Partnering with organizations like Junior Achievement, BCPS and others that provide critical skills training programs can help fill staffing gaps, enhance your company’s reputation and help build your future workforce pipeline.

Kelly Skidmore, member, Florida House of

The Florida House of Representatives took up and passed House Bill 3, creating a program of home delivery of books for elementary school children. Through the availability of tax credits, contributions to the New Worlds Reading Initiative will fund costs associated with the program. As a child with a significant physical disability, books became a lifesaver by taking me to places my body couldn’t and instilling in me a lifelong passion for reading. The ripple effect of offering home delivery of books, though incalculable, is one that can alter the trajectory of a child’s academic success and one that I wholeheartedly support.

Eleanor Sobel,

Senate Bill 468 and House Bill 189 would expunge the records of certain cannabis convictions. Expungements help remove obstacles to employment, schooling and housing that can haunt people for a lifetime. The bill would apply to individuals convicted of misdemeanors involving the possession of 20 grams or less of cannabis. The bill is narrowed down to allow only the expungement of one previous marijuana conviction. Marijuana convictions have historically targeted Black Americans, who are significantly more likely than white Americans to be arrested for possessing marijuana. Several cities and counties in Florida have reduced charges to civil citations.

Nick Sortal,

The state legislature will discuss forming a gambling commission, but we’d have been better off had that happened back in 2012, when then-Sen. Maria Sachs of Delray Beach proposed it. (I was the gambling reporter for the Sun Sentinel at the time.) Back then, hotel-resort casinos and racetrack casinos were in play and the Seminoles wanted more. Amendment 3 now puts control of gambling mostly in the hands of voters, begging the question: What would the new commission regulate?

Gregory Stuart,

South Florida has over six million residents who travel throughout our three-county region. The current transportation system has reached the point where we can no longer pave our way out of congestion and need to implement a more modern transportation solution. This week, our regional leaders will meet to discuss the Coastal Link Commuter Rail project. This ambitious effort requires coordination among dozens of public and private sector partners to build and operate the system. After years of planning, together, we will finally bring local commuter rail travel to the FEC corridor.