TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.

Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, president, Children’s Services Council of Broward County. Thanks to new data released by Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy, the value of the Child Tax Credit is becoming even clearer. The American Rescue Plan passed in March 2021 allowed parents to take the Child Tax Credit in monthly increments of $300, to a maximum of $3,600 a year, which reduced child poverty by approximately 30%. Despite that, the U.S. Senate allowed those credits to expire. The result: 3.7 million more children have slid back in poverty, Black and Latino children making up the vast majority. Why are children always victims of Washington political haggling?

Mike Caruso, member, Florida House of Representatives. After the tragedy our community endured with the collapse of the condominium in Surfside last June, a review of Florida building codes is greatly needed. HB 7069, should it become law, places more intense inspection requirements for new condos and mandates that buildings older than 30 years be re-certified, among other provisions. Structures on the coastline will be subject to even stricter regulations. While I oppose unnecessary “red tape” that hampers economic growth, in the polarized political climate we are currently experiencing, this is an excellent example of policy that constituents across the political spectrum can support.

Lois Frankel, member, U.S. House of Representatives. This week, we all watched in horror as Russia launched an unprovoked war against Ukraine, marking the greatest threat to the sovereignty and security of our European allies since World War II. This is an assault on democracy, and our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine as they defend their country and home. Putin has deliberately chosen violence over diplomacy, and as President Biden said, his aggression cannot and will not go unanswered. The United States, in lockstep with NATO and other overseas allies, will hold Russia accountable for its actions.

Rob Pacienza, senior pastor, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. The Archdiocese of Miami recently criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis for issuing an executive order in December that prohibited state regulators from issuing licenses to shelters that house unaccompanied minors in partnership with the federal government. DeSantis said he believes funding these shelters would be akin to cooperating with human smuggling. While it is the church’s job to care for the poor, marginalized and disadvantaged, this must also be done within the context of following the rule of law. Illegal immigration, and policies that encourage it, hurt both immigrants and American citizens alike.

Larry Rein, CEO and President, ChildNet. How quickly things change, especially during Florida’s legislative session. Last week, the Florida House was deservedly praised for its generous recommendation to increase child welfare funding statewide by $127.5 million. Five days later, however, we learned that allocation of that funding may be based on a formula that would actually call for decreases of $6 million in Broward and $17 million in Dade/Monroe. The formula was created for a different, limited purpose in 2019. Its validity and its value remain unproven. Its use now would punish our communities for great performance and prove disastrous for our children and families.

Dr. Steven Ronik, CEO, Henderson Behavioral Health. Thomas Insel, the former leader of the National Institute for Mental Health, has just published a book highly critical of our nation’s mental health system. He acknowledges that what we have is an “implementation problem,” and largely describes his frustration during his tenure. NIMH has pushed back some, noting some major advances such as the development of First-Episode Psychosis programs (available locally at Henderson Behavioral Health). At the end of the day — he’s largely right — it’s about funding priorities that spur implementation. We know what works for virtually every diagnostic category. No more time for talking — time for funding.

Wendy Sartory Link, supervisor of elections, Palm Beach County. Are you a student in Palm Beach County? Are you in middle school or high school? If so, great! The Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections office is challenging Palm Beach County middle school and high school students to design new “I Voted” and “Future Voter” stickers for Palm Beach County voters. We appreciate your help engaging students in the democratic process and thank you for encouraging creativity, activities to build character, and civic engagement. Learn more about the 2022 Sticker Design Contest at VotePalmBeach.gov or email Kim@Votepalmbeach.gov. The deadline to submit all entries is 5 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 1, 2022.

Ghenete “G” Wright Muir, attorney, LGBTQ advocate. Artists for Black Lives Matter dedicated Black History Month 2022 to the memory of the collective’s cofounder, Richard Malcolm Wright, who passed in 2021. The group shared weekly social media posts honoring Wright’s work as an artist, activist, writer, DJ and deeply spiritual being. Wright, along with fellow artists and activists Allison Kotzig, Niki Lopez and Alana DaCosta, founded and ran Artists for Black Lives Matter, which includes works from over 130 artists worldwide. This dedication was particularly moving for me and all who love my brother Rich. Visit instagram.com/artistsforblacklivesmatter and facebook.com/artistsforblacklivesmatter to see this tribute and learn more about #a4blm.