LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Wael Barsoum, M.D., president and CTO, Healthcare Outcomes Performance Co. The highly contagious omicron subvariant BA.2 is now the dominant strain in the United States, responsible for more than half of all COVID19 infections last week. Using genomic surveillance, the CDC has confirmed that

BA.2 caused between 51% and 59% of all new

COVID-19 infections in the U.S. the week ending March 26, which was a significant increase from 39% the week prior. The northeast has been the hardest hit region, where more than

70% of all cases is due to the new variant, BA.2.

Lori Berman, member, Florida Senate .As anticipated, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the legislatively passed proposed congressional maps this week, setting up a special session from April 19-22. Despite having the Republican majority in the Legislature in his back pocket, the governor bucked their proposals and even offered up one of his own, a rare move for a governor. All this to challenge a largely Black district that stretches from Jacksonville to Tallahassee, giving minority voters the chance to elect representatives of their choice, a concept laid out by Florida’s constitution. Shamefully, we will return to Tallahassee at the taxpayers’ expense due to disgraceful politics.

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc .Anew special enrollment period for health insurance for those at or below 150% of the federal poverty level takes place through November

2022. The Biden administration announced this opportunity for low-income consumers earning approximately $13,000 to $19,000 for an individual and $40,000 for a family of four. The Broward Regional Health Planning Council is helping get the word out about this to Broward residents and assisting those who qualify in signing up for affordable health care coverage. Consumers who think they may qualify for should call BRHPC at

1-800-794-2208.

Lamar Fisher, vice mayor, Broward County. Broward County’s Resilient Environment Department has launched a two-year countywide plan on climate impacts for the next 50 years. The plan will primarily focus on flood and heat mitigation, including, but not limited to, water management infrastructure, transportation systems, land use and the impact of rising urban temperatures. After completion, the plan is expected to provide the foundation for a multi-decade resilient infrastructure and redevelopment plan to serve all of Broward County. With participation by all, this will truly be a community effort. Updates on the planning process and participation opportunities will be posted at Broward.org/ Resilience.

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union. Today an estimated one in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism according to the Centers for Disease Control. You know someone with autism. Autism can be visible or invisible and can come with a variety of secondary issues. Every individual with autism needs our kindness. As a classroom teacher, I saw the unique set of gifts and challenges autistic students come with, and I love learning with each child about those gifts and challenges. April is Autism Awareness Month, and I hope you take time to be kind and learn more about autism at autismspeaks.org.

Richard Stark, former member, Florida House of Representatives. Despite the USA assisting Ukraine, an emerging democratic nation being invaded by an authoritarian regime, there is still a movement here in America toward fascism. We call it authoritarianism now, but it’s the same thing. Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, the ban on critical race theory, and Texas’ abortion ban create a scenario in which people are encouraged to snitch on other people, especially in the Texas law and also in classroom teaching. It reminds one of children in Nazi Germany or Stalin’s USSR, where kids were encouraged to rat on their parents. This part of the culture war may be embraced now by the right, but it is not conservatism, and certainly is un-American. No one likes snitches.

Matt Willhite, member, Florida House of Representatives.

Sitting on a launch pad at Cape Canaveral is NASA’s new mega-rocket for the Artemis 1 moon mission. This rocket isn’t only the most powerful rocket ever built; it also contributes to NASA becoming the leader in space exploration. Later this year, the rocket will make its first trip to the moon. But the overall plan for the Artemis 1 missions is to eventually establish a long-term human presence on the moon and eventually take humans to Mars. The Artemis 1 moon missions are an exciting breakthrough in space exploration and help Florida maintain its status as the Space Capital of the country.

Beverly Williams, vice mayor, Lauderdale Lakes; president, Broward League of Cities. April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I want to recognize the many social programs available here in Broward County that bring families and communities together to prevent the maltreatment of children. To learn more about the programs call 211. Remember, it takes a village to raise our children. I encourage our ONE Broward community to remain vigilant and to act. If you see something, say something to a first responder or teacher. Your voice could help save a child’s life and ensure their safety.