South Florida 100: The lowest-paid Floridians are getting a raise

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

Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, president, Children’s Services Council of Broward County

Looking ahead: The expanded Child Tax Credit included in the American Rescue Plan has already helped lift 26 million children out of poverty. Low-income parents are reporting being able to buy food, help pay for child care or housing, save for college or just have a little piece of mind that an unexpected $400 emergency won’t send them into a tailspin. But time is running out. Parents who did not file income taxes in 2019 or 2020 must request their tax credit by November 2021 to get the refund – and Congress must pass the extension to keep it going into the future.

Lori Berman, member, Florida Senate

Last week: Women’s reproductive rights are under attack like never before and in response, rallies across the country, including in D.C. and here in South Florida, will be taking place this weekend. HB 167, filed in the Florida House just last week, is the latest in these assaults. Like the Texas legislation, HB 167 bans abortion after six weeks, a period of time in which most women don’t even know they are pregnant. We must continue to sound the alarm on this horrific legislation. These onslaughts have “woken the sleeping giant,” and a new generation of women and girls will be protesting.

Looking ahead: Using the filibuster, Senate Republicans recently voted for fiscal armageddon by blocking a suspension of the debt ceiling, or the total amount of allowable outstanding federal debt. If the debt ceiling isn’t raised, the federal government will run out of money by Oct. 18. Under a debt default, military and federal employees don’t get paid, the dollar loses its value and status as the world currency, interest rates spike, unemployment could reach 9%, and the U.S. and world economy would enter a recession. Republicans are disgracing themselves by playing games with the financial security of American families.

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County

Looking ahead: An estimated 220,000 people in Broward County face food instability every day and, sadly, 67,000 of them are children. United Way of Broward County is working to fight hunger every day through Project Lifeline, an innovative bulk-purchasing and distribution program that provides fresh, nutritious food – including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, milk and even ice cream – to food banks and feeding programs across Broward County. For a list of Project Lifeline sites, visit UnitedWayBroward.org/project-lifeline. No one should have to go to bed hungry.

Dan Daley, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week: This past week, I filed House Bill 201, which will offer a sales tax holiday on ENERGY STAR appliances and WaterSense products. The sales tax holiday will be on Earth Day and the following weekend (April 22-24, 2022) to assist homeowners in their efforts to conserve water and electricity. In 2014, the Legislature passed similar legislation; this program not only helped consumers save an estimated $1.6 million at the check-out counter, but it also saved them energy, water and money on their bills over the long term. By taking advantage of this sales tax holiday, Floridians can improve their home’s efficiency, provide a better outcome for the environment, and keep more money in their pockets.

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

Last week: Last Friday, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine to front line workers, anyone 65 and older, health care workers, teachers and those who have a medical condition like diabetes. If you received the Pfizer vaccine earlier this year through March, and you qualify for the booster shot, now is the time to receive it. Booster shots for Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccine recipients have not been authorized by the FDA at this time.

Looking ahead: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, other than skin cancer. In 2018, the latest year for which incidence data are available, in the United States, 254,744 new cases were reported among women, and 42,265 women died of this cancer. For every 100,000 women, 127 new female breast cancer cases were reported and 20 women died of this cancer. Early detection of breast cancer is the best protection; protect yourself and get tested. This October, show your support by wearing pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month to spread awareness and preventions of this disease.

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

Last week: One of the greatest blessings on Earth would be for people of different nationalities, ethnicities, religions, etc. uniting in a compassionate, sensitive, understanding and completely tolerant environment. What could be more touching and dramatic than the sharing of organ systems among those with different backgrounds? And that’s what’s happening. Israeli and Arab entities are cooperating to save lives. The Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation in Abu Dhabi works closely with Jewish donors to provide life-saving procedures and vice versa. The kidneys of Israelis are coming back to life in patients from the United Arab Emirates.

Looking ahead: Annually the Palm Beach County Medical Society Services Board presents a Future of Medicine Conference highlighting “hot topics” in health care. Appropriately, this year’s theme is Maintaining Excellence Through Times of Crisis. The medical society’s services board partners with an extensive network of community organizations to ensure access to and delivery of superb medical management for everyone. Panel discussions will focus on ways medical leaders protect the public from the COVID pandemic and opioid epidemic. The presidents of the Florida and American Medical Associations will speak. As President Emeritus of Services, I invite your attendance Oct. 7-8. Visit pbcms.org.

Sarah Emmons, regional director, Anti-Defamation League Florida

Looking ahead: This October marks three years since the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history – the 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, at which 11 people were murdered. With antisemitic incidents increasing by 40% in Florida in 2020, we must all work diligently to transform grief and anger into whole-of-society action. On Sunday, Oct. 10, ADL is holding our annual Walk Against Hate, an opportunity to move together toward a future without antisemitism, racism and all forms of bigotry. Let’s get to that finish line – because we are stronger than hate. You can join in at walkagainsthate.org/Florida. I look forward to walking alongside you.

Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO, Baptist Health Medical Group

Last week: The Food and Drug Administration authorized a third shot, or booster, of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people 65 and older and adults at risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions. The agency also expanded the Emergency Use Authorization to allow boosters for adults, ages 18-64, who may be frequently exposed to COVID-19, such as health care workers, teachers and grocery store employees. The need for boosters does not mean the vaccines are ineffective. Vaccine protection diminishes over time. Boosters for eligible individuals should be administered at least six months after completing the first two shots, the guidelines say.

Lamar Fisher, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: Broward County’s pandemic recovery efforts are continuing to show positive results in the job market. Broward County’s job report indicated a 4.9% unemployment rate in August 2021, which is 4.6% lower than the region’s rate a year ago. Most industries gained jobs, including the leisure and hospitality, education, health and construction industries. Our area had the second fastest annual job growth rate compared to all metro areas in the hospitality sector, bringing in 16,200 jobs! It is wonderful to see our job market coming back in full force.

Looking ahead: The first three months of 2020 saw a 20% increase in cyber fraud as cybercriminals took advantage of the global pandemic, and in 2019, more than $3.5 billion was lost globally to cybercrime! October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, now more than ever, individuals and organizations are increasingly vulnerable to a cybersecurity threat. This campaign continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our nation. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers many resources for all levels of technological knowledge to decrease cybersecurity risks and protect yourself online. For resources and more, visit cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month or staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month.

Beam Furr, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: Climate change is a national security issue. That is why our military is working to build resiliency on their bases through a new regional resiliency project. The South Florida Regional Planning Council has received $1.1 million in federal and state funds to assist all branches of our armed forces in being prepared for extreme weather and flooding by building resiliency on Southeast Florida military bases. These installations are all near water and at risk of flooding and other impacts from climate change. This is an important step towards securing our region and making us safe in more ways than one.

Looking ahead: The minimum wage increased to $10 in Florida on Oct. 1, giving a needed increase to tens of thousands of hard-working Floridians. However, what we really need is a living wage. The latest ALICE Report showed that over 60% of Broward residents are cost-burdened when you consider housing and transportation costs. A $10 minimum wage is not sufficient to support a family. The pandemic should be a firm reminder of how essential our workers are. Many minimum-wage employees put their health on the line to keep our economy running. Securing a living wage must be our immediate goal.

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union

Looking ahead: TikTok challenges in which students post videos of their stealing from or vandalizing a school, have already cost thousands and resulted in student arrests, but they are about to get worse! The October challenge is to “slap a teacher!” Parents, please let your kids know that this is criminal activity, even if they are only taking the planned video. Teachers, be aware of your surroundings and watch your fellow educators’ backs, too. If you do become a victim, please immediately report the incident to the local police department and press charges. Let’s change the October challenge to “Make October safe for all.”

Dan Gropper, dean, College of Business, Florida Atlantic University

Last week: Discussing his $3.5 trillion budget, President Biden stated “every time … I hear this is going to cost A, B, C, or D, the truth is, based on the commitment I’ve made, it’s going to cost nothing. Because we’re going to raise the revenue.” This is magical thinking – economic nonsense. The short-term cost is not zero, it is trillions of dollars. Taxes are taken from some people, eliminating what they would have purchased and reducing jobs that produced those things; then spent on the people and programs the politicians deem worthy. Perhaps this is Bernie Sanders’ American Democratic Socialism in practice.

Looking ahead: Higher inflation will likely persist. When governments direct people to stay home, not work and give them money, with no corresponding output in real goods and services, inflation in inevitable. Inflation has already occurred in asset prices and consumer prices, and it’s not going away any time soon. Inflation distorts many economic relationships, acting as a tax on those saving for a big purchase, as the value of the saved dollars declines, as well as on those with lower incomes who cannot afford as much as they could previously. And massive federal spending will only make this inflation problem worse.

Debbi Hixon, member, Broward County School Board

Last week: Oct. 1, the FTX Million Dollar Hackathon opened for submissions. This contest is designed to find the best idea to improve mental or physical health, and is open to young people age 13-19 from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Submissions are due by Nov. 19. Teams can consist of one to five members. The top five teams selected will compete in a “Shark Tank” finale at the FTX Arena in January, judged by Kevin O’Leary and other celebrities. All contestants who place in the top five will receive a $15,000 scholarship. One million dollars will go toward funding the top idea! For more information visit ftxcharityhackathon.com.

Looking ahead: Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day. More than 43 million Americans battle with mental health issues, and depression among our youth has increased in the past few years. We must teach children and teens that is it OK to ask for help when they are anxious or depressed, the same way it is OK to seek medical help when not feeling well physically. When the stigma of mental health is removed, people will be more likely to seek treatment and be able to function better in society. Together, we can help make mental health treatment a normal standard.

Jason Hughes, executive director, ArtServe

Last week: The city of Miami announced last week it has received $7.1 million since August from its cryptocurrency program. Working with a nonprofit group, City Coins, 30% of revenue from newly minted user tokens go to a municipality that chooses to get onboard with the program. Cryptocurrencies are pieces of digital code that allow people to buy, sell and build wealth. Miami automatically converts deposited tokens into U.S. dollars, with city officials deciding when to cash them out. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez predicts the city could receive up to $70 million in the next fiscal year from cryptocurrency, helping to subsidize social programs and infrastructure.

Christine Hunschofsky, member, Florida House of Representatives

Looking ahead: Every ten years after the national census is complete, the Florida Legislature is charged with redrawing the Florida House, Florida Senate, and U.S. congressional districts. Because Florida’s population increased in the last 10 years, Florida gained one congressional district, and the Legislature will not only have to redraw Florida’s districts but add another congressional seat into the mix. The Florida Legislature released a website, floridaredistricting.gov, with access to maps and data. The website also allows the public to submit maps. Please stay involved in this process which will shape Florida’s representation in the Legislature and Congress.

Keith Koenig, president, City Furniture; Broward Workshop, chair

Last week: Last Saturday evening, hundreds of Rick Case’s friends and family came together to celebrate his amazing life. His beloved wife and partner, Rita Case, and his kids, Rick, Ryan and Raquel, all shared photos and videos of Rick’s business successes and, more importantly, his philanthropy. We shared a lot of laughs, a few tears and much joy as we celebrated our dear, late friend and Broward’s best philanthropist, Rick Case.

Chip LaMarca, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week: October marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a strong advocate of breast cancer awareness and research, I highly encourage everyone to take the proper steps and precautions, which include exercising regularly, eating healthy, conducting self-exams, and seeing your doctor for annual checkups. There are plenty of activities to participate in this month that support breast cancer awareness, such as registering for a breast cancer walk or 5k, donating to a research foundation, or making the decision to act on one of the proper precautions mentioned above. I always keep in my thoughts and prayers the family, friends and people that I don’t know who are courageously battling this fight.

Looking ahead: Unusually high tides, which are known as “king tides,” are back from September through December. This yearly phenomenon tends to affect low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. The estimated dates for king tide to occur in October include Oct. 5-11, and Oct. 20-21. For those expecting to be affected by king tides, you can prepare by assessing the readiness of your property and preparing accordingly (i.e., sandbags or additional reinforcements needed), reviewing your flood insurance policy, and knowing what to do in the case of flooding. During king tides, remember to avoid driving or walking in flooded areas, and be sure to follow detour signs.

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

Last week: As promised, the Biden administration paid $420,957 to the Broward County Public Schools to compensate for the state cuts instituted by Gov. DeSantis as a punishment for the unanimous decision by the school board to mandate masks and defy the executive order to give parents a choice about their children wearing masks. Other school boards throughout the state have also defied the governor’s irresponsible actions, which are clearly in his political interests rather than the safety of our children.

Daniella Levine Cava, mayor, Miami-Dade County

Last week: This week, the Miami-Dade County Commission approved my inaugural budget proposal as mayor, a historic step forward for our community and our long-term economic recovery. I want to thank the thousands of residents who participated over the last several months in our community-based budgeting process – answering our Thrive305 survey and workshops, joining budget town halls, and providing feedback and input at the two public budget hearings. The final budget invests in creating jobs, supporting small businesses, improving infrastructure, and more as we move Miami-Dade forward together.

Looking ahead: National Drive Electric Week is Sept. 25 to Oct. 3, and Miami-Dade County is proudly making the switch to electric vehicles as part of our ambitious goal of cutting our carbon emissions in half by 2030. In addition to transitioning our Metrobus fleet to electric, we are teaming up with OBE Power to bring electric charging access to four different sites. By making our community more EV-friendly, we are helping to bring down the cost of making the switch to electric – a great way for residents to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

Tim Lonergan, former mayor, Oakland Park

Last week: Years overdue and urgently needed, this week Florida’s minimum wage increased from a measly $8.65 an hour to a meager $10 an hour. During the November 2020 general election, Amendment 2 passed with 61% of voters supporting the increase. The Florida Constitution now raises the minimum wage $1.00 an hour every Sept. 30 until it reaches $15 in 2026. This hourly wage can’t support an individual much less a family. Many corporations have recently raised their minimum wage to $15 an hour while Florida is seriously ignoring the financial needs of the worker and the cost of living.

Looking ahead: It’s been reported that United States Postal Service Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has directed slower service on first-class mail and requested higher postage rates. Since the closure of the last USPS mail distribution center in Broward County in early 2013, unacceptable delivery delays have plagued all of us. Private delivery companies have thrived as online order deliveries have significantly increased year over year. The approximate 2 million residents and thousands of businesses owners in Broward need affordable, responsible and timely mail service. Our elected officials in Broward must advocate loudly for our own USPS mail distribution center and improved service.

Andrea Cristina Mercado, co-executive director, Florida Rising

Last week: I choose Latinx because it acknowledges our Black and Indigenous roots, and lifts up LGBTQ people, who have been marginalized for too long. Whatever word resonates with you, this National Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a time to honor the history of Latinos — it’s the right time to build economic mobility and racial equity for our communities. We feel mocked when elected officials show up to festivals celebrating our culture yet lack the intestinal fortitude to advocate for our communities. This is the moment to support $3.5 trillion over 10 years to invest in our schools, the care workforce, immigrant dignity, a clean energy future, and help advance us toward equity, inclusion and justice.

Looking ahead: One in four women have had an abortion. Texas is now banning abortion after six weeks, before most women even know they’re pregnant. Around the country and in 19 cities across Florida, people are standing up for abortion rights. People should be able to control their own bodies, lives and futures. We know what we need, and if that’s an abortion, we should be able to access safe and effective care. The Republican Party of Florida needs to stop its all-out assault on our rights. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is – all people should be able to access the care they need on their own terms.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Last week: Many new laws passed by the Legislature just went into effect Oct. 1, but the one that created a state regulatory framework for the sale of electronic cigarettes isn’t going far enough in trying to stop youth vaping. It raises Florida’s legal age to vape and smoke tobacco to 21, but it prevents us from establishing local regulations on the marketing and sale of vaping products and tobacco. It basically blocks us on a local level from protecting children. We have the responsibility and should have the right to establish local laws to prevent children from a lifetime of addiction.

Looking ahead: Our city is very active in promoting “Look Before You Lock,” reminding drivers to never leave children unattended in hot cars. After many years of attempts to create a law that would specifically focus on daycare vehicles regarding hot car deaths, a law is finally in effect. The Child Safety Alarm Act requires child-care providers to install a safety alarm in vehicles used to transport children that alerts the driver to check the vehicle before leaving. Florida reportedly has the second highest number of child deaths from vehicular heat stroke. Let’s hope this new law makes an impact.

Tina Polsky, member, Florida Senate

Looking ahead: Flu season is upon us, and the flu vaccine can help prevent getting the flu or lessen the symptoms. Please go get your flu shot early so you can protect yourself and your loved ones. You can go to your primary care provider, your local pharmacy or retailers like CVS, Publix and Target, some of whom are even providing monetary incentives for future purchases for receiving your vaccine! Don’t get caught in a possible situation where you get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time; you don’t want to end up in the hospital with the flu.

Eric Poms, CEO, Orange Bowl Committee

Last week: Tickets are officially on sale for the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl! Fans can purchase tickets now by visiting orangebowl.org or by calling the Orange Bowl Ticket Office. We are very excited to host a national semifinal game – either No. 1 vs. No. 4 or No. 2 vs. No. 3. There is a lot of football to be played, but the Capital One Orange Bowl is guaranteed to feature a marquee semifinal matchup at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, Dec. 31!

Looking ahead: Orange Bowl has announced the first two nominees for the 2021 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award – Florida State quarterback McKenzie Milton and Tulsa linebacker Yohance Burnett. The award is annually given to someone that displays courage on or off the field, (e.g. overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster, living through hardship, etc.). The winner of the award will be included in festivities during Capital One Orange Bowl week and receive a trophy during an on-field presentation.

Tom Powers, chairman, Republican Party of Broward County

Last week: On Tuesday, Ashley Moody kicked off her re-election campaign to serve Floridians for another term as attorney general. AG Moody has fought tirelessly for Floridians these past three years and deserves to remain in the Florida Cabinet. She’s made the state safer by supporting law enforcement, combatting human trafficking, tackling the opioid epidemic, and fighting senior fraud. She’s also made the state stronger by fighting against federal overreach and upholding the rule of law, all with Florida’s future in mind. Her campaign’s tagline is “for a stronger, safer Florida” and I think that’s something we all can get behind.

Philip Purcell, CEO/President, Marine Industries Association of South Florida

Last week: Gov. DeSantis recognized the importance of the marine industry when he spoke at the opening of the International Boatbuilders Exhibition in Tampa this week. He highlighted well-paying jobs in the marine industry that do not require a traditional college education. Long before our current employment challenges, the marine industry was striving to lure qualified skilled craftsmen and mechanics to this career path, paying 16% higher than the average Florida wage. To maintain our international reputation that attracts yachts from around the world, we must continue to develop the next generation of skilled craftsmen and craftswomen to sustain our exceptional service standing.

Larry Rein, CEO and President, ChildNet

Last week: A recent New York Times article describing the joy high school students were experiencing now that they were back on campus struck an important chord. While we may perform efficiently and effectively in a virtual world, I suspect that few of us experience “joy” working virtually. The everyday human interactions of the workplace that we may have taken for granted are lacking, and likely to our significant detriment. As we continue to struggle with workforce engagement and stability, we must recognize just how important it is to create opportunities for true joy in the workplace, be it virtual or real.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: This week, the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition (BBHC) coordinated a visit by DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris, joined by state Rep. Christine Hunschofsky. We toured three BBHC-funded, holistic substance abuse/mental health programs, that use “peer recovery support services and specialists” including South Florida Wellness Network, Village South and Memorial Healthcare System’s Maternal Addiction Treatment Program, “Mothers in Recovery.” We heard moving, heartfelt testimonials from clients about working with the peer specialists, who, themselves, have successfully completed a recovery program. Strengthened by their lived experience with behavioral health challenges, they help others discover their path to recovery.

Kerry Ann Royes, CEO, YWCA South Florida

Looking ahead: As we look ahead to the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (which runs throughout October), I stop to think about the many women of color that have been fatally affected by this tragic disease. Finding breast cancer early and getting quality cancer treatment are the most important strategies to prevent breast cancer deaths, but unfortunately, many women in underserved communities do not have access to health care services that provide this. Adding to this are pandemic-induced delays and shortages in health care staff, making it harder for women to schedule breast cancer screenings in a timely manner. It’s important to bring awareness to this growing issue, as unequal access to health care is a driving factor in racial disparities in maternal and other health outcomes in the U.S. Policymakers and influential business leaders must make protecting and expanding affordable health care coverage for women a priority across our community.

Nora Rupert, member, Broward School Board

Last week: Watching my colleagues during the MSD Public Safety Commission this week is painful because of the agonizing reality of losing a child or spouse from gun violence. That horrific event shocked the entire world and certainly called for broad, sweeping changes in policy and procedures concerning student and staff safety. Unfortunately, staff was directed to create a plan about how families were notified if there was a school shooting but never had a roll-out because the state didn’t require a mandate to do so. It was shelved without the board being informed. This is not OK! Preparation saves lives.

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: Oct. 1 marks the date numerous laws passed during the past state legislative session come into effect. But this year, the biggest change is the constitutional amendment passed by the voters last November. The minimum wage in Florida increases to $10 per hour, up from $8.65. This increase is the first of yearly incremental changes that will eventually bring the minimum wage to $15 per hour in 2026. Tipped workers will also see an increase, from $5.63 per hour to $6.98 per hour. Florida is the first southern state, and eighth state overall, to adopt a $15 minimum wage.

Looking ahead: Congresswoman Val Demings has introduced legislation to boost domestic solar manufacturing production. The bill calls for $3.5 billion in investments over the next five years to construct new manufacturing facilities and expand existing ones. The goal is to reduce dependence on China, where 75% of solar panels are manufactured, while also creating jobs and reducing the cost of renewable energy. The need to transition to renewable sources of energy is urgent. The impacts of climate change and sea-level rise are already being felt in our community. The future energy supply for the Sunshine State must include solar power.

Wendy Sartory Link, supervisor of elections, Palm Beach County

Last week: This past week, your Palm Beach Elections Office celebrated National Voter Registration Day. Every year, on the fourth Tuesday of September, hundreds of communities, businesses and election-related organizations work together to ensure that anyone who is eligible to register to vote does so. Our elections team had several activities planned throughout the month of September leading up to the civic holiday. This year, we partnered with the Palm Beach County School District to celebrate voter registration in local schools through the last week of September, including getting students pre-registered. Registration is easy – just visit our website VotePalmBeach.gov to get voter ready!

Looking ahead: Attention Palm Beach County voters! The deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation to vote in the special primary election for United States Congress, District 20, is Monday, Oct. 4, 2021. Florida is a “closed primary” state, and that means that only the voters registered within that political party may vote in that party’s primary election. You can change your party affiliation by submitting an updated Voter Registration Application online at VotePalmBeach.gov. For more information about voting in the special primary election and important deadlines, please visit our website or call 561-656-6200.

Alissa Jean Schafer, member, Broward Soil and Water Conservation District

Last week: Countless organizations around the nation are mobilizing on Oct. 2 in defense of reproductive freedom. More than 30 events are planned in Florida alone, where Republicans have already filed extreme abortion restriction legislation like that of Texas. Florida is also home to climate-change-fueled sea-level rise, red tide, blue-green algae, heatwaves and hurricanes. The issues of reproductive rights and climate change are intersectional, and both require our immediate action. The Center for American Progress outlined this connection in: “Integrating a Reproductive Justice Framework in Climate Research.” The future of our planet depends on how we prioritize climate justice, reproductive justice included.

John “Jack” P. Seiler, former mayor, Fort Lauderdale

Last week: Fans can now officially purchase tickets to the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl! South Florida should be very excited as we host a national semifinal game this year on Dec. 31, which will feature either No. 1 vs. No. 4, or No. 2 vs. No. 3., at fantastic Hard Rock Stadium. Before then, the Orange Bowl has numerous events, activities, programs and initiatives taking place as we head into college football’s postseason, including the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance, the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships, and the Orange Bowl Sailing Regatta Series.

Looking ahead: A new Supreme Court term starts Monday with the nine justices taking the bench in person for the first time in a year. The term will certainly be watched closely by attorneys and advocates on all sides following the Court’s recent 5-4 vote allowing the Texas abortion law to go into effect, which generated accusations of politicizing legal decisions. Among the controversial cases on the Supreme Court docket this term are a significant Second Amendment case concerning a New York concealed carry law and a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade, both of which will continue the debate over politicizing legal decisions.

Tom Shea, chairman & founder, Right Management

Last week: Florida is currently second in the U.S. with electric vehicle sales. In less than 20 years, 60% of vehicle sales in Florida will be electric and 35% of all vehicles on our roads will be electric. The era of the gas powered, carbon-monoxide-creating vehicle is coming to an end with a hopeful slowdown in global warming and rising oceans. As gas taxes funding of our state’s EV infrastructure will decline, alternate revenue sources will need to be created very soon to support that essential infrastructure for what is projected to be the world’s 10th biggest economy by 2030.

Howard Simon, retired executive director, ACLU of Florida

Last week: President Biden announced that the government will attempt to save the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program after a Texas federal judge ruled that the program was illegally created by executive order. The inability to resolve the status of migrants who were brought to this country as children is another illustration of the disgraceful partisan gridlock crippling Congress. DACA survived a 5-4 vote of the U.S. Supreme Court, and it is probably headed back to a now reconfigured Court. Can we begin to imagine what the mass deportation of 800,000 migrants, many now residing in Florida, would look like?

Looking ahead: The decision by members of the Legislature to copy the anti-abortion law enacted by Texas guarantees that this Session – like the last – will be dominated by debates about extremist policy proposals. There seems to be some division within the Republican Senate caucus about whether to set neighbor against neighbor by unleashing vigilantism as an enforcement strategy. But there appears to be little hesitancy to impose a ban on all abortions after six weeks, which will consign the women in our lives to forced childbirth. The proposal is unconstitutional and inconsistent with broad public support for women’s autonomy in health care decisions.

Kelly Skidmore, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week: Florida’s residents are tired of the state bungling simple tasks. From the colossal failure in delivering unemployment benefits, to bouncing teachers’ bonus checks, there is no excuse for inefficient execution of basic services in 2021. We were told that contracting with private companies was the solution to state bureaucracy, yet here we are. Months after claiming that the unemployment debacle was fixed, thousands of Floridians are still without benefits. Now, the state couldn’t even deliver a simple check. Where is the oversight? Where is the accountability? Let’s do better.

Looking ahead: Florida’s commercial space industry is thriving, and it’s exciting to see our state continue to be the epicenter of space research, exploration and economic growth. Terran Orbital announced it will invest $300 million toward its Commercial Spacecraft and Constellation Facility in Merritt Island, adding to our rapidly expanding portfolio of next generation space industry pioneers. The addition to Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility will be the world’s largest satellite manufacturing facility and will create 2,100 new jobs. For Florida, the sky is not the limit, the possibilities are endless – to infinity and beyond!

Gregory Stuart, executive director, Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization

Looking ahead: The Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization is nationally recognized for being at the forefront in planning and safety. We will demonstrate these innovations this week at the 2021 Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations National Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. Before an audience of fellow transportation professionals, our staff will take the stage multiple times to present a range of transportation topics, all with a common objective: cooperative and collaborative planning for the future. From policymaking to project implementation, we strive to be the national leader in sustainable and equitable transportation planning.

Gregory Tony, Broward Sheriff

Last week: When I became sheriff, I made a commitment to improve public safety while being more transparent and accountable to the community. We continue to make progress, using cutting-edge technology, equipment and training to advance our public safety protocols. As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, I am releasing the 2019-2020 BSO Annual Report to provide an accounting of the work of BSO to serve and protect this community. This report is another first and provides a detailed look at how tax dollars are being spent, and public safety is being increased. Read the full report here: heyzine.com/flip-book/3b6f0129b8.html.

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

Last week: On Thursday, Fort Lauderdale, David Mancini & Sons, and Murphy Pipeline came together to celebrate the most significant infrastructure project in the city’s recent history: the installation of a new seven-mile redundant sewer line that was constructed between the G.T. Lohmeyer Wastewater Treatment Plant and the lift station at the Coral Ridge Country Club . A project of this magnitude could have taken three years to construct, but this project was accomplished in record time – within 18 months. The new transmission line is the result of a $65 million investment in our infrastructure and will allow the city to provide reliable wastewater service to our neighbors and surrounding municipalities for decades to come.

Looking ahead: On Oct. 3, Sunshine Cathedral, Broward County’s oldest LGBTQ+ institution, will celebrate its 50th anniversary. I will be presenting a proclamation on behalf of the Fort Lauderdale City Commission to the senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins, in recognition of this milestone. Organized in 1971 and originally named Church of the Holy Spirit Metropolitan Community Church, the congregation was founded by LGBTQ+ people with an affirming and primary outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, their friends and allies. Through local programs and live-streaming broadcasts, Sunshine Cathedral now engages a global congregation of over 30,000 people and serves over five million individuals annually.

Michael Udine, vice mayor, Broward County

Last week: Major companies like Nike, FedEx and others have shortfalls in quarterly earnings due to supply chain issues abroad. Meanwhile, Ford announced billions of dollars in investments to create a supply chain here in America for electric vehicles. Is this shift the start of a trend that will see large companies invest in American manufacturing jobs to simplify the supply chain? Time will tell, but skilled jobs with competitive wages coming to the United States will help to diversify our economy. This is a great strategy to build and buy American made products of the future.

Chad Van Horn, founding partner attorney, Van Horn Law Group, P.A.

Last week: As the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported, home sales declined last month for the first time in the last 12 months. Plus, according to data released by real estate technology company OJO Labs, 46.1% of August home sales in Florida were sold for more than the initial listing prices, the second straight month of decelerating competition. While these indicators appear to point to a cool down of the raging housing market, I think we’re seeing a slow trend back to normalcy, post-COVID. For the moment, homebuyers searching for homes will still find it challenging due to a shortage of housing and low interest rates.

Looking ahead: On Oct. 8, the Small Business Association will increase the ceiling of COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans to $2 million for qualified applicants. This program supports small business recovery from the pandemic’s economic impacts by providing accessible and borrower-friendly capital. The Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer fantastic terms, including deferred payments for three years, a 3% interest rate, and payments over 30 years. In addition, the application process is surprisingly easy. Business owners who are struggling should visit www.sba.gov/eidl.

Robert Weinroth, member, Palm Beach County Commission

Last week: The 2020 Census confirmed Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties grew to over 6.1 million people, an increase of just over 10% since 2010, while Florida grew to 21.5 million. Florida captured another seat in the U.S. House. The state Constitution directs the Legislature to redraw district boundaries at its upcoming session, scheduled to begin on Jan. 11, 2022. The Legislature is currently holding committee meetings in which the redistricting and reapportionment processes have begun. The Legislature is prohibited from intentionally favoring or disfavoring a political party or an incumbent during this process. Time will tell how this works out.

Looking ahead: Palm Beach County is Florida’s third largest county. For this reason, moving people safely and efficiently is an imperative as we continue to grow. Imagine traveling from West Palm Beach, under Southern Boulevard, to the Village of Royal Palm or Lake Okeechobee without traffic lights or congestion. I had the opportunity to meet with the Boring Company in Las Vegas to explore the LVCC Loop system — a transportation system consisting of 1.7 miles of tunnel. Tunnels minimize surface area usage and could move entire transportation networks underground, allowing us to repurpose roads into community-enhancing spaces and beautify our cities.

Thomas Wenski, archbishop, Archdiocese of Miami

Last week: The disappointing, draconian, discriminatory actions against Haitians by the Biden administration are a scandal and a blot on our nation’s ideals. Policies such as Title 42 and expedited removal all too often deny the reality of forced migration, disregard the responsibilities enshrined in domestic and international law, and undermine the vulnerability of those against whom they are applied. These are not hallmarks of a “fair, orderly and humane” immigration system, as the administration called it. The U.S. government must reassess its treatment of migrants in Del Rio and elsewhere along the U.S.-Mexico border, especially Haitians, who face life-threatening conditions if returned to Haiti.

Looking ahead: The Women’s Health Protection Act, H.R. 3755, would impose abortion on demand nationwide at any stage of pregnancy through federal statute and would eliminate pro-life laws at every level of government – including parental notification for minor girls, informed consent and health or safety protections specific to abortion facilities. It also would compel all Americans to support abortions here and abroad with their tax dollars and would also likely force health care providers and professionals to perform, assist in and/or refer for abortion against their deeply held beliefs, as well as force employers and insurers to cover or pay for abortion.

Matt Willhite, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week: Florida’s minimum wage workers will get a boost to $10 an hour this week, and tipped workers’ wages will increase from $5.63 an hour to $6.98. This wouldn’t have been accomplished if not for the voters and organizers who worked to pass Amendment 2 in 2020. Thursday’s pay hike was the first of six – the next one will be on Sept. 30, 2022, raising the minimum wage to $11. This will continue every year until the minimum wage hits $15 in 2026. The overwhelming support of this legislation is a testament to the collective agreement that everyday people deserve more pay for their work.

Beverly Williams, vice mayor, Lauderdale Lakes; president, Broward League of Cities

Looking ahead: It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the perfect time to show support for all those affected by breast cancer and a good reminder that early detection is so important. According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. To ensure early detection, perform monthly self-exams and get your annual mammogram as prescribed by your doctor. If this past year and a half taught us anything, it taught us the importance of prioritizing health and wellness.

Patricia Williams, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week: After many years of continuous neglect, Westview Cemetery, a historic African American cemetery that has been available to our community for over 50 years, is in need of immediate attention and care. Let us make our historical Black cemetery hallowed grounds sacred and safe again! My heart, like the hearts of many residents, is very heavy at this moment, because many of our loved ones are buried there. I never thought that I would have to protect the land where we lay our loved ones for their final resting place. Unity is needed now!

Looking ahead: Abortion legislation that will be very controversial is coming this legislative session.