South Florida 100 Forum March 19

Anthony Abbate, Florida Atlantic University, Associate Provost, Broward

Last week:Kudos to Carlos Curbelo, the Republican lawmaker who stood up last week to misguided assertions by Iowa Rep. Steve King. King tweeted that “someone else’s babies” prevented the progress of civilization and his remarks were praised by white nationalists. He also rebuked those that cast doubt on the preponderance of scientific data and evidence of the link between carbon emissions and global warming manifest in the steady rise of floodwaters in South Florida. This example of representative leadership is welcome and needs to be encouraged. In today’s political context, silence amounts to complicity. It’s time for the voices of moderation to speak up.

J. David Armstrong, Jr., president, Broward College

Last week: The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, awarded every two years, recognizes community colleges with high levels of achievement and performance. Florida continues to lead the way with community colleges, and it is an honor for Broward College to have been one of the 10 finalists for this year’s award and to share the honor of Finalist with Distinction with our sister Florida college, Indian River State College. I want to congratulate Lake Area Technical Institute on winning the Aspen Prize and all the finalists for setting the standard of excellence by improving and fostering student success and higher education.

Robert Avossa, superintendent, Palm Beach Schools

Last week: I had the privilege of participating in a press conference to support the bipartisan Senate Bill 964. The bill works to remove much of the current student testing, creates a smaller time frame for the testing period, allows for paper and pencil tests, and requires test scores to be returned to districts no later than 30 days after test administration. It also revises the controversial VAM formula for teacher evaluations. I am pleased that elected officials are finally listening to the concerns of educators and parents. Accountability is important. We can continue to advance student progress without over testing students.

Mitchell W. Berger, founder and co-chair, Berger Singerman

Last week: Russian agents affiliated with the Russian government were indicted for hacking Yahoo Accounts. Russia has hacked the Democrats, invaded Ukraine, threatened Europe, killed 500,000 in Syria, invaded the country of Georgia — the beat goes on. Our president appears to be more concerned about accusing President Obama of something he did not do than confronting President Putin on what he is doing. Let us pray President Trump learns quickly that Russia is our enemy and President Obama and the Democrats are not.

Looking ahead: The American health care system , for most of my 60 years, has been a hodge podge of insurance companies and fee for service providers whose results have lagged the rest of the world in every area but one — expense. Maybe as we go through the latest political battles in which the insurers and drug companies always seem to win and which the providers and patients lose, a new dynamic will emerge — patient care at reasonable costs with decent wages for providers at the expense of the Oligopoly Health Insurers and the Monopoly Drug Manufacturers. Now that should be change we all could believe in.

Walter G. “Skip” Campbell, Jr., mayor, Coral Springs; former member, Florida Senate

Last week: Home rule allows local governments the right to govern themselves based upon their individual needs. The leadership of the House, though, are bent on taking away the ability of your local elected officials to regulate local businesses from all type of activities. This legislation is bad for citizens who live in cities within Broward. We need citizens to contact members of the Florida Senate to express their displeasure with this attempted power play.

Daniel Cane, President and CEO, Modernizing Medicine

Looking ahead: I read that over half of South Florida tech workers would leave the state for another job. That’s frightening. Since co-founding Modernizing Medicine I’ve stated that businesses, universities, economic development organizations and others need to help stop the export of talent — both new college graduates and experienced workers — from South Florida. How? By being proactive. By asking employees what they need, listening to their answers and to the best of our abilities providing meaningful work and what they want from an employer to help maintain our status as a great place to live, play — and work.

Linda B. Carter, president, Community Foundation of Broward

Last week: Broward has much to be proud of. We can now add a recent honor to the list. The Aspen Institute, a respected D.C. think tank, named Broward College one of the top three U.S. community colleges. They call Broward College “a shining example” of how diverse populations can enroll and prepare for four-year universities. The institute recognizes colleges with high graduation rates and job placement and reduced achievement gaps between white and minority students. Preparing area youth to succeed in the workplace is a priority. Let’s tip our hats to Broward College for achieving that with distinction.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul Castronovo Show

Last week: Within 20 years, humans will be able to live in space colonies, while orbiting the earth (joke alert: or you could just move to Hialeah!). This is no joke. According to the British Interplanetary society, the BIS (BS for short?), experts say it could be healthier than earth, enabling humans to live longer and grow taller (Who wants to grow taller? There’s no NBA in outer space!). With materials taken from the moon and asteroids, it wouldn’t take much to make an orbiting home a reality. And while it sounds cool, wouldn’t it be cooler to keep Earth inhabitable?

Looking ahead: Coral Gables is about to become the first city in the state that bans the use of plastic bags. I applaud them for their forward thinking, but what are they supposed to pick up their dog poop with? That may be the sole reason the small Publix bags were invented! There are other things that I’d like to see banned as well — like smokers using the beach as their own personal ashtray, tossing a burning cigarette out the window of their car (I’d be very upset if your cigarette butt caused my car to burst into flames) or having cigarette breath.

Mitch Ceasar, former chairman, Broward Democratic Party

Last week: Repeal and replace was the mantra. With what? This week the president presented his vision of healthcare reform. Apparently many Congressional Republicans did not agree. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office says that 14 million less folks will have coverage by 2018 under this plan. In 10 years the number jumps to 24 million. Rates will temporarily decrease and then keep rising. America must decide if healthcare is a right. Perhaps voters need to make that point more forcefully. Access to healthcare is not coverage.

Pastor D.H. Dawkins Sr., Praise Tabernacle International

Last week: There was a particular county in Florida that validated the retaining of third grade students who didn’t pass a standardized reading test. This decision stirred up some discord. Because I’m disheartened at the fact that there are so many mainstream middle school graduates that can’t read fluently, I can’t sympathize with those parents who disagree.

Looking ahead: It’s going to be very interesting to see how things pan out pertaining to the removal of Obamacare. I know there are forecasts coming from the media and individual people. I just admonish everyone who may be effected to do their own due diligence and be informed of their options.

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

Last week: Do you keep your brain active? Even though there is no identified cure for Alzheimer’s, there are ways to help delay and prevent this disease. Like exercising your body, try doing the same with your brain. Challenge your brain by developing new cognitive skills by practicing everyday activities with your non-dominant hand. For example, if you are right-handed, try brushing your teeth with your left hand. Try solving challenging puzzles and exploring new skill-sets. Maintaining a healthy heart and brain will help reduce the risk of developing this disease and improve your quality of life both physically and mentally.

Looking ahead: The National Scripps Spelling Bee is quickly approaching! This annual iconic event will be held in Washington D.C. We are excited to announce that more than 375 Broward County & Miami Dade private and public elementary and middle schools are participating in this year’s competition and nationally over 11 million students across America. The winners from each county will soon be representing South Florida in the national competition. We wish them the best of luck this year and are proud to acknowledge that this event has been taking place for over nine decades!

Michael Dennis, M.D.,, chairman, Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine

Last week: The First Amendment of the Constitution restricts Congress from abridging freedom of the press, yet the press is currently under attack from many sources. Some of the criticism is valid due to isolated “fake news” used to manipulate readers’ reaction to events. But the value of the press is precious in so many circumstances. One sterling example is the exhaustive and comprehensive work of Sun Sentinel editors and staff in identifying the people and issues in recent local elections. Their efforts should be applauded and appreciated by everyone. No doubt this raises voters’ level of perception and increases voter turnout.

Looking ahead: You probably think that women in the U.S. have equal rights, but they are not guaranteed by our Constitution as they are in 134 countries. Attempts at an Equal Rights Amendment failed in 1982 when it fell three state votes short. Renewed interest as evidenced by the Women’s March on Washington in January focuses on gender leadership — just 4 percent of Fortune 500 CEO’s are female — and such issues as access to prenatal care and choices for contraception. Legal implications include how domestic violence and workplace discrimination are perceived. Looks like we are in a new era of the ERA.

Ted Deutch, member, U.S. House of Representatives

Last week: We are long overdue for strong federal animal protections. That’s why I proudly reintroduced the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act, a bill to criminalize cruelty toward animals. Republicans and Democrats in Congress and across the country support this bill and agree that we should do more to protect animals from abuse. Together with hundreds of law enforcement agencies and animal welfare groups, we are committing ourselves to ending abuse against animals. I look forward to hosting educational events about this issue at shelters throughout South Florida.

Looking ahead: President Trump’s proposed $1.3 billion cut to the Coast Guard will seriously threaten our national security. In Florida, the Coast Guard maintains hundreds of boats, cutters, and aircrafts, and conducts thousands of missions to rescue people, seize illegal drugs,and keep our waters safe. Florida’s 1,000 miles of coastline makes the Coast Guard’s service an absolute necessity to our safety. When I visit the Fort Lauderdale station this week, I’ll meet the hardworking men and women of the Coast Guard, and I look forward to bringing their message to Washington when I fight back against these dangerous budget cuts.

James Donnelly, chairman, Broward Workshop

Last week: Congratulations Broward College! The college was recognized Tuesday as a “College of Distinction” by the Aspen Institute. This is the second time Broward College has placed in the Top 10 nationally. There are over 1,000 community colleges in the country and to be named one of the top 3 is a testament to the leadership of President David Armstrong and his team. I have interacted with President Armstrong as a business owner and as Chair of the Broward Workshop and am so impressed by his responsiveness, willingness to innovate, the team he has assembled, and his commitment to community.

Harry Dressler, mayor, Tamarac

Last week: There is an unhealthy level of hate percolating through our society. Bomb threats against Jewish institutions, especially community centers that cater to children’s education, attacks against Jewish cemeteries, Mosques have been threatened with at least four burned and increasing physical violence at political rallies on both sides. Whatever the cities have done to mitigate these issues at home, we have to do more and do more publicly so we can send a message to our residents that it is peace and tranquility that we seek, that this is the American identity.

Looking ahead: Next week HB 17, a bill that will dramatically and negatively impact municipalities financially will continue to move through the Legislature. Residents need to care about this because we estimate the financial impact for the City of Tamarac could be $1 million a year in reduced revenue. This is a large number to a city our size. The last thing city government wants to do is cut services. People have to get involved, we need your help. Please send an email to your legislators in Tallahassee.

Andrew Duffell, president, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University

Last week: The president has submitted his budget to Congress, and it includes major cuts to many programs, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Cutting NIH research funding would negatively impact our research capabilities for years, giving China and others time to close the gap of invention and innovation; delayed cures and therapies for major ailments would be delayed, increasing suffering for millions. The president’s aim is to ensure high quality jobs for Americans but that would be hard to achieve if future discoveries are not made and commercialized. Congress should reject these cuts and insist on increased funding for research.

Eric Eikenberg, CEO, Everglades Foundation

Last week: Company CEOs descended on Tallahassee last week to explain the importance of the EAA Reservoir project to Florida’s multi-billion dollar tourism, fishing and boating industries. Retailers like Orvis, manufacturers like Maverick Boats and smaller hometown businesses told the Governor and legislators their businesses are suffering because of Lake Okeechobee water issues, which have severely impacted fishing, water recreation and tourism in three major areas of the state. Tallahassee needs to listen: Florida’s waterways support a lot of jobs and bring a lot of tourism to the state. Both will be lost if we cater to special interests over clean water.

Gary Farmer, member, Florida Senate

Last week: Last week the Florida State Senate took its first step towards banning the dangerous practice of hydro-fracking, when the Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation voted favorably on my bill SB 442. This ban would forbid the use of hydro-fracking and acid fracking, both methods of oil and natural gas extraction that have proven extremely harmful to the environment when performed elsewhere in the country. When running for office I made a promise to protect the fragile ecosystem that we have here in Florida. This vital bill will play an important role in keeping my promise to Broward County.

Looking ahead: I introduced SB 1334, a fix to our state’s firearms background check law. You may have heard of the “Gun Show Loophole.” This bill aims to close that loophole. By requiring a licensed dealer facilitate every gun purchase we can prevent high-risk buyers from easily buying these dangerous weapons. The studies are conclusive on this point — applying already existing background check laws to all gun sales reduces gun violence. Passing this bill will make our neighborhoods safer, and that is good for Florida. I am proud to keep this promise to the people of Broward County.

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teacher’s Union

Last week: You just proudly recited the pledge with your third grade classmates. Uniformed, gun-toting strangers enter your classroom and whisper to your teacher. Horrified, she points at you. Your parents brought you here as a baby, but entered illegally. Now, you have to go. Your 9-year-old friends are crying as these adults, wearing ICE jackets, drag you out the door. Today, this could happen anywhere. Thanks to our school board, it won’t happen in Broward. Their thoughtful recent resolution prevents ICE agents from entering schools or school-related events.This philosophy needs to spread. Make schools safe again.

Sheldon Harr, founding rabbi emeritus, Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El

Last week: This past week the Jewish community marked the festival of Purim. Its story is taken directly from the Biblical Book of Esther. Though written thousands of years ago, it addresses anti-Semitism and the the need for decent folks to be involved in order to eradicate this curse, founded on prejudice and ignorance. It is amazing how another Book of the Bible also speaks to us today in our contemporary time. Ecclesiastes noted: “There is nothing new under the sun!” How true. We are still impelled after all these years to recognize and fight that evil which has polluted our society.

Looking ahead: Health care is not a privilege: it is a right! It amazes me that so many of our state and federal elected politicians are assuming that their constituents are unaware of the horrendous harm they are perpetrating. These are literally involving matters of life and death. We have been reminded time and again of the vital importance of local, as well as state and federal mid-term elections. I hope we are all paying attention. In too many circumstances, lives are literally at stake.

Kevin Hull, Market Director, Brilliant

Looking ahead: Recently, I read a quarter-2 hiring forecast that showed 46 percent of businesses surveyed had open employment opportunities, an increase of 17 percent from last quarter. Also, survey takers who reported a lack of expertise among qualified candidates more than doubled from last year. With the number of open positions increasing and unemployment at its lowest point in a decade, I believe companies are in for a rude awakening unless they stop hiring for direct experience and start hiring for potential. Further, the biggest shift has to be in onboarding and development programs to be successful in this new market.

Scott J. Israel, sheriff, Broward County

Last week: It’s time lawmakers fix Florida’s dismal record on mental health care. Florida ranks 49th nationally in per capita spending for mental health programs, allocating just $37 per individual (compared to the $125 national average). Studies show more than 50 percent of inmates suffer from severe mental illness, and many are behind bars because they were unable to find treatment services in advance when they could have made a difference. Because of this woefully inadequate funding, Florida prisons and jails are now our leading de facto providers of mental health services. Floridians deserve better, and it will make Florida safer.

Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser

Looking ahead: It’s a wonderful time to be a basketball fan in South Florida. This month is the NCAA March Madness Tournament. The University of Miami Men’s Basketball Team is the 8th seed in the tournament and will go against 9th seed, Michigan State. The University of Miami Women’s Basketball Team is the 4th seed in the women’s tournament and will play 13th seed, Florida Gulf Coast University. In the NBA, the Miami Heat are making a strong playoff push by having one of the best records in the league since January. Make South Florida proud, go Canes & Heat!

Ron Klein, former member, U.S. House of Representatives

Last week: President Trump’s plan to cut funding to NOAA (national weather forecasting service), climate satellites, and climate science research is one of the worst decisions that he has put forward. We can debate different roles of the federal government, but we should all agree that public safety and security are the preeminent responsibilities. At a time when hurricanes, storms, and other weather events are even more dramatic and threatening,advance preparation and attention by citizens, businesses, and local emergency service providers is absolutely essential. This is not a game. It’s real and Americans want and need these services.

Keith Koenig, president, City Furniture

Last week: The Wall Street Journal reported that Florida taxpayers will get “whacked” if “Tallahassee doesn’t shut down the state’s latest plaintiffs attorney get-rich-quick scheme.”
The trial lawyers want homeowners to sign away their insurance rights, known as “assignment of benefits,” in exchange for property repairs because they know insurance companies will need to settle at high costs to avoid litigation and paying inflated legal costs. Due to an old statute, trial lawyers know their fees will get paid — and those costs raise insurance rates. A bill by Sen. Hukill “proposes common sense reforms.”

Ina Lee, president Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

Last week: Congratulations to Broward College, President J. David Armstrong, his staff and faculty for tying for first runner-up in the coveted Aspen Prize for Community Excellence. While there is much to celebrate in this well-deserved honor, it is ironic that our Florida Senate is proposing a bill to cut $151 million from higher education’s budget. We need to put all our resources to providing our students of all ages with the competitive skills they need to succeed in life.

Looking ahead: The new proposed Republican replacement to Obamacare would be disastrous to the most vulnerable in our nation and in our state. The newly released report from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office projects 14 million Americans will lose coverage, rising to 21 million in 2020. Florida would be especially hit hard for an estimated 4.3 million children, pregnant women, elderly and disabled and 1.74 million unable to afford the new plan. Unacceptable!

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Last week: If House (425) and Senate (188) bills regarding short-term vacation rental properties pass, our neighborhoods will never be the same. Both bills further preempt cities from regulating such properties, which could result in residential neighborhoods being overtaken and changed forever. With popular websites such as Airbnb making it easy to rent homes, we must get a handle on regulating these properties. I support the House and Senate bills that restore Home Rule authority to cities so we can regulate these short-term rentals via zoning, and standardize length of stay, and the number of times these properties are rented each year.

Looking ahead: I realize that there are very pressing issues affecting us all in life today. However, I am compelled to once again mention two of my most aggravating pet peeves after driving through South Florida today. Why can’t drivers use their turn signals, and stop texting? We have laws. I cannot be the only person that this annoys. Both actions, by the way, can cause accidents. If I don’t know you are turning or which direction you are turning, I could hit you.If you text and drive, you can hit and injure me and yourself. Please pay attention while driving.

Eduardo J. Padrón, president, Miami Dade College

Last week: This past week, MDC hosted the World Happiness Summit and its Happy 20 (H20) Government Track March 16, with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the former President of Mexico Vicente Fox, Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and others for a discussion on the best practices that ultimately improve cities and their happiness. MDC also hosted Code Art Miami at its MAGIC facility with hundreds of kids, parents, students and innovators. Our students and faculty always place us at the center of great things and in events that sustain and unite our beloved Greater Miami.

Looking ahead: The Institute for Civic Engagement & Democracy and the Earth Ethics Institute at Miami Dade College are launching the inaugural Spring into Sustainability Festival March 20-24, at MDC’s North Campus. The festival will immerse students in concepts and actions promoting sustainability, ecological literacy, resilience and civic engagement. The event is free and open to the public. And, we’re getting closer to two of my favorite events at the college, the Alumni Hall of Fame Awards Gala on April 18 and Commencement April 29. Stay tuned. More to come!

Gary Resnick, mayor, Wilton Manors

Last week: Having spent a few days in Tallahassee, proposed legislation attacking cities’ local authority is worse than ever. Would a 60-foot cell tower and refrigerator-size cabinet on the sidewalk in front of your house or business bug you or lower your property value? Well if SB 596/HB 687 passes, that will happen. Would you be ok with a strip club in your neighborhood next to homes and churches? If not, oppose HB 17 / SB 1158. Do not blame your city if these happen, blame your state legislators and yourself if you don’t call them now!

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: I was honored to present a proclamation to Robert “Dr. Bob” Woodruff at the county commission meeting. As a blind, autistic young man, he is an incredible example for other students with disabilities, inspiring them to achieve anything to which they set their minds. Dr. Bob is a senior at South Plantation High and was elected homecoming king by his peers. He has a 3.9 GPA and attends virtually every school event. He plans on attending college and pursuing a broadcasting career. His parents and principal proudly joined him as he received the proclamation. Congratulations to Robert and his family!

Greg Ross, mayor, Cooper City; president, Broward League of Cities

Looking ahead: As a partner with Broward College in the Village Square project, we seek to encourage civil conversation on important community issues. On March 21, Take Out Tuesday, a component of Village Square, will host a conversation titled “Do we need public hospitals?” I think we can all agree on the need for our safety net hospitals. The challenge and therefore the very necessary discussion, is how we make them work in the very dynamic changes in today’s health care delivery system. Please join us if you can.

Mike Ryan, mayor, Sunrise

Last week: Documents unsealed from litigation involving a weed-killer and a possible causal link to cancer, demonstrate why we need a strong EPA not beholden to industry. An EPA employee allegedly tipped off the manufacturer regarding evidence of a link, allowing the manufacturer to prepare a public relations strategy to undermine a possible link, including allegedly ghostwriting “academic research” and working to scuttle a review by HHS. When there are enormous profits at stake, if we do not have a federal agency and independent scientists to put safety over profits, you and your loved ones are at risk for generations to come.

Looking ahead: On Tuesday, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has convened nationwide “Cities’ Day of Immigration Action.” In addition to spotlighting the profoundly positive impact of immigration on our country, both from a cultural and economic perspective, and reminding us of our own heritage as emigrants, they will be compiling mayors’ own immigration stories.I am first generation American, and undisputedly the product of economic-based emigration for generations past. My sisters are “humanitarian refugees”, arriving here 40 years ago when prejudice was sadly intense; yet they are examples of the American dream. What is your heritage of emigration and immigration?

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: The president’s new budget would eliminate federal funding for the arts, public television and museums and libraries. He is the first president to propose de-funding the national endowments for the arts and humanities since their creation in 1965. Along with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Institute of Museum and Library Services, these organizations receive about two-hundredths of a percent of the federal budget. Non-profit organizations supported by these funds generate more than $61 billion a year nationally in economic activity. These proposed cuts to arts funding are bad both for the nation’s soul and its bottom line.

Looking ahead: Residents of Broadview Park – an unincorporated neighborhood near I-595 and State Road 7 – will celebrate the grand reopening of their local fire station. Fire Station 23 has been without firefighters as Broward County made $300,000 in upgrades to the building. With renovations complete, BSO firefighters can once again respond to calls from the station. The quicker response time will make Broadview Park safer. The ribbon cutting runs from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on March 25, at 2200 SW 46th Avenue, and will feature free food, entertainment and safety awareness giveaways. To learn more, visit broward.org/municipalservicesdistrict or call 954-357-7794

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

Last week: Tourism is in high gear! Thousands of visitors have come to Fort Lauderdale for our warm weather, spectacular beaches, and outstanding recreational, cultural, and entertainment amenities. We welcome all vacationers to our City, encourage you to have a good time, and remind you to enjoy yourselves responsibly. During your stay, please be respectful of others and kindly follow the rules and regulations we have in place to ensure the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of everyone. Finally, please properly dispose of your litter and recyclables so that we can keep Fort Lauderdale Beach looking great for everyone to enjoy!

Looking ahead: Get ready for a game-changer! On Saturday, March 25 at 10 am, the City will break ground on the Fort Lauderdale Beach Beautification project, a $45 million initiative highlighted by two (2) new waterfront parks: a signature oceanfront park at A1A and Las Olas and another spectacular park along the Intracoastal Waterway. Additional amenities will include landscape and streetscape enhancements, a public promenade, and a state-of-the art parking facility. The project will enhance Fort Lauderdale Beach’s position as a world-class destination and strengthen our City’s reputation as an outstanding place to live, work, play, visit and raise a family.

Tom Shea, president, Right Management

Last week: What will it take to bring more of South Florida’s girls into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields? Last weekend’s Facebook Live “Make What’s Next” event was a creative step, with Microsoft and National Geographic partnering to give girls in Miami and five other cities the chance to see how a female scientist uses STEM to help change the world. Noting that just 6.7 percent of women graduate with STEM degrees, Microsoft’s newest ad challenges girls to “stay in STEM.” That’s advice we all should encourage.

Looking ahead: News that our state’s unemployment rate rose slightly this winter doesn’t signal an economic slowdown. Far from it, with Florida the nation’s top jobs producer in January and Broward businesses strong job creators. As more people join or rejoin the labor force, and more workers feel confident enough to leave jobs for new positions, the longer-term trend is positive for companies that must add talent to grow.

Howard Simon, executive director, ACLU of Florida

Last week: Candidate Trump called for a Muslim Ban. President Trump tried to impose one, but it was declared unconstitutional. He’s tried again, but his new executive order is still state-sanctioned discrimination based on religious bigotry. His ban betrays our values and contributes nothing to security. Since immigrants fleeing religious persecution first landed in New England, the United States has been a place of refuge for all people. As the Trump Administration attempts to make this discriminatory ban seem more palatable to the courts, we will continue to challenge it for what it is: an attempt to legalize and normalize government-sponsored discrimination.

Looking ahead: Fifty years ago, people took to the streets to pressure a hostile Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act and a year later the Voting Rights Act – to end the legal structure supporting racial apartheid in America. Just a few years later, the power of the people forced a President from office. This country urgently needs a new mass civil rights movement to fight back against a national regime that is bent on rolling back the fundamental rights of Americans, especially immigrants’ rights, Muslims’ rights, women’s right to health care including abortion, and equal rights for the LGBT community.

Katy Sorenson, past president, Good Government Initiative, University of Miami

Last week: Remember the lyrics from the Great Gatsby song — “the rich get richer and the poor get children?” That’s the essence of GOPcare. More money will be taken from the poor, the elderly and the middle class, the richest one percent will get a tax break and Planned Parenthood will be defunded. Ain’t we got fun?

Looking ahead: At a time when all environmental progress seems to be regressing, it’s heartening that Coral Gables Commissioner Vince Lago has introduced a measure to ban plastic bag use by retailers. Really, how hard is it to bring your own reusable bag? You’ve probably stockpiled more dozens by now — it seems that every business is giving them away as freebies with their logos on them. And think of the landfills that won’t be filled with plastic bags, the sea turtles that won’t be choking on them and the landscapes that won’t be marred with them. Thanks, Coral Gables, for your leadership.

Joshua Thifault, Advancement Director, Turning Point USA

Last week: It’s a rough week to be Rachel Maddow. After obtaining Trump’s 2005 tax return, the MSNBC host acted as if she had the bombshell of the year. With the world watching, she revealed her numbers. Trump paid $38 Million in taxes on $150 Million in earnings. Yes, she got her ratings. But she angered liberals, her main audience, in doing so. This means POTUS paid a higher tax rate than both Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders. Naturally, The White House was quick to capitalize on the revelation. Chalk this one up to President Trump.

Robert Weinroth, Deputy Mayor, Boca Raton

Last week: South Florida’s municipalities have been plagued by the proliferation of unlicensed group “sober” homes in residential neighborhoods. Addressing rampant abuse has been nearly impossible due to the shield created by federal ADA and Fair Housing statutes. Notwithstanding the obstacles, one of the most notorious husband and wife operators, Kenny and Laura Chatman, are about to do hard time in federal prison. However, it appears only the most egregious offenders need to fear the long arm of the law unless and until changes are made in the federal protections of these facilities to safeguard the safety and security of neighboring residents.

Looking ahead: With a budget showdown looming between Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature over efforts to eviscerate two economic drivers, Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida, there’s comic relief in watching the sparring over SB 106 (dubbed whiskey and Wheaties), which would allow grocery chains and big-box retailers to sell liquor in grocery aisles next to the beer and wine. This is the fourth at bat for this idea, having failed in the three past sessions. The alcohol and drug abuse prevention community fears comingling liquor with groceries may increase underage drinking. Maybe installing a door between the two establishments would suffice.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami

Last week: Kudos to Miami Congressman Carlos Curbelo who has introduced legislation that would provide a path to US residency and citizenship for the “Dreamers” – those who arrived to the U.S. without lawful status as children. President Obama gave them a temporary reprieve with DACA and President Trump has promised to do right by them. This could be the first piece of legislation that could win wide support from both sides of the aisle this year.

Looking ahead: The federal government has messed up immigration laws enough — there’s no need for the state government to add to the mess and confusion. Florida House Bill 83 would do just that by making a first-degree misdemeanor a third-degree felony. Doing so would make “felons” out of people who are guilty of only a civil violation. In federal law, “unlawful presence” – i.e. being in the U.S. without proper documents — is a civil not a criminal violation. It should not be an aggravating factor at sentencing.