As our nation rapidly approaches 1 million recorded deaths due to COVID-19, our Florida government officials loudly proclaim that masks and vaccinations are unnecessary. Public health has become as taboo of a subject as climate change. It is clear who suffers the most from ignorance of both: ethnic minorities and our underprivileged low-income neighbors.

The health of Alachua County depends not only on the fitness of its well-off residents. It must concern us all. Deficits and inequities in health cost everyone due to stresses on our health care workers and hospitals, increased taxes, insurance costs and reduced productivity that result. We can do better.

Dear Members,
When you receive this edition of the Voter, the Florida legislative regular session will have ended. We can look back with pride at the efforts League made in the fight to maintain free and fair elections and many other causes that League members cherish. Although we lost many fights, we are now ready to organize for the upcoming election season and the beginning of a new League year.