State of the City of Hallandale Beach_Part 2

Last week was part 1 of my State of the City of Hallandale Beach, this week the series continues. Abortion and immigration were also dividing issues. Let’s face it both the Republicans and Democrats are at fault for this mess. Least we do not forget the “almost” deal. Then the uncertainty with President Biden’s health and his removal of his candidacy.  Trump won. President Trump, who lost to Biden, came back. And he did in a “Big”…“Very Big” way exercising the power of the White House excluding other branches of government.

Voting is very personal but during the two weeks of early voting. I listened to the voters and learned. What was really alarming to me was some voters simply sat it out not voting for President at all. We  are seeing  more and more people changing parties or simply opting for No Party Affiliation. Our Nation's democracy is and will always be messy.

We do need to be vigilant. We need to respect different views, defend our constitution, respect the branches of government to ensure a balance of power.  Preserve  due process. As a Mayor, I have served this city during both Democratic and Republican administrations. I like ideas from both sides of the aisle.  

I will say in my opinion the  super majority of all Americans were not not ready for this ride. We went from one  roller coaster to another.  I’m not talking the old coney island ones, I’m  talking new ones. One with upside down seats, double loops and corkscrews. As with all processes,  “The devil is in the details.” The only certainty now  is uncertainty. We as a city are not trained in Immigration Law  and policy, nor paid to perform ICE’s duties.  This job is a  federal  function. Counties and some cities enter into interagency  agreements with ICE.   

We as a city certainly do not get in any agency’s way of performing their duties. In Florida, there was a special session to change immigration laws. The state increased penalties for coming to the state illegally. The level of punishment for fraudulently voting and other criminal activities  have been elevated. For Capital felony crimes there is now the death penalty. There is  no more free state tuition for undocumented students.

Our major sticking point  and concern with our city  was  taking our officers off their daily duties fighting crime  to doing  another agency’s job. This would directly impact crime and  staffing levels without any considerations. We fought and now there are training dollars so local law enforcement can understand  immigration laws  and policy. There is also a 1,000 dollar  bonus to officers that end up participating in helping  ICE operations.

The other big change on the federal level was the Department  of Government Efficiency-DOGE. At first, when Musk was appointed my hopes were that he would work to increase efficiency through departmental  reorganization and  improve technology in a methodical way.  God knows they need it.

This would mean firing inefficient employees but no one saw  massive cuts. Sure, there is waste but many  agency  jobs serve the  most vulnerable like our veterans  and seniors. We are still watching to see what the impacts will be. In Florida, I like to say we have been double DOGE’d. I wish they would truly  DOGE  themselves. No disrespect to other electeds in the audience. Have you tried getting a driver's license? Tried to get a response from the  Department  of Business and Professional Regulations?  

I have not heard any large announcements from the State DOGE office  but I am sure with over 410 cities and over 1900 special districts there will find some findings. We were DOGE’d and I am proud to share. Our 2024 budget of over 200 million dollars that included over 80 million in projects and robust  reserves  went through our 2024  annual audit with zero findings. I’ll say that again zero findings.

So what are the true threats we are facing as a city: Uncertainty, inflation, tariffs, cuts to the  national budget, limited grants  and  the Governors  push to cut property taxes. National Cuts have become clearer this past two weeks. The White House released a 46 page  memorandum  which was forward to me along with all the US Conference of Mayors Executive Board. Yes, I read it – Remember  Verify.

The cuts will impact everyone  in some way or another. Many line budget items  were either totally eliminated  or drastically reduced. Medicaid cuts are huge. While it does not impact our city functions it will impact the most vulnerable .  In our district like many others children make up  55% of the Medicaid roll. Yes, it is shameful individuals will not receive care but there are other broader implications.

In the grand scheme cuts to Medicaid  impact service  providers, doctors, nurses and hospitals. Social Security was left whole and untouched. The Veteran Administration budget was actually increased . Mainly to implement an overhaul in  technology for improved medical record management and  access.  Also they will allow Veterans to go to Non VA  hospitals. DOE was slashed while keeping  Title One programs preserved .

Quality schools matter to our cities.   Funny all the talk about cutting DOE  there was 60 million in Charter School funding. All school costs  will now be passed directly  to the states. Obviously full elimination of energy saving programs dubbed the” BIG GREEN LIE “ This will  impact our ability to apply for federal grants which have  helped with the progress of the Cloud  Mini Bus System. We are still working to build our fleet charging  facility. In  the County the plan to  go after federal grants to build out EV charging stations has already  been shelved.

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our city a better place at phone/text 954-632-5700 or you can email me at jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at Mayor Joy Cooper. Like, follow, and share.