News Flash

RNC Election law Update June 1, 2022

Republican National Committee

ELECTION LAW UPDATE

Shared by Peter M. Feaman

National Committeeman for Florida

Below is a high-level summary of important news. 

State Legislation Highlights

States currently in Session: Alaska, Arizona, California, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

States in Regular Session throughout the year: Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania.

States Sine die: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Arizona

Governor Ducey signed SB1008, which raises the threshold to trigger an automatic recount and requires that an automatic recount be conducted when the canvass of returns in a primary or general election shows the margin between two candidates for or against a ballot measure is less than or equal to one-half of one percent. The legislature passed HB2237, which prohibits a state agency from registering a person to vote on Election Day and deeming that person eligible to vote in that election; HB2237 was sent to Governor Ducey last week.

Louisiana

The House of Representatives passed HB811, which prohibits the use of private funds for election-related expenses.

Missouri

The Missouri legislature passed HB1878, a comprehensive election reform package. Highlights of the legislation include:

  • Authorizes the Secretary of State to audit voter registration lists and requires election authorities to remove improper names;
  • Removes obsolete references to ballot cards and requires voting machines to be air gapped as a security measure;
  • Prohibits the state and its political subdivisions from receiving or expending private money for preparing, administering, or conducting an election or registering voters;
  • Removes the one-year voter and residency requirement for election commissioners, but retains the requirements of voter registration and residency at the time of appointment;
  • Exempts board of election commissioners and clerk employees from requirement to reside or register within the jurisdiction in which they serve;
  • Allows appointment of election judges who reside outside the requisite election authority’s jurisdiction without the need for written consent from the election authority in whose jurisdiction the potential judge resides;
  • Authorizes the Department of Revenue to use electronic applications when sending materials to election authorities;
  • Beginning January 1, 2023, requires any person registering to vote to declare a political party affiliation or declare unaffiliation;
  • Restricts voter information released by election authorities by prohibiting the release of the date of birth of voters, instead allowing only the release of the year of birth, as well as prohibiting use of released information for commercial purposes;
  • Prohibits payment for soliciting voter registration applications and requires registration with the Secretary of State’s office for soliciting more than 10 voter registration applications;
  • Beginning January 1, 2023, it requires the use of a paper ballot that is hand-marked by the voter;
  • Specifies photographic identification requirements for voting a regular ballot and for voting by absentee ballot;
  • Prohibits the use of mail-in ballots under executive or administrative order;
  • Requires the Speaker of House and President Pro Tempore receive a copy of any civil action in state of federal court to compromise or settle any action, consent to any condition, or agree to any order in connection with chapters 115 to 128 (Missouri Election Code); and
  • Requires all audits to be conducted by the Secretary of State and paid for by state and federal funding.

Ohio

Republican legislators introduced House Joint Resolution 4 to reinforce that non-citizens cannot vote in local or state elections. The Joint Resolution follows the State’s constitutional amendment process and needs three-fifths of both the House and Senate to vote to approve. If approved, Ohio voters will vote on the Resolution on the November general election ballot, needing only a simple majority of the State’s electorate to amend the Ohio Constitution.

South Carolina

Governor McMaster signed HB4919, which creates a two-week early voting period preceding every general election, requires each county to establish one to seven early voting locations, modifies the absentee voting application and who may vote absentee, creates a new felony for those who intentionally publicly report the absentee ballot tabulation results prior to the close of the polls, establishes procedures to maintain and update the voter registration records statewide, and dictates security protocols and investigation measures during and after elections.

State Litigation Highlights

Arizona

In August, a lawsuit, Mi Familia Vota v. Hobbs, was filed in AZ challenging SB1485, which removes voters from the permanent mail ballot list if a voter does not vote by mail in two straight election cycles; and SB1003, which requires voters to “cure” signature-less ballots by 7PM on Election Day. The RNC and the NRSC have intervened to defend the laws. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss on November 18, and discovery is underway. On March 14, Mi Familia Vota filed a notice with the court stating that it did not intend to seek a preliminary injunction prior to the 2022 midterms. 

Two lawsuits were filed challenging HB2492, which requires voters who are only eligible for casting a vote in federal elections to provide documentary proof of citizenship. Any voter who cannot satisfy the requirement will be ineligible to vote in a presidential election or by mail. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Arizona Democratic Party also plan to file a lawsuit challenging the law. Update: On May 12, the RNC, the Republican Party of Arizona, and Mohave and Gila County Republican Parties moved to intervene in the two lawsuits to defend HB249.

Arkansas

In February, the Arkansas Supreme Court affirmed the trial court’s decision not to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Arkansas’ voter integrity laws. A bench trial began on March 15. In a ruling from the bench, the court granted a permanent injunction for all four of the challenged election laws , finding “that defendant’s stated concerns about election integrity and insecurity are based entirely on conjecture and speculation.” On March 24, the Arkansas Attorney General filed an appeal and a motion to stay the trial court’s ruling. The motion to stay was denied by the trial court, but the Arkansas Supreme Court granted an emergency motion to stay on April 1.

Colorado

In December, the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF) sued the Colorado Secretary of State for withholding voter registration list maintenance records, in violation of the NVRA. On April 11, the Secretary of State moved to dismiss the claims.

Florida

In June, the RNC and NRSC were granted intervention in all four lawsuits challenging provisions of SB90, Florida’s 2021 election reform legislative package. On March 31, the U.S. District Court permanently enjoined multiple provisions of SB90 including the provisions requiring registration disclaimers for third party voter registration organizations (§ 97.0575(3)(a)), registration delivery provisions for third party voter registration organizations (id. ), drop box restrictions (§§ 101.69(2)-(3)), and line warming provisions (§§ 102.031(4)(a)-(b)). The court also determined the defendants are not entitled to a stay and put Florida under preclearance in regard to any “law or regulation governing 3PVROs, drop boxes, or ‘line warming’ activities, as those terms are defined in [the] Order” for a 10-year period under 52 U.S.C. § 10303(c). Several other provisions of the law were upheld, including the ballot harvesting ban, two-year standing requests for receiving vote-by-mail ballots, and on all ADA claims. Defendants, including the RNC and NRSC filed a notice of appeal on April 7, and a stay request with the 11th Circuit on April 11. On May 6, the 11th Circuit granted the defendants’ stay request, leaving in effect provisions previously struck down by the lower court and rejecting the district court’s order to put Florida under “preclearance” for ten years.

Georgia

In July, the RNC, NRSC, NRCC, and GA GOP were granted intervention in eight lawsuits, including the U.S. Department of Justice’s lawsuit against the state, challenging provisions of SB202 . Previously, the court denied motions to dismiss for lack of standing and on the merits, filed by the RNC, other Republican organizations, and Republican lawmakers in Georgia in eight of the lawsuits. In December, the court denied the motions to dismiss filed by the State, RNC, NRSC, NRCC, and the GA GOP. The court will consider plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction at a hearing on June 9. In the 9th case challenging SB202, the court dismissed the case without prejudice for failure to serve the defendants.

On May 2, a group of liberal organizations sued Georgia’s Election Board regarding absentee ballot applications. In Georgia, an absentee ballot must be signed with pen and ink. The groups seek declaratory and injunctive relief, requesting the court find that the Pen and Ink rule violates the Civil Rights Act and to enjoin its enforcement.

A federal lawsuit, filed back in 2018 by liberal voting rights groups, is in the middle of its trial in Georgia. The plaintiffs argue the State’s “exact match” registration rules and additional absentee ballot requirements, put in place by SB202, violate the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act. The Judge granted Defendant’s request for a continuance and the trial will continue on June 13, 2022.

Illinois

In 2020, PILF sued the Illinois State Board of Elections for refusing to provide voter registration maintenance records. On March 8, a federal district court granted PILF’s motion for summary judgment and ordered the State to make the records available. On April 4, the Board of Elections filed a motion for reconsideration.

Iowa

The RNC, Iowa GOP, NRCC, and NRSC were granted intervention to defend against a lawsuit challenging provisions of SF413 and SF568. The trial set for March 21 was pushed back in light of discovery disputes between the Iowa legislature and plaintiffs. On March 16, the Iowa Supreme Court granted certiorari to resolve these discovery disputes.

Kansas

On February 25, a federal court entered a permanent injunction and declaratory judgment in a lawsuit challenging HB 2332. The court declared that HB 2232 ’s bans on (1) third parties pre-filling advance ballot applications and (2) out-of-state organizations mailing advance ballot applications are unconstitutional under the First and Fourteenth Amendments, and enjoined the state from enforcing those provisions.

In another case filed last June, activist groups sued over Kansas’s HB 2183, which restricts backdating of ballots and the use of private money by election officials. On April 11, a state trial court dismissed the case, and the activist groups appealed.

Michigan

In 2019, activist groups challenged Michigan elections laws that restrict paid voter transportation services and out-of-state organizations assisting voters with absentee ballot applications. The RNC and MIGOP were granted intervention in the case. The district court initially granted an injunction that prohibited Michigan from enforcing its voter transportation restriction, but the 6th Circuit reversed . On March 21, the RNC and other Republican groups filed a motion for summary judgment and asked the district court to dismiss the suit. On March 29, Uber filed an amicus brief on behalf of the activist groups.

Minnesota

In January, the Minnesota Voters Alliance sued the Secretary of State for a rule that purports to change the signature verification system that exists by statute . The Secretary moved to dismiss the case, and that motion was denied on March 29.

Montana

In April 2021, the Montana Democratic Party and activist groups sued the State over its election integrity measures, which include elimination of Election Day voter registration, types of voter ID permitted, and paid ballot harvesting. On April 6, 2022, a Montana state court temporarily suspended enforcement of these laws. The case has been appealed to the MT Supreme Court. Update: On May 17, the MT Supreme Court granted the defendant’s stay of the preliminary injunction.

Nevada

Two Republican-led ballot initiatives were challenged by Democrat-aligned activists. The Democrat-aligned activists sued in state district court in Carson City to stop the initiatives to implement voter ID requirements and to repeal portions of the state’s absentee ballot law. On April 25, the Carson City district court ruled that the initiatives were argumentative and ordered a new description be written, effectively scrapping all signatures collected at that point.

On April 14, a lawsuit was filed in Clark County alleging that Nevada failed to offer “meaningful observation” during the 2020 election cycle and that the state does not have a plan in place to provide this in the upcoming elections.

New York

The RNC, NRCC, and New York State Republican Committee filed a motion to intervene in a case brought by Democrats challenging NY ballot rejection practices. The DCCC opposed the intervention on April 4. Update: On May 13, the court granted the RNC’s motion to intervene and a preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for June 27.

In January, the RNC and NY GOP, leading a broad bipartisan coalition of officeholders and concerned citizens, including Congresswoman Malliotakis and naturalized citizen voters, sued Mayor Eric Adams, the New York City Council, and the New York City Board of Elections in state court over the “Non-Citizen Voting Law,” which illegally allows non-citizens to vote in city elections. The complaint is available here. The NYC Board of Elections has since requested that the state review the law and issue an opinion on its legality. The case was assigned to Judge Ralph Porzio. Oral arguments in the case are set for June 7.

Democrats are attempting to piggyback a 2012 court ruling protecting military and overseas voters to avoid using fair redistricting maps this November. The court denied plaintiffs’ request for a temporary restraining order in their attempt to have the State’s prior congressional map, which was struck down in court, reinstated. After the court denied plaintiffs’ request, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the suit.

North Carolina

The North Carolina legislature petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal on a challenge to the state’s congressional and state legislative maps.

The trial in the federal NC voter ID case was put on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court decides if GOP legislators can intervene in the case. The U.S. Supreme Court granted a writ of certiorari to determine whether NC GOP legislators have a right to intervene in a case to defend SB824, which requires in-person voters to show photo identification. Oral argument took place on March 21.

Previously, in June, a 4th Circuit en banc panel affirmed the lower court’s order denying intervention, holding that the lower court did not abuse its discretion by denying permissive intervention or intervention as of right. The en banc court was nearly evenly divided.

There is also pending litigation in state court challenging the photo ID law. The RNC filed an amicus in support of the GOP legislators. A copy can be found hereThe NC GOP filed an amicus brief in that case arguing the trial court erred in concluding that the voter ID sections of SB824 were not severable from Section 3.3, which provides for statewide poll observers. The amicus can be found here. The NC Supreme Court also granted a motion to bypass the appellate court and hear the case.

Pennsylvania

On March 31, a federal court ruled that PILF is entitled to documents under the NVRA regarding a programming “glitch” that allowed foreign nationals to register to vote in PA. On April 14, the Secretary of State filed a motion for reconsideration.

On February 11, the RNC sued PA’s Bucks County Board of Elections for its refusal to provide records related to how it counts absentee ballots.

On March 8, the PA Supreme Court heard oral argument on the challenge to Act 77, which established no excuse absentee voting in PA. The PA Supreme Court heard an appeal from a January 28 Commonwealth Court ruling that struck down Act 77, holding that it violated the PA Constitution. Under PA law, the Commonwealth Court ruling was automatically stayed but the court subsequently terminated the stay effective March 15. The termination of the stay was appealed to the PA Supreme Court, which reinstated the stay, effective until the conclusion of the case. A link to the oral arguments can be found here.

In January, Republican David Ritter, a candidate for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County, appealed the County Board of Election’s 3-0 decision to count 261 challenged mail-in ballots that were undated or improperly dated. On November 30, 2021, the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County denied Ritter’s appeal and ordered the Lehigh County Board of Elections to include the 261 mail-in ballots in its canvass. The case was then appealed to the Commonwealth Court who, in a 2-1 decision,  reversed and remanded the case concluding that the 257 ballots that do not contain a date must be set aside and not counted in the Municipal Election. Democrat candidate Zachary Cohen filed an appeal with the PA Supreme Court. The PA Supreme Court denied the appeal.

In January, five voters who failed to date their ballot sued the Lehigh County Board of Elections in federal court to have their undated votes counted. The County Board agreed to not certify the election until the litigation has been resolved. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Civil Rights Act and the 14th Amendment. Republican candidate David Ritter was granted intervention in the case. On March 16, the court granted Ritter’s motion for summary judgment and ordered that the undated ballots should not be counted. Plaintiffs appealed. After the district court declined to delay certification, the 3rd Circuit  issued a temporary injunction preventing the Lehigh County Board of Elections from certifying the results of the election. On April 1, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a statement of interest in the case. Oral argument is scheduled for May 18. Update: On May 20, the 3rd Circuit ruled that the date requirement was immaterial and ordered that the undated ballots be counted. On May 23, Ritter filed a stay request with the Third Circuit which will allow him to file a cert petition with the Supreme Court.

U.S. Senate Candidate David McCormick has filed suit in state court seeking an order for all counties to count undated ballots cast in last week’s primary.

Texas

The U.S. Department of Justice sued the State of Texas and the Texas Secretary of State, challenging certain provisions in the recently enacted election integrity bill: SB1. The DOJ claims the law violates Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act and Section 101 of the Civil Rights Act. The RNC, NRCC, NRSC, and Dallas and Harris County Republican Parties moved to intervene in the DOJ suit and others challenging SB1. The court denied the party committees’ motion to intervene, and the party committees promptly appealed the ruling to the 5th Circuit. The U.S. Department of Justice actively opposed the party committees’ intervention. On March 25, the 5th Circuit ruled that the Republican committees were entitled to intervention as of right and ordered the district court to grant intervention to the committees. Update: The RNC and other party committees re-filed for intervention, which was granted by the district court on May 13.

In one of the cases challenging SB1, the court granted a preliminary injunction on the provisions that make it a crime for election officials to send a vote-by-mail application to registered voters who hadn’t requested one. The 5th Circuit heard oral argument on March 8, and subsequently certified questions to the Supreme Court of Texas.

In May 2020, activists sued the Texas Secretary of State over a 2017 election bill, HB 25. The district court declined to dismiss the case, and the Secretary of State appealed. On March 16, the 5th Circuit reversed and ordered the district court to dismiss the case.

The 5th Circuit, in two similar cases challenging various provisions of the Texas election code, directed the lower court to dismiss the Secretary of State from the case because he was not a proper defendant.

Vermont

In September, the RNC sued the cities of Montpelier and Winooski over their new town charters that allow non-citizens to vote in their municipal elections. The lawsuit also raises important concerns about how the laws will be implemented and whether non-citizens will end up on the same voter registration lists used for state-level and federal elections. The RNC is joined in the suit by the Vermont Republican Party and several concerned Vermont voters. A hearing on the motion to dismiss in the Montpelier litigation was held on March 31. On April 1, the Montpelier court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss, finding the plaintiffs have standing, but under its interpretation of Vermont Supreme Court precedent, was required to dismiss the case. The RNC and other plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal on April 29.

Wisconsin

In Teigen v. WEC, the WI Circuit Court ruled that absentee ballot drop boxes are not permitted under Wisconsin law and ordered the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) to retract its instructions on the use of drop boxes. WEC appealed the ruling. The court also denied a request to stay the ruling for the February 15 primary while the defendants pursue an appeal. The Court of Appeals granted petition to bypass; thus, the WI Supreme Court will hear argument on the case. The WI Supreme Court denied a stay motion that would have allowed absentee drop boxes through the April 5 election; accordingly, drop boxes located outside of local clerks’ offices will be illegal and no one other than the voter will be allowed to return an absentee ballot. On March 23, the RNC, NRSC, and Republican Party of Wisconsin moved to file an amicus brief in support of Teigen. The WI Supreme Court heard merits arguments on the case on April 13.

Other News

  • Federal: Last Thursday, the Senate Rules and Administration Committee held a hearing on “Administration of Upcoming Elections.” Watch the full hearing HERE.
  • Federal: On Wednesday, the House Committee on House Administration will hold a field hearing in Tallahassee, FL on “Voting in America: Access to the Ballot in Florida.” Watch the hearing HERE.
  • Federal: President Biden’s executive order directs federal agencies to develop plans to increase voter registration and civic engagement across the country.
  • National: Power the Polls is recruiting poll workers for the primaries throughout the country amid a drop in workers this year.
  • National: Discussion on the new US Alliance for Election Excellence, a nonpartisan group of election officials and voting system experts, working together with the goal of improving voting systems across the country.

Judge removes stay from ruling on Florida’s congressional map. State appeal expected.

After issuing a temporary injunction last week against a congressional redistricting plan pushed through the Legislature by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Leon County circuit judge Monday ordered that the ruling remain in effect while the state pursues an appeal.

The state on Friday appealed Judge Layne Smith’s temporary-injunction ruling to the 1st District Court of Appeal. That triggered an automatic stay, which put the ruling on hold. But Smith held a hearing Monday and sided with voting-rights groups that requested he lift the stay.

With elections supervisors preparing for the Aug. 23 primary elections, Smith pointed to the possibility that an appeal would not be resolved quickly. If the stay were not vacated, that could result in supervisors using the DeSantis-backed map that Smith said violated part of the state Constitution.

“It’s crunch time now, and this involves fundamental constitutional rights,” Smith said Monday.

The state plans to ask the 1st District Court of Appeal to reimpose the stay Tuesday, Mohammad Jazil, an attorney for the secretary of state, said.

Voting-rights groups and other plaintiffs filed the lawsuit April 22 after the Republican-dominated Legislature passed a redistricting plan that would boost the number of GOP representatives in Florida’s congressional delegation.

The plaintiffs also asked for a temporary injunction, focusing on an overhaul of North Florida’s Congressional District 5. That district in recent years has stretched from Jacksonville to west of Tallahassee and was designed to help elect a Black member of Congress. It is held by U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat.

The DeSantis-backed plan condensed the district in the Jacksonville area, reducing the chances of electing a Black representative.

Smith granted the temporary injunction Thursday and ordered the use of a map that would largely keep intact the sprawling east-west shape of the district. He agreed with the plaintiffs that the plan passed during the special session violated a 2010 state constitutional amendment — known as the Fair Districts amendment — that set standards for redistricting. Part of that amendment bars diminishing the ability of minority voters to “elect representatives of their choice.”

Monday’s decision to lift the stay could lead to supervisors beginning to use the map that Smith ordered.

John Devaney, an attorney for the plaintiffs, pointed during Monday’s hearing to “compelling circumstances” to lift the stay.

“Irreparable harm will occur if the stay remains in place,” Devaney said.

DeSantis has contended that keeping the sprawling east-west shape of the district would involve racial gerrymandering and violate the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

In a court document filed last week, the state’s attorneys wrote that the Equal Protection Clause bars “race-based sorting of voters” without a “compelling interest” and a “narrowly tailored” means to achieve that interest.

It is unclear how long it will take for a decision in the state’s appeal of Smith’s temporary-injunction ruling. Briefs had not been filed as of early Monday evening, according to a 1st District Court of Appeal docket.

Also, the plaintiffs filed a motion Friday requesting that the case be put on a fast track to the Florida Supreme Court. That would essentially lead to bypassing the Tallahassee-based appeals court, a move known as seeking “certification” to the Supreme Court.

The attorneys for voting-rights groups and other plaintiffs wrote that time remains to move forward with a “remedial” redistricting plan before the 2022 elections, but “that window will likely close within a few weeks.” The candidate-qualifying period for this year’s elections is June 13-17.

©2022 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

RNC ELECTION INTEGRITY UPDATE – MISSOURI

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE NEWS UPDATE

from your National Committeeman, Peter Feaman

********************************************

Republican National Committee
ELECTION INTEGRITY UPDATE – MISSOURI
MISSOURI SENATE PASSES ELECTION INTEGRITY BILL: NO DROP BOXES; NO BALLOT HARVESTING: NO ZUCKERBUCKS; CREATES A VOTER-ID REQUIREMENT.
Peter M. Feaman
National Committeeman for Florida
The Missouri state Senate on Monday passed voter integrity legislation which bans ballot drop boxes, prohibits private donations to election authorities, and creates a voter ID requirement.
The Senate passed its version of HB1878, which had passed the state House on March 10.
“After the chaos and uncertainty of the 2020 election, it was imperative that we tighten election laws in Missouri to further secure our elections,” Republican state Sen. Eric Burlison said. “I filed a similar bill this session, so I am thrilled my fellow legislators share my concerns when it comes to preserving the integrity of our elections. We need to regain the trust of Missourians that every election is fair and free, and I believe this bill accomplishes that goal.”
Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft added: “I want to thank Sen. Eric Burlison for working with my office to create strong cyber security protections in this bill and to eliminate ‘Zuckerbucks’ from corrupting our election process. A secure and fair election process is essential to our state.”
In 2020, Mark Zuckerberg gifted $350 million to left-wing groups who then gave the money to government election offices.
The Zuckerbucks, however, were not an unconditional donation, Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist, pointed out. There were strings attached, which amounted to Democrat get-out-the-vote efforts, mass mail-in voting, and ballot “curing,” whereby election workers “fix” mail-in ballot problems after the ballot has been submitted.
Republican state Sen. Mike Cierpiot noted that the new law also requires election equipment to be “air-gapped, meaning it is not connected to the Internet, and that paper ballots are used.”
“I believe both of these measures will ensure our election results are safe, secure and most importantly verifiable in the event of a dispute,” Cierpiot said. “Lastly, the bill also prohibits private money, such as so-called ‘Zuckerbucks,’ from being used to influence the administration of our elections as well as bans the use of drop boxes for the delivery of absentee ballots.”
The legislation also gives the Missouri secretary of state election audit powers.

And what did the Democrats say? “This is racist,” of course.

Rep. Scott Franklin: The Ready Room – May 10, 2022

Hello Friend,

Welcome to my e-newsletter, the Ready Room. As a retired Naval Aviator, the Ready Room is special to me because it’s where fellow aviators meet to brief and debrief missions. This is my weekly briefing to you on my mission in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook Twitter Instagram  and YouTube for regular updates on how my team and I are working to serve you in Congress.

 

Rejecting Government Monitored Speech

ImageCourtesy of the Government Accountability Office

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced the rollout of a new “Disinformation Governance Board,” an advisory board seeking to monitor (or censor) speech under the guise of securing the homeland. In response, I led a letter with more than 170 of my colleagues opposing the creation of this board. In the letter, we expressed ethical concerns about DHS engaging in activities that could impact free speech. Creation of this board is an alarming attempt to use DHS as a political tool. This is especially concerning as Americans continue to suffer a drug epidemic and have safety concerns with DHS’s failure to properly secure our border. Rest assured, I will continue to oppose this government overreach. To learn more and read the full letter,  click here .


Admonishing an Egregious  Supreme Court Leak

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The U.S. Supreme Court

Last Monday evening, we saw a shocking leak out of the Supreme Court. A draft opinion from the Mississippi abortion case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization , was published online. This leak was an unprecedented breach of trust designed to pressure the Court in advance of a final opinion. As a defender of the unborn, I would welcome a Supreme Court decision that overturns Roe v. Wade and restores the sacred right to life. However, the leak was deliberate and clearly designed to intimidate the independent judicial integrity of the Court. Tactics like this are reprehensible and serve only to further politicize and erode faith in our judicial system. To read my full statement, click here .


Weekly Survey Results

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In last week’s survey, we asked for your input on whether the issue of abortion should be addressed at the state or federal level. 54% of respondents said they believe abortion should be handled by state governments. 43% of respondents said they believe abortion should be handled by the federal government. I thank those who participated in this survey and will continue to ask for your input and share the results.


Constituent Corner  

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Keila from Lakeland submitted a reconsideration for a loan but had trouble contacting the Small Business Administration (SBA). The COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program helps small businesses recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19 by providing accessible and borrower-friendly capital. She asked our office for assistance, and we helped her set up a meeting with the SBA. If you need help with a federal agency, please call our Lakeland office at (863) 644-8215 or visit my website at franklin.house.gov 


Do you want updates on my work in Congress?

Follow me Facebook by clicking here  or on the image below. This is the best way to stay up to date on news from my office.

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I’m honored to represent you in Congress. For more information on constituent services, current legislation and to sign up for my e-newsletter, please visit my website at franklin.house.gov 

Best regards,

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C. Scott Franklin
Member of Congress

Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review

 

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This week, during a hearing in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Rick Scott demanded answers from Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Alejandro Mayorkas regarding the department’s new 1984-style Disinformation Governance Board, his complete mishandling of the crisis on America’s southern border, the record amount of fentanyl flowing onto the country and his repeated lies to the American people and Congress.

Senator Scott’s questions come after he condemned Biden’s Orwellian board and introduced legislation with Senator Tom Cotton to defund it.

Senator Scott also pressed Sec. Mayorkas on the Biden administration’s appeasement of the illegitimate Communist Cuban regime and urged action to support the Cuban people and those unjustly imprisoned by the regime.

Watch more HERE and HERE or in the videos below.

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See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.

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Sen. Rick Scott Demands Action from Sec. Buttigieg on Raging Inflation and Supply Chain Crises

Today, during an open hearing in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST), Senator Rick Scott questioned Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg on the Biden administration’s reckless spending and failure to address or fix the raging inflation and supply chain crises that continue to hurt families and businesses across America. Since October 2021, Senator Scott has been calling on Secretary Buttigieg to testify before the CST Committee and address the ongoing supply chain crisis. This is the first time Secretary Buttigieg has testified before the CST Committee since January 2021.

Senator Rick Scott said, “While President Biden continues to ignore the raging inflation and supply chain crises he’s created and blame others for his problems, I’m glad Secretary Buttigieg finally made it back to the Commerce Committee to answer my questions. It’s been 16 months since he last testified and six months since I first called on him and Secretary Raimondo to come forward and tell the American people what they are doing to lower prices and restock shelves. For over a year, as inflation has skyrocketed from 1.4% to 8.5%, Biden, Buttigieg and Raimondo have been silent and missing. Instead of being accountable to hardworking families, they have blamed others. It’s shameful. Florida families see right through this administration’s weak indifference and are SICK AND TIRED OF IT. I won’t stop fighting to end Joe Biden’s failed agenda and reckless spending.” Watch more in the video HERE or below.

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Sens. Rick Scott, Tom Cotton Introduce Legislation to Defund Homeland Security’s “Disinformation Board”

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Tom Cotton and colleagues to introduce legislation to bar federal funds from being used to establish a Disinformation Governance Board at the Department of Homeland Security.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Joe Biden is using DHS to create thought police and it should scare the living daylights out of every American. The president claims to care about fighting disinformation, but he and his administration have repeatedly lied to the American people and even called on social media companies to censor and silence American voices. We need to be very clear: this isn’t about a commitment to the truth or keeping families safe. This is Joe Biden and the Democrats using the federal government to police speech. Biden’s thought police is something straight out of Orwell’s 1984 and I will do everything in my power to destroy this attack on free speech. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important bill.” Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott: Biden’s Thought Police is a Terrifying Assault on Free Speech

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) new Disinformation Governance Board. Senator Scott will be demanding answers from DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on this new unit during Wednesday’s Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee hearing. 

Senator Rick Scott said, “Joe Biden is using DHS to create thought police and it should scare the living daylights out of every American. The president claims to care about fighting disinformation, but he and his administration have repeatedly lied to the American people and even called on social media companies to censor and silence American voices. We need to be very clear: this isn’t about a commitment to the truth or keeping families safe. This is Joe Biden and the Democrats using the federal government to police speech. I look forward to pressing Secretary Mayorkas, someone who has repeatedly lied to Congress, on this when he comes before HSGAC this week. Biden’s thought police is something straight out of Orwell’s 1984 and I will do everything in my power to destroy this attack on free speech.” Read more HERE.

Sens. Rick Scott, John Cornyn introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Document Russian War Crimes in Ukraine

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator John Cornyn and their colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Ukraine Invasion War Crimes Deterrence and Accountability Act, which would ensure the U.S. is undertaking coordinated efforts to collect and maintain evidence of war crimes and atrocities committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Senator Rick Scott said, “It’s clear that Russian forces, under the control of Vladimir Putin are committing murder, rape and genocide. These atrocities are war crimes and cannot go unpunished. I am proud to join Senator Cornyn and our colleagues on this good bill and make clear that America stands for human rights and will be relentless in our work to hold Putin and his thugs accountable.” Read more from Senator Cornyn’s office HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott: $250 Billion “Competes” Bill is a Ticking Inflation Bomb

With the Senate expected to again advance the $250 BILLION COMPETES Act later this week, Senator Rick Scott today released the following statement.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The COMPETES Act is a perfect example of how a broken Washington tries and fails to solve problems. Communist China is committing genocide against the Uyghurs, regularly steals U.S. technology and intellectual property, lies and cheats to manipulate markets and has crushed democracy in Hong Kong. We must respond to these crimes and atrocities, but this bill doesn’t deliver. Instead of combatting the threats posed by Xi Jinping and the evil Communist Chinese Party, the COMPETES Act recklessly wastes $250 BILLION we don’t have on Green New Deal policies, like the UN Green Climate Fund, wild handouts to universities partnering with Communist China and tech companies making record profits. Reckless government spending like this fuels inflation. With prices skyrocketing and CPI at a 40-year high, American families can’t afford more failed policy and reckless spending from a broken Washington. I won’t stop fighting to defeat this bad bill.” Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott: Senate is Right to Require COMPETES Act to Include ROI Analysis

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after the Senate voted to approve his motion to instruct Senate members of the bicameral conference for the $250 BILLION COMPETES Act. Senator Scott’s measures urges that conferees make all taxpayer funds in the COMPETES Act subject to a comprehensive return-on-investment analysis with claw-back provisions and also urges conferees to include publication of reports to Congress and the public on how every tax dollar is spent.

Senator Scott’s motion to instruct was endorsed by the National Taxpayers Union.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The U.S. federal government is $30 TRILLION in debt, but Congress is working every day to spend money like it’s burning a hole in our pocket. This bad bill, which does almost nothing to actually combat the threats posed by Communist China, spends $250 BILLION in taxpayer dollars and has ZERO mandates for return on investment. That makes no sense. No American would make a deal like this for their business or family, and that’s why I proposed a commonsense measure to subject these funds to a real return-on-investment analysis with claw-back provisions. I am glad my colleagues voted to support my proposal and ensure taxpayer funds are not deliberately wasted. I have no doubt this bill will only fuel inflation without actually confronting Communist China, but the Senate’s vote to approve my proposal should send a clear message to the conferees that American families can’t afford more failed policy and reckless spending from a broken Washington.” Watch more in the video HERE or below.

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Sen. Rick Scott to Biden: Give the Fentanyl Crisis Proper Attention by Reinstating Cabinet-Level Drug Policy Director

As the opioid crisis continues to plague Americans and their families, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to President Biden urging him to reinstate the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to his cabinet. In 2009, while Biden was vice president, a decision was made to downgrade this important statutory position which advised the president on all drug policy matters. As President Biden’s border crisis rages and the nation continues to see the epidemic take a toll on families everywhere, Senator Scott remains committed to finding ways to ensure public safety and save lives. Elevating the Director of the ONDCP to its rightly deserved place in the presidential cabinet to help give attention and resources to curbing the epidemic. Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott: Federal Reserve Continues to Fail Americans as Inflation Crisis Rages

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the Federal Reserve’s announcement on its massive $9 trillion balance sheet and Chair Jay Powell’s failure to properly manage the Fed.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Once again the Federal Reserve is failing the American people. As inflation continues to skyrocket, GDP declines, and families’ budgets shrink, the Fed seems happy to sit back and do nothing to fix the financial nightmare hardworking families are living through. The Fed’s balance sheet is unprecedentedly high—$9 TRILLION—and Jay Powell’s plan to ‘address it’ is woefully inadequate. Under the plan announced today, scaling back the balance sheet will take almost a decade. Inflation is happening TODAY. The Fed needs to address this crisis TODAY. Its continued delay tactics are hurting families and puts our country’s future at risk. Families cannot afford the Fed’s failures anymore.” Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Issues Weekly Update on Biden’s Inflation Crisis

Senator Rick Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America’s debt crisis and rising inflation. Since being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has urged government accountability to the American taxpayer. Read more HERE.

El Senador Rick Scott publica una actualización semanal sobre la crisis de inflación de Biden

El Senador Rick Scott publicó una actualización semanal sobre sus acciones para abordar la crisis de la deuda de los Estados Unidos y el aumento de la inflación. Desde que fue elegido para el Senado de los EE. UU., el Senador Scott ha instado a que el gobierno rinda cuentas al contribuyente estadounidense. Lea más AQUÍ.

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Sen. Rick Scott on Fox News: Joe Biden’s Lies & Radical Agenda Will Destroy America

Senator Rick Scott joined Martha MacCallum on Fox News’ The Faulkner Focus this morning to address America’s tanking economy, skyrocketing inflation and Democrats’ radical agenda that continues to hurt families and destroy the country. Senator Scott also responded to Joe Biden’s continued confusion and lies about his plan to rescue America.

In the interview, Senator Rick Scott said, “I had the opportunity to listen to what the President said. First off, almost every sentence was a complete lie.

Since he’s been in office, inflation is 8.5%. We just had a negative GDP, down 1.4%. So you see people are struggling all across this country.

I’m the biggest tax cutter probably in the Senate right now—or even up here. I cut taxes 100 times. Since Joe Biden got into politics, think of what’s happened. Taxes have gone up on Americans constantly. On top of that, he’s taken the debt of this country from under $1 trillion to $30 trillion. His plan that he put out will take the debt of this country to $45 trillion, and has massive tax increases on everybody. My plan is reduce taxes. Let’s get everybody back to work with regard to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

When I was governor of Florida, on top of cutting taxes 100 times, and by the way, reducing the debt of the state by a third, what I also did was I fix the pension plan. Joe Biden, since he’s been around, made sure that Social Security or Medicare are in a worse position every year—Medicare goes bankrupt in four years. He doesn’t want to fix it. Democrats don’t want to fix it.

I want to have a conversation. Let’s fix these programs so they last.

What Democrats are doing, what Joe Biden is doing, he just keeps passing the buck.

We’ve got to rescue this country, not take it down Joe Biden’s horrible path.”

Watch the full interview on Fox News HERE or below.

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Forbes: ‘He Can Fix It But He Has No Interest’: Rick Scott Sounds Off On Biden And Inflation

Fox News: Rick Scott hits back at Biden for ‘complete lie’ about his ‘Rescue America’ plan

Forbes: ‘Every American Should Be Concerned’: Rick Scott Raises Alarm About Disinformation Governance Board

Newsmax: Senator mocked by Biden breaks silence, SHREDS ‘incoherent’ President

Forbes: ‘You’ve Utterly Failed’: Rick Scott Hammers Mayorkas’ Record To His Face

WFTL: Sen. Rick Scott calls Biden a “liar” about the economy

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Champions Package of Bills to Protect U.S. Investors From China

Florida Daily: Florida’s Senators Want to Stop Federal Funds for DHS Disinformation Governance Board

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Around the State

This week, Senator Rick Scott’s staff attended the homecoming of the Southwest Florida Honor Flight, and visited sheriff’s offices in the Tampa Bay area in honor of National Police Week.

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RPOF Newsletter – May 6, 2022

Chairman’s Message

Historic funding for manatee protection efforts

Governor DeSantis said this week he will commit more than $30 million to improve and expand manatee rescue and rehabilitation efforts and provide habitat restoration for areas where manatees are concentrated. This record investment in manatee protection more than doubles this year’s budget.

“This historic funding will support important restoration efforts across the state to benefit our manatees and Florida’s natural environment,” Governor DeSantis said while visiting the Manatee Critical Care Center located at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. “My administration will continue working to find new and innovative ways to support our native species, like the manatee, so that the generations to come can experience Florida’s natural resources.” 

The $30 million includes:

  • $20 million to expand the network of manatee acute care facilities, restore access to springs, provide habitat restoration in manatee concentrated areas, expand manatee rescue and recovery efforts, and implement pilot projects like the supplemental feeding trials that took place this past winter.
  • $5.3 million to expand Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manatee mortality and response efforts, including 12 new positions.
  • $4.7 million in base funding to support manatee acute care facilities and research, rescue, and conservation activities
  • $160,000 to support increased aerial surveys

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/05/02/governor-ron-desantis-announces-historic-30-million-in-funding-for-manatee-rescue-programs-and-habitat-restoration/

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Expanding the fight against red tide

Governor DeSantis announced that Florida will invest another $14 million to continue combating red tide, bringing the total Florida has invested since he took office in 2019 to $40 million to mitigate the impacts of red tide. 

This funding will support research through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Mote Marine Laboratory along with grants through the Department of Environmental Protection for red tide cleanup.

 “Since my first week in office, I have been focused on protecting Florida’s environment,” Governor DeSantis said. “Not only do red tide blooms affect our coastal waterways, but impacts of blooms can also negatively impact businesses and decrease tourism. We will continue to proactively work with local partners to ensure Florida is at the forefront of innovative technologies to mitigate against harmful blooms.” 

About $4.8 million will go to the Center for Red Tide Research at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, which was created at the request of Governor DeSantis in 2019 to improve statewide red tide monitoring and conduct research to better track, predict, and mitigate the effects of red tide on Florida communities. As a result, red tide sampling has increased by 68 percent and involves more than 60 partners across the state. Additionally, offshore sampling, where red tide originates, has doubled since 2019.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/05/04/governor-ron-desantis-announces-funding-to-continue-supporting-red-tide-research-and-innovative-mitigation-technologies/

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More data shows Florida leading the nation in business creation

Under Governor DeSantis’ strong leadership prioritizing freedom for individuals and businesses while providing tools for expanding workforce education, Florida has become the leader in small business creation and in training the employees needed to support that growth.

Florida leads the nation in business formations, increasing by 61% since 2019. In 2021, Florida saw 114,000 more new businesses than the second place state of California, despite that state having a population that is 40% larger than Florida’s. As of January 2022, the number of small businesses opening in Florida increased nearly 10 percent compared to pre-pandemic January 2020. 

And this week Governor DeSantis has announced that Florida accounts for nearly 30 percent of all Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) certifications nationwide. That surge has led the United States to pass China in the number of ESB examinations between January 2021 and March 2022 with 25,754 exams compared to China’s 16,199. More than 7,500 Florida students have earned the certification in just the past eight months.

This is creating a strong foundation for business and employment growth in Florida.

“Florida’s economy depends on entrepreneurship and successful small businesses, and we know that freedom is the best way to achieve economic success, contrary to the philosophy of the Chinese Communist Party,” Governor DeSantis said. “Florida is committed to being the best place to do business and it is by supporting manufacturing and business friendly policies that this country can continue to surpass China on all fronts. The rest of the nation should take note that this is how you place the U.S. back as a leader on the world stage.”

Supporting access to ESB certifications is a part of Florida’s goal to be the best state in the nation for workforce education by 2030. Governor DeSantis has supported entrepreneurship and small business education throughout his time in office, including keeping Florida open over the past two years. 

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/05/04/florida-propels-u-s-to-surpass-china-in-entrepreneurship-and-small-business-certifications/ 

IMPORTANT REMINDER: You have the ability to greatly expand the beliefs and ideas of the Republican Party of Florida by sharing out Facebook and Twitter posts. Please follow and retweet us on Twitter @FloridaGOP, and like and share us on Facebook at FloridaGOP. We can win over others only if we all pitch in to reach them with our message.

 

FLORIDA

$20 million for resilience from flooding

Governor DeSantis announced nearly $20 million for the Resilient Florida Program Planning Grants to support 98 projects to develop or update comprehensive vulnerability assessments in inland and coastal communities.  

Additionally, Governor DeSantis announced that the Department of Environmental Protection has opened the application portal for Resilient Florida Planning Grants for the coming fiscal year.  

“For the first time, Florida has strategic coordination guiding statewide efforts to protect coastal and inland infrastructure, and dedicated funding to support these projects,” Governor DeSantis said. “These grants will strengthen Florida’s infrastructure to withstand the impacts of flooding and storm surge. My administration will continue the momentum to support resilience in communities across the state.” 

Vulnerability assessments are required to identify infrastructure at risk of flooding from sea level rise, storm surge and rainfall events. The assessments assist local communities in developing strategies and projects to mitigate the effects of flooding.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/05/03/governor-ron-desantis-announces-award-of-nearly-20-million-for-98-projects-through-the-resilient-florida-grant-program/ 

See the list of projects here: https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/sites/default/files/documents/FY2021-22_RF_PlanningGrants.pdf

The application portal is here: https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/state-action/grants-submissions

 

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$22 million for broadband and other infrastructure

Governor DeSantis announced $22 million in funding to 15 Florida communities to support projects that include expanding broadband internet services, improving community centers and accessing small business grants.  

“We have been responsible, we have protected people’s freedoms, and we have kept the economy open in Florida,” Governor DeSantis. “Today we are proud to announce another $22 million for workforce development and infrastructure across Florida. Communities across the state are going to benefit from this funding and their growth will help us continue to succeed as a state.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/04/29/governor-ron-desantis-awards-more-than-22-million-for-broadband-infrastructure-and-workforce-development-in-florida-communities/

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More help on the way for tornado ravaged Southwest Florida

Governor DeSantis and the Florida Division of Emergency Management announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration granted Florida’s request for a Disaster Declaration, which makes disaster loans available to individuals and businesses impacted by the January 2022 Southwest Florida tornadoes.  

The Disaster Declaration provides additional relief in the form of low-interest loans in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. This announcement follows the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision to deny Florida’s appeal for Individual Assistance for disaster survivors. 

“In January, I assured Southwest Florida residents that the State of Florida would identify all available forms of assistance to help their recovery efforts following the tornadoes,” Governor DeSantis said. “It’s a shame that after months of waiting for an appeal decision, the Biden Administration decided to deny Individual Assistance again to these disaster survivors. However, despite the federal government’s lack of support, the State of Florida will not let impacted residents suffer because of White House politics.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/05/04/governor-desantis-announces-u-s-small-business-administration-disaster-loans-available-to-residents-impacted-by-southwest-florida-tornadoes/

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Video: Marco Rubio is right for Florida

Watch video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5RE6dGL-bQ

 

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AG Moody chosen to lead national fight against human trafficking

Attorney General Ashley Moody was chosen this week by the National Association of Attorneys Generals to lead the organization’s Human Trafficking Committee that focuses on anti-human trafficking policies and services for survivors.  

“Ending human trafficking in Florida is one of my top priorities, but we can’t achieve this lofty goal by working within our state borders alone,” Attorney General Moody said. “That’s not how traffickers operate, so we too must break down barriers and work together. The members of this prestigious committee will work in unison to share ideas and strategies for combating human trafficking and saving lives.”

The Human Trafficking Committee helps with education, investigation, outreach, prevention, prosecution and victim services protection while sharing information on emerging issues and practices in the fight against human trafficking. 

In January, Attorney General Moody launched the 100 Percent Club, which recognizes Florida businesses and organizations that commit to training their employees on how to spot and report suspected human trafficking.  

Further, the Attorney General is working with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to train truck drivers to spot and report human trafficking. Since its launch, more than 4,600 commercial truck drivers have received anti-human trafficking training and are now better equipped to help keep an eye on Florida’s 12,000 miles of highways. 

Read more: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/CBC0AEAB075F2AB18525883600541775

And more: https://thecapitolist.com/ag-ashley-moody-tapped-to-lead-national-human-trafficking-committee/

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LG Nuñez guest editorial in the Miami Herald:

“Florida has a special bond with Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East”

My faith has been an inextinguishable light in my life. There are moments where, yes, it flickers and dims, but there are moments where that light burns ever so brightly.

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East, alongside five other lieutenant governors from across the county. We exchanged ideas with Israeli industry leaders, met with government officials and military leaders, visited the Embassy in Jerusalem, the Iron Dome, all while exploring cultural and biblical sites that date back to over 3,000 years ago. Israel is a vibrant country where faith is palpable and warmth is exuded at every turn.

We arrived during the festival of Purim, yet another example of the tenacity of the Jewish people. I am reminded that Esther and Mordecai risked their lives to save those of their fellow Jews. We are all called to serve, undoubtedly in different capacities.

There is no room for nonchalance when it comes to Israel. “For such a time as this.” Pride is clearly in the Israeli’s DNA. They do not apologize for their zeal. They promote it. They do not reflect on their trials and lament; they perceive the triumph through their battles. They do not wallow in defeat; they learn and surge in victory.  

As I walked the halls of Yad Vashem seeing portraits of those innocent souls lost, I thought about our Holocaust survivors in Florida and I reflected on my own moral responsibility as a public servant. The phrase “never again” compels us to fight against hatred in all its forms and challenges us to confront today’s polarization so that we build stronger, safer and unified communities.

Read the rest here: https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article261023347.html

 

Florida is Launching a Focused Effort to Help Men Become Responsible Fathers

Florida is launching a focused effort to help men become the responsible fathers in their homes that their families need them to be. This often overlooked area is becoming a crisis in our country and state — and Florida leaders are acting.
Governor DeSantis has signed into law HB 7065, which includes educational programs, mentorship programs and one-on-one support to encourage responsible and involved fatherhood in Florida. The law includes nearly $70 million in funding to provide a wide spectrum of family and youth support through the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
“There are more than 18 million children in our country who live without a father in their home,” Governor DeSantis said. “This has a severe impact on children, and often leads to dropping out of school, crime and substance abuse. Incredibly, there are those who diminish the importance of fatherhood and the nuclear family. We will not let that happen in our state. I am proud to say we are doing everything we can to support involved fatherhood in Florida.”
“We cannot legislate fatherhood, accountability or character, but we can provide support for fathers to equip and encourage them to take an active role in the lives of their children,” said House Speaker Chris Sprowls, who brought attention to the fatherhood crisis during his 2019 designation speech.”
“This is going to be tremendous and such a good help to fathers in Florida,” said Coach Tony Dungy, Former Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “This bill is so important. I want to thank all of the men and women that have been behind this. It is going to allow groups like All Pro Dad and people like those here today to do great things for our fathers here in Florida.”
One of the law’s main provisions is supporting and creating mentorship programs at DJJ for at-risk youth. For many of these youth, their mentor may be the closest thing they have to a father. The law provides a wide spectrum of family support, including fatherhood classes, a statewide campaign on the importance of responsible fatherhood, helping non-profit organizations that use evidence-based parenting education to help fathers engage with their children, find employment, transition from incarceration and manage their obligations.

Florida provides major boost to foster families!

Florida provides major boost to foster families!

Surrounded by foster families and legislators, Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 7034, furthering Florida’s support for foster families. The new law raises monthly payments for caregivers, increases the monthly subsidy for child care and expands postsecondary education waivers for foster children. Prioritizing this need in 2019, Florida has since added more than 4,000 licensed foster parents across the state.
“My administration is committed to supporting our most vulnerable children and Florida has already added 4,000 more licensed foster parents than we had in 2019,” Governor DeSantis said. “Not only does this bill allow us to expand our support for foster parents, but it also creates more opportunities for foster children. Including our work on early literacy and fatherhood, Florida is a national leader in setting young children up for success.”
“There is no more important institution in our society than the family,” Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez said. “By signing this bill, we are placing our foster children on a path to excellence, in which they can achieve their God-given potential.”

RNC votes to withdraw from Commission on Presidential Debates

RNC votes to withdraw from Commission on Presidential Debates

RNC promises to work through ‘newer, better debate platforms’ for GOP nominees

The Republican National Committee unanimously voted to withdraw from the Commission on Presidential Debates.

The RNC clarified that it is not moving away from the presidential debate format, but is rather objecting to the CPD’s control over the process. The CPD has organized presidential and vice presidential debates for more than 30 years. RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel made the announcement in a statement Thursday.

“Debates are an important part of the democratic process, and the RNC is committed to free and fair debates,” McDaniel said in the statement. “The Commission on Presidential Debates is biased and has refused to enact simple and commonsense reforms to help ensure fair debates including hosting debates before voting begins and selecting moderators who have never worked for candidates on the debate stage.”

“Today, the RNC voted to withdraw from the biased CPD, and we are going to find newer, better debate platforms to ensure that future nominees are not forced to go through the biased CPD in order to make their case to the American people,” she added.

The RNC went on to list a number of complaints with how the CPD handled previous elections, such as not hosting the first debate in 2020 until 26 states had already begun early voting.

The RNC also complained that a majority of the CPD’s board members had publicly disparaged former President Donald Trump prior to the debates.

Former President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign made many of the same complaints during the 2020 election.

The CPD has yet to respond to the RNC vote, and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has confirmed to Fox News Digital that it will not be commenting on the move.

Gov. DeSantis signs bill banning abortions after 15 weeks

Gov. DeSantis signs bill banning abortions after 15 weeks

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed legislation that will ban abortions in the state after 15 weeks of pregnancy joining other as Republican-led states to restrict abortion access and protect the unborn.
Florida currently allows abortions up to 24 weeks. The new law, which passed the GOP-controlled legislature in March, includes exceptions for the life of the mother and “fatal fetal anomalies” but does not make exceptions for rape or incest. It would take effect in July.
“We are here today to defend those who can’t defend themselves,” said DeSantis, who is up for reelection this year and widely seen as a 2024 presidential hopeful. He added, “Of course, these are babies that have heartbeats and that can feel pain and can move.”
Democratic lawmakers in the state fought hard to stop the bill’s passage earlier this year, staging a series of protests at the Tallahassee capitol.