The Ready Room – Representative Scott Franklin
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The Ready Room – Congressman Scott Franklin
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.
Protecting American Taxpayers
Republicans wasted no time with our new House majority last week, passing several key pieces of legislation. Our first priority was the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, which blocks the Biden administration from hiring 87,000 new IRS agents and weaponizing them against small and family businesses. This was the first step toward fulfilling our promise to stop the Biden administration’s attack on hardworking Americans.
Protecting Pregnancy Centers from Attacks
Last year, our community was attacked by a group of unknown vandals who defaced the LifeChoice Pregnancy Center in Winter Haven. Sadly, this was just one of many similar terrorist attacks that occurred against pro-life organizations across the country after the Dobbs v. Jackson decision was irresponsibly leaked. I was proud to support H. Con. Res. 3, which condemns these attacks and the Born Alive Survivors Protection Act, which makes it a federal crime to fail to provide standard medical care to children born alive during an abortion. These important bills send a strong message that this hateful vandalism must be stopped and babies that survive an abortion attempt matter and will be cared for.
Serving on the Appropriations Committee
Last week, I was honored to be selected as one of the newest members of the House Committee on Appropriations. This very powerful committee is responsible for drafting the twelve appropriations bills that determine how discretionary federal tax dollars are spent by the various departments of our government. These bills essentially include all federal spending EXCEPT Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and interest on the national debt. It has been many years since the House and Senate have passed all twelve appropriations bills through the process known as “regular order.” Instead, Congress has funded the government through staggeringly expensive “Omnibus” spending bills that have exploded our national debt to over $31Trillion and grown the federal government to an unnecessary and unsustainable size. Restoring regular order and fiscal responsibility to our legislative process is one of my top priorities as your representative. I take this responsibility very seriously and will work tirelessly to ensure Floridians’ hard earned tax dollars are spend efficiently and judiciously.
Constituent Corner
Sharon from Lakeland called our office for help after the Defense Finance Accounting Service claimed she owed more than $65,000 due to overpayment of benefits. Our office assisted her and the entire debt was canceled. If you are having problems with the VA, Social Security or other federal agency we can help! Click here to learn more.
Hurricane Ian and Nicole Disaster Relief now Available
Those impacted by Hurricane Ian and/or Nicole can apply for federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Individuals and businesses impacted by both storms MUST apply for aid separately for each storm. Click here to learn more about available resources. Visit my website to learn how we can assist.
Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!
Spanish explorer Ponce de León landed in Florida in what year?
A. 1513
B. 1492
C. 1617
D. 1502
Last Week’s Question
Which of the following is NOT a duty of the Speaker of the House?
A. House presiding officer
B. Party leader
C. House clerk – CORRECT ANSWER
D. House administrative head
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
My purpose in running for Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) Chair of the State Committeemen/State Committeewomen (SCM/SCW) Caucus is NOT about ME!
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Dr. Shoemaker announces candidacy for the RPOF State Committeemen and Committeewomen Caucus Chair
Dr. Shoemaker announces candidacy for the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) State Committeemen (SCM) and State Committeewomen (SCW) Caucus Chair
Lakeland—1/3/2023 — Dr. Ed Shoemaker announces candidacy for the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) State Committeemen (SCM) and State Committeewomen (SCW) Caucus Chair.
Presently, Dr. Shoemaker serves as RPOF State Committeeman representing Polk County, Chair of the RPOF Congressional District 15 Caucus, President of the Faith Based Republican Club of West Polk, and member of the RPOF Faith Engagement Committee.
For the past 30 plus years, Shoemaker has experienced firsthand the devastating impact of progressive, liberal policies as an adoptive parent, community, mental health and education advocate.
Focus
As Chairman of the RPOF State Committeemen and State Committeewomen Caucus, Shoemaker will follow through on his commitment as State Committeeman to identify and implement proven strategies to elect True Conservative Republicans to public office statewide. Shoemaker will initiate his Chairmanship by focusing on Education and Accountability by focusing on holding RPOF Chartered Clubs and elected officers’ accountability to the “RPOF Loyalty Oath” by advocating for an amendment to the RPOF Party Rules of Procedure (Republican State Executive Committee) under Rule 1-Chartering Process for Republican Clubs to add the requirement of RPOF Charter Club members and their elected officers to sign and abide by the RPOF Loyalty Oath, define blatant violations and process for removal or revocation of a RPOF Charter Club member elected officer or an RPOF’s charter status. Another strategy we need to focus on is effective communication without compromising our values and Republican platform within our Party and with collaborative stakeholders.
Shoemaker emphasizes that “All Republicans need to be on the same page to reverse the devastating impact of the progressive, liberal policies by uniting and standing firm to protect the U.S. Constitution and our God-given inalienable rights.”
Professional Experience
Dr. Ed Shoemaker, PhD (Psychology), LMHC, QS, TF-CBT is a National Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Adoption Competency Trained Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 30 years of professional experience working with “at-risk”
children and families. Dr. Shoemaker is Founder, President and CEO OF Mr. Ed’s Circle of Inc. established in 2006 for the purpose of adoption advocacy, awareness, and therapeutic support services: creating family-based, strengths-based treatment programs and therapeutic support services to adoptive parents as an alternative to group home or institutional care for children and youth, promoting healthy relationships working in collaboration with adoption agencies, church leaders, ministry partners and the community. In addition, Mr. Ed’s Circle of Trust Inc. provides therapeutic support services to students and adults with disabilities and for the purpose of family preservation and reunification. Over the past 30 years, many “at-risk” children and families have improved their lives through the therapeutic support and services provided by Dr. Ed hoemaker; “Improving the Lives of Others through Meaningful Relationships.”
Community Focused
Dr. Shoemaker is also active in the community; presently serving as Chair of the Medulla Elementary School Advisory Committee Lakeland, Florida), Chair of the Polk County Housing Authority, President of the Rotary Club of Lakeland Sunrise, and member of the Personnel Committee of Medulla Baptist Church.
Accomplishments
Political
· 2022 Defend Freedom Event, Polk County
· 2022 Lead, Polk County School Board elections, Polk REC
· 2020 Co-Ordinator, God and Country Rally, Faith Based Republican Club of West Polk
· 2020 Elected Delegate (CD15) to RNC Convention
· 2018 US House Congressional District 15 Candidate
· 2016 Polk County School Board Candidate
· 2017-2020 Alternate Chair, RPOF Congressional District 15 Caucus,
Community
· 2012-present, member Medulla Elementary School Advisory Committee
· 2020 Consultant, Children’s book titled “Freddy the Foster Frog Finds a Friendly Family”
· 2019-2021 Advisory Board, Community Partnership Schools, UCF
· 2017-2021 Advisory Board, Children’s Homes Society of Greater Lakeland
· 2017-2018 Board of Directors, Learning Resource Center of Polk
· 2017-2018 Co-Chair, Community Partnership School Model Initiative, Polk Vision
· 2016-2018 Lead Advocate, Community Partnership School Model, Polk County
· 2014-2016, Chair, Polk County District Advisory Council Executive Board
· 2011 Nominee, Irene Sullivan Adoption Advocacy Award (Pinellas County)
Education
· 2021 Inducted, National Society of Leadership and Success, Northcentral University
· 2018 Nominated, Alumni of the Year, Northcentral University
· 2016 Doctorate degree (Psychology), Northcentral University2001
· Master of Art’s degree (Biblical Counseling), Trinity Bible College & Seminary
· 1994 Bachelor of Art’s degree (Psychology), The Union Institute
Dr. Ed Shoemaker
RPOF State Committeeman, Polk County
RNC ELECTION INTEGRITY UPDATE
Republican National Committee
RNC ELECTION INTEGRITY UPDATE
Shared by:
Peter Feaman, National Committeeman
RNC ELECTION INTEGRITY UPDATE
THIS IS GREAT NEWS ON THE EVE OF THE ELECTION!
Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court has ordered state election officials not to count mail-in and absentee ballots arriving in envelopes that are undated or incorrectly dated.
The Tuesday ruling came down a week ahead of the Nov. 8 midterm elections and is a victory for the RNC, among others, who filed a lawsuit in late October to force Pennsylvania to reject undated mail-in ballots.
Multiple GOP bodies filed the lawsuit including the Republican National Committee, the Pennsylvania Republican Party and the National Republican Congressional Committee.
The order from the court directs election boards to “refrain from counting” any undated by-mail ballots and directs officials to “segregate and preserve” them instead.
Acting Pennsylvania Secretary of State Leigh Chapman, an appointee of Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and a respondent in the case, argued that voters could be too easily disenfranchised for writing incorrect dates or no dates at all on the ballots.
The GOP lawsuit argued that mail ballots without a valid date should not be counted because state law requires a voter to provide a date. The lawsuit asked the court to, at a minimum, order counties to segregate undated or incorrectly dated ballots.
Republicans also accused Ms. Chapman of not following a U.S. Supreme Court decision and the Pennsylvania General Assembly by ordering county election boards to tally undated mail-in ballots.
Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel called the ruling “a massive victory for Pennsylvania voters and the rule of law.”
“Following an RNC, NRCC, and PAGOP lawsuit, Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court has made clear that incorrectly dated and undated mail ballots can not be counted. Republicans went to court, and now Democrats and all counties have to follow the law,” she said.
The RNC is presently involved in 75 lawsuits related to election integrity in 20 states this cycle. The GOP has found success recently in two cases.
In Michigan, Republicans won a lawsuit against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for restricting the rights of poll challengers, while in North Carolina the GOP won a case against the State Board of Elections for restricting the rights of poll watchers.
Stay tuned.
Peter Feaman, RPOF National Committeeman
Republican National Committee RNC NATIONAL ELECTION INTEGRITY UPDATE
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Voting in SW Florida post Hurricane Ian
Voting in SW Florida post Hurricane Ian
Many of you have asked about what impact Hurricane Ian will have on our elections. Since there is such interest I wanted to share that today, the Governor announced an executive order that makes adjustments for impacted counties by Hurricane. Keep in mind these are similar to the measures implemented in 2018 and while total votes were down in those impacted counties, we increased our Republican margins in Bay and Okaloosa counties. Please find below a release on the Governor’s actions: Two weeks ago, Hurricane Ian made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm on Florida’s southwestern coast, destroying many homes and businesses and dislocating tens of thousands of Floridians. At the request of the Supervisors of Elections in Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota counties, and at the recommendation of Secretary of State Cord Byrd, the Governor signed Executive Order 22-234, which will help ensure adequate access to Florida’s 2022 General Election ballot for the voters of Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota counties. The Governor’s Executive Order includes provisions authorizing the Supervisors of Elections in Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota counties to:
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Extend the number of days for early voting and designate additional early voting locations. The early voting period may begin as early as Monday, October 24, 2022, and can extend through Election Day, November 8, 2022.
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Allow voters in Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota counties to request by phone that their vote-by-mail (VBM) ballot be mailed to an address other than their address of record. Voters must still provide an appropriate form of identification in the same manner as absent uniform service and overseas voters.
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Designate and provide notice of the locations for secure ballot intake stations and relocate and consolidate polling locations as necessary.
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Increase the pool of eligible poll workers who may serve within Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota counties by making eligible any poll workers previously trained for the 2020 election cycle and thereafter and by encouraging state employees to serve as poll workers in these counties.
Governor DeSantis also directed all state agencies to render aid and assistance as needed by the Supervisors of Elections in Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota counties. Secretary Byrd and the Department of State assessed the need for these provisions based on extensive outreach to Florida’s Supervisors of Elections:
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Secretary Byrd and the Division of Elections leadership conducted continuous outreach and assessed the needs and readiness of counties in or around Hurricane Ian’s path, including: Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Dixie, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Taylor, and Volusia counties. Secretary Byrd also personally visited the hardest hit areas, including Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Lee, Hardee, and Sarasota counties to meet with their Supervisors of Elections in-person.
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Furthermore, Secretary Byrd participated in discussions with the Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE). The FSE is a nonprofit association representing the Supervisors of Elections from all of Florida’s 67 counties.
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Lastly, since Hurricane Ian made landfall, numerous Supervisors of Elections have publicly addressed their readiness, and thankfully most have very publicly stated that Ian’s impacts will not interfere with their duties. This is a testament to the resiliency of Florida’s elections system.
Based on the collective feedback of the Supervisors of Elections across the state and at the written requests of the Supervisors of Elections in Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota counties, Secretary Byrd recommended that the Governor take the actions outlined in Executive Order 22-234. “In the wake of Hurricane Ian, the Florida Department of State has worked with Florida’s Supervisors of Elections and Governor DeSantis to ensure that the 2022 General Election is administered as efficiently and securely as possible across the state and in the counties that received the heaviest damage,” said Secretary Byrd. “Florida will continue to lead the way in elections administration in 2022, and I am grateful for and confident that our local elections officials will have all of the resources and support they need to run another successful election.”
BREAKING: DeSantis Announces 20 Arrests for Voter Fraud
BREAKING: DeSantis Announces 20 Arrests for Voter Fraud
Republican Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has announced the arrest of 20 individuals who have been charged with voter fraud.
“These folks voted illegally,” DeSantis explained. “They are disqualified from voting because they have been convicted of either murder or sexual assault.”
“The majority of these people illegally voted in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami Dade although there are others in other parts of the state,” Governor DeSantis said.
“I don’t think there’s any place in the country where you should have more confidence that your vote counts than in the State of Florida,” DeSantis said.
In April, DeSantis signed a landmark election integrity legislation and created an Office of Election Crimes and Security under Florida’s State Department.
This new office reviews and investigates allegations of voter fraud.
“You can have all these great policy reforms and it’s important to do it, but if it’s not actually enforced, then what difference is it gonna make at the end of the day?” DeSantis asked.
“The fact of the matter is, if there are certain rules and regulations in place, if people don’t think that those are gonna be enforced, you’re gonna have more violations. That’s just the way it goes,” he said.
“We want to make sure we have laws in place and we want those laws to be enforced,” DeSantis continued. “The state of Florida has charged and is in the process of arresting 20 individuals across the state for voter fraud.”
“Although there are others in other parts of the state, these folks voted illegally. In this case, and there’s gonna be other grounds for other prosecutions in the future, they are disqualified from voting because they’ve been convicted of either murder or sexual assault and they do not have the right to vote. They have been disenfranchised under Florida law,” he said.
“Now they’re gonna pay the price for it. So they will be charged. They are being charged and arrested today with election fraud. This is a third degree felony in the state of Florida,” he said.
“To have somebody who is clearly an illegal felon voting and yet they did it and nothing happened until we stepped in with this new office, until we said this is something that we take seriously, now, this is only one class of voters that we know have violated the law,” he said, adding that there are ongoing investigations “into people that have voted in two different jurisdictions.” DeSantis added.
Analyzing America –