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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.

HURRICANE DISASTER RECOVERY

During this difficult time, we pray for those severely impacted by multiple recent hurricanes. With dozens of deaths and thousands of homes and businesses without power, and severe flooding and wind damage, urgent disaster relief is needed to help rebuild our communities. I joined my colleagues to urge the Biden Administration to immediately approve an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration to unlock critical federal resources, including access to FEMA’s individual assistance, public assistance and hazard mitigation assistance programs. Click here to learn more.

I am thankful for our first responders, emergency management staff, utility workers, community volunteers and others for stepping up during disasters. Our unity and resiliency will ensure Florida emerges even stronger. My team and I are here to help. We are coordinating with local, state and federal leaders to ensure we have needed resources to recover from Helene and Milton.

Click here to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. If you have a small businesses affected by these storms, click here to apply for an SBA disaster loan. If my office can help, or you need assistance with a federal agency, contact us by clicking here or calling (863) 644-8215.

IRS TAX FILING DELAYED FOR HURRICANE-IMPACTED RESIDENTS

Attention Florida residents filing late taxes, they are due today. However, the IRS issued new guidance for taxpayers in impacted areas, which includes every county in FL-18, our congressional district. This guidance applies to all businesses and individuals in counties designated by FEMA (full list linked here).

Extension of certain tax filing deadlines: IRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.
o   Click here for the full list of extensions and respective dates
o   Click here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance

Tax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses: IRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments – like government assistance payments – are generally excluded from gross income.
o   Click here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header “Additional tax relief”)
o   Click here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses
o   Click here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments

Waiver of fuel excise tax: In response to fuel disruptions resulting from the hurricane, IRS has waived the federal excise tax on dyed diesel within the impacted areas. This relief is retroactive to Oct. 9, 2024, and will remain in effect through Oct. 30, 2024.
o   Click here for more information

If you are having trouble with an IRS issue, our office can help. Please call (863) 644-8215 for assistance.

LEGISLATIVE LANDING: RECAPPING IMPORTANT INITIATIVES FROM THE 118th CONGRESS

Last week, we covered the Equal Representation Act, an effort to ensure fair congressional district apportionment. This week, learn more about steps I've taken to help smaller governments across the country access federal funding for critical community projects.

IMPROVING GRANT ACCESS FOR SMALLER COMMUNITIES

Residents living in rural areas pay their share of federal taxes. Yet, they are less likely to see their fair share of those dollars reinvested into their own communities. That money often flows to larger municipalities with budgets to hire staff to complete stronger grant applications for federal awards. These governments also have experts to help navigate a complex federal grant process. Smaller governments tend to compete at a disadvantage.

That’s why I introduced H.R. 914, a bill that would require agencies to clarify and simplify the grant process for all current and future grant programs. This will help smaller local governments across the country compete and be successful obtaining federal dollars. It was introduced in February 2023 and awaits committee action. Click here to learn more.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!
What amendment gave voters the right to choose their senators?

A. Twentieth
B. Thirteenth
C. Eighteenth
D. Seventeenth

Last Week's Question
Where does Congress perform the majority of its work?

A. Floor votes
B. Committees - Correct answer
C. Sessions
D. Chambers

It's an honor and privilege to represent you in Congress. Please take a moment to fill out my latest constituent survey here. Your feedback helps me better represent you. 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,

C. Scott Franklin
Member of Congress

Franklin In the News

Florida Delegation Update - Florida Politics

Key Social Media Posts

@Congressman Scott Franklin Enjoyed meeting with Emergency Management personnel at the Hardee County Emergency Operations Center to discuss storm relief efforts. I also visited Florida National Guard members running a POD site in Zolfo Springs and surveyed the rising water levels in the Peace River. Thank you to everyone working tirelessly to support our community during this challenging time.

@Congressman Scott Franklin Yesterday, I met with Emergency Management personnel at the Highlands County Emergency Operations Center to discuss relief efforts following tornadoes and flooding from Hurricane Milton. I also had the opportunity to visit with members of the Florida National Guard running Point of Distribution (POD) sites across the county. They were delivering MRE’s, tarps, water, and bags of ice to those impacted by the storm. Grateful for their tireless efforts in helping our communities recover.

@Congressman Scott Franklin This afternoon, I attended a post-storm recovery briefing at the Polk County Emergency Operations Center with local, state, and federal officials. I’m grateful for the collaboration between all the agencies working together to support recovery efforts. Polk County is in good hands as we move forward in rebuilding and restoring our community.

@Congressman Scott Franklin Today, State Representative Jennifer Canady and I joined the Polk County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit to survey the flood damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Grateful for their dedication and hard work in keeping our community safe as we begin recovery efforts. Together, we’ll get Polk County back on its feet.

@RepFranklin G'mar chatimah tovah!
Have a blessed Yom Kippur and a meaningful fast.

@RepFranklin The VA has launched a new disaster relief resource webpage for Veterans and their caregivers to access resources in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and in preparation for Hurricane Milton.