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Rep. Gallop Franklin Secures Key Committee Assignments for 2024-2026 Florida Legislature

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State Representative Gallop Franklin (D-Tallahassee) has been appointed to serve on five influential committees and subcommittees for the 2024-2026 term of the Florida Legislature. Chief among these appointments is his role as a member of the 26-member Florida House Commerce Committee, a key body that oversees significant aspects of the state’s economy and business environment. The announcement of committee assignments was made Tuesday by House Speaker Daniel Perez.

“The citizens of Gadsden and Leon counties have entrusted me with the sacred duty of representing their interests,” said Rep. Franklin. “It is my responsibility to advocate for their needs and work toward what’s best for all Floridians as I cast votes on their behalf in these committees and on the floor of the Florida House.”

The Florida House Commerce Committee is one of the most powerful committees in the legislature, considering matters related to Florida’s economy, business and professional regulation, housing, transportation infrastructure, energy, utilities, telecommunications, insurance, financial entities, and gaming. Rep. Franklin’s role on this committee will enable him to directly influence legislative decisions impacting businesses, industries, and communities across Florida.

In addition to the Florida House Commerce Committee, Rep. Franklin will also serve on the following subcommittees:

  1. Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee
    This subcommittee addresses matters related to transportation infrastructure, energy, utilities, telecommunications services, broadband services, telephone solicitation, and emerging marketplaces. Rep. Franklin’s involvement in this subcommittee positions him to influence the development of critical infrastructure projects that will impact both his district and the entire state.
  2. Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee
    Focused on access and affordability of health care, this subcommittee considers consumer price transparency, health facility regulation, and operations for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance programs for low-income Floridians. It also addresses commercial health insurance coverage and the state employee health plan. Rep. Franklin’s role here allows him to advocate for better health care solutions for his constituents in Gadsden and Leon counties.
  3. Higher Education Budget Subcommittee
    This subcommittee examines legislation with a fiscal impact on workforce education, the Florida College System, state universities, private colleges and universities, and student financial aid. It also oversees the Division of Blind Services, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Board of Governors. With education being a top priority, Rep. Franklin’s participation in this subcommittee is vital for advancing educational opportunities for students in his district and statewide.
  4. Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee
    This subcommittee handles issues related to housing, agriculture, tourism, economic development, defense development, sports, international trade, rural programs, unemployment compensation, growth management, homeowners’ associations, condominiums, and mobile homes. Given Florida’s reliance on agriculture and tourism as economic drivers, Rep. Franklin’s role in this subcommittee ensures that his district’s interests are represented as major decisions affecting these sectors are made.

The Florida House of Representatives will begin committee meetings in January 2025 to hear presentations and consider proposed legislation. These discussions are part of the lead-up to the 2025 Regular Session of the Florida Legislature, which officially begins on March 4, 2025, and is scheduled to adjourn on May 2, 2025. Key decisions on bills that affect Florida’s economy, education, health care, and infrastructure will be made during this period.

The scheduled 2025 Florida House committee weeks leading up to the Regular Session are as follows:

  • January 13th through 17th
  • January 21st through 24th
  • February 3rd through 7th
  • February 10th through 14th
  • February 17th through 21st

Rep. Franklin’s appointments to these pivotal committees and subcommittees place him in a prime position to advocate for Gadsden and Leon counties while shaping policy that affects all Floridians. His leadership roles will allow him to influence crucial legislative areas, from health care reform and education funding to business development and infrastructure growth.

______________________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Florida

Sen. Kristen Arrington and Rep. Dan Daley Push New $10,000 Tax Relief for Florida’s Disabled Veterans

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CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State Senator Kristen Arrington (D-Kissimmee) and Representative Dan Daley (D-Coral Springs) have introduced a bipartisan effort to provide enhanced financial relief to disabled veterans and their families. The proposed bills, SB 218 and HB 39, aim to amend Florida law to increase the property tax exemption for disabled ex-servicemembers from $5,000 to $10,000, offering meaningful economic support.

The legislation, titled “Tax Exemption for Disabled Ex-servicemembers,” will take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed, and will enable disabled veterans to significantly reduce their property tax burdens.

Who Qualifies for the Tax Exemption?

To be eligible, an ex-servicemember must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a Florida resident.
  • Have been discharged under honorable conditions.
  • Possess a disability rating of 10 percent or more, resulting from either wartime service or misfortune.

Eligible veterans must present proof of their disability by providing a certificate from either the United States Government or the Department of Veterans Affairs to their county property appraiser. Additionally, the bill preserves the current provision that extends the tax exemption to the unremarried surviving spouse of a disabled ex-servicemember.

Key Benefits and Impact

The bill would exempt $10,000 of a property’s assessed value from taxation, providing substantial financial relief for Florida’s disabled veterans. This increased exemption will ease the financial strain on these veterans and their families, particularly in the face of rising living costs.

  • Senator Kristen Arrington emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans’ sacrifices, stating:

    “Our servicemembers risk their lives to defend our country, and this expanded tax exemption offers much-needed financial relief to veterans and their surviving spouses, easing their burden and honoring their sacrifice.”

  • Representative Dan Daley highlighted the significance of this initiative, adding:

    “This legislation is about showing our gratitude to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. By doubling the property tax exemption for disabled ex-servicemembers, we are taking a meaningful step to ease their financial burden and honor their dedication. It’s our responsibility to ensure these heroes and their families receive the support they’ve earned.”

Broader Implications

This measure is expected to impact thousands of veterans and their families across Florida, reinforcing the state’s commitment to supporting those who served. It also serves as an important step in addressing financial equity for veterans with disabilities.

 

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Florida

SBA Opens Additional Business Recovery Centers in Florida: Disaster Loans Available for Hurricane Relief

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ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will open Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) in Charlotte, Seminole and Volusia counties on Friday, Jan. 10 and Monday, Jan. 13 respectively, to assist small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations who sustained economic losses from Hurricane Helene and Milton.

“SBA’s BRCs are a cornerstone of our support for business owners,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At the BRCs, business owners can meet face-to-face with specialists to apply for disaster loans and access a wide range of resources to guide them through their recovery.”

Customer Service Representatives at the BRCs will assist business owners complete their disaster loan application, accept documents for existing applications, and provide updates on an application’s status. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment at an SBA Disaster Recovery Center in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The centers will operate as indicated below.

Business Recovery Center (BRC) Charlotte County

Port Charlotte Town Center Mall 1441 Tamiami Trail

Unit 185

Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Opening: Friday, Jan. 10, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Business Recovery Center (BRC) Seminole County

Sanford Information Center 230 E 1st St

Sanford, FL 32771

Opening: Monday, Jan. 13, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Business Recovery Center (BRC) Volusia County

Deltona Regional Library 2150 Eustace Ave.

Deltona, FL 32725

Opening: Monday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs offer working capital assistance for businesses impacted by the disaster, even if they did not sustain physical damage. Loan funds may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that would have been met if not for the disaster.

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

SBA’s Disaster Loan Program funding was replenished via the American Relief Act, 2025, which was signed into law on Dec. 21, 2024. The SBA acted immediately and, within six hours of the Act being signed into law, issued more than 21,000 outstanding commitment letters (loan offers). The SBA will continue to issue new loan offers and ensure survivors quickly understand their loan options.

With the changes to FEMA’s Sequence of Delivery, survivors are now encouraged to simultaneously apply for FEMA grants and SBA low-interest disaster loan assistance to fully recover. FEMA grants are intended to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. The SBA disaster loan program is designed for your long-term recovery, to make you whole and get you back to your pre-disaster condition.

Do not wait on the decision for a FEMA grant; apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster.

Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return economic injury loan applications is June 30, 2025.

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Florida

Florida Civil Rights Association President statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter

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The Florida Civil Rights Association joins the nation and the world in mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter, a visionary leader and tireless advocate for humanity.

President Carter championed civil liberties and human rights throughout his life. He courageously advocated for racial equality during a time of deep division in America, set global precedents for advancing democracy, and worked tirelessly to address affordable housing for families through his partnership with Habitat for Humanity. His profound belief in the dignity of every human being continues to inspire movements for equality and justice worldwide.

Florida Civil Rights Association President J. Willie David, III:

“President Jimmy Carter was not just a former president; he was a global icon for justice and compassion. His unwavering commitment to human rights and equality stood as a beacon of hope for generations. President Carter’s legacy of fighting for civil rights, eradicating poverty, and championing affordable housing aligns perfectly with the core values of the Florida Civil Rights Association.

He reminded us that ‘the bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices.’ His tireless dedication to creating a better world, even in his post-presidency, is a testament to the power of selfless service.

We join the nation and the world in mourning his loss while celebrating the monumental impact of his life. President Carter’s legacy challenges us to continue the work he began—to lift others, to advocate for justice, and to remain relentless in the pursuit of a more equitable society. He will forever remain an inspiration to us all.”

Rest in peace, President Jimmy Carter. Your legacy of service and justice will guide generations to come.

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