On Thursday June 19, 2025, the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce hosted a dynamic luncheon at the Lake Wales Arts Center, sponsored by Duke Energy and Low Payment Kings. The event brought together community leaders, business owners, and residents to hear from Congressman Scott Franklin, who represents Florida’s 18th Congressional District. The gathering underscored the vital role of the arts in driving economic growth and fostering community vitality, while also offering insights into federal governance and local priorities.

A Warm Welcome for Congressman Scott Franklin

Tommy Frank, of the Lake Wales Arts Council, opened the event with a powerful address on the economic significance of the arts. He noted that in Florida, arts and culture contribute over $50 billion annually to the economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, from performers to technicians. In Lake Wales, concerts, exhibitions, and festivals draw visitors from across the region, boosting small businesses and energizing the downtown area. Frank emphasized, “When we invest in the arts, we invest in a vibrant, connected, and prosperous community,” urging continued support for the arts as a necessity, not a luxury.

Following this, Congressman Scott Franklin was introduced by Skip Alford of the Lake Wales Chamber as a distinguished public servant with a 26-year career as a naval aviator, including missions in the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, and Kosovo, and post-9/11 service with U.S. Central Command. A 1986 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Franklin holds an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and completed executive training at the Air Command and Staff College and The Wharton School. Before Congress, he served as a Lakeland City Commissioner and led Lanier Upshaw, an insurance and risk management firm, as president and CEO. In Congress, Franklin serves on the House Appropriations Committee, focusing on military construction, Veterans Affairs, agriculture, and energy and water, and chairs the Environment Subcommittee on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. In 2023, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors.

Franklin’s Remarks: From Washington to Lake Wales

In his speech, Congressman Franklin expressed his admiration for the Lake Wales Arts Center, noting its beauty and the community’s efforts to preserve it. He provided an overview of his work in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the challenges of federal budgeting. Franklin explained the ideal budget process, where Congress passes a budget by September for the fiscal year starting October 1. However, he candidly noted that Congress hasn’t passed a budget on time since the 1990s, often relying on continuing resolutions or facing government shutdowns, which he argued are costly and disruptive, especially for military personnel and government employees.

Franklin highlighted his role on the House Appropriations Committee, where he helps shape spending for agriculture, a critical sector for Florida’s 18th District. Spanning eight counties, including Polk, Hardee, and DeSoto, the district is the largest agricultural region east of the Mississippi, producing 75% of Florida’s citrus, most of its cattle, dairy, sugar cane, and all phosphate mining. As Vice Chair of the Agriculture Subcommittee, Franklin advocates for policies supporting these industries.

He also discussed the “one big beautiful bill,” or House Resolution 1, a reconciliation package aimed at extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Franklin stressed that letting these tax cuts expire would raise taxes for all Americans, impacting individuals and businesses, including Subchapter S corporations, sole proprietors, and LLCs, through reduced tax credits and depreciation benefits. He addressed concerns about Social Security and Medicare, clarifying, “There are absolutely no cuts to Social Security and Medicare in this bill, no matter what you hear in the press.” He also emphasized the importance of maintaining a social safety net through Medicaid but proposed reforms to address inefficiencies. Franklin explained that Medicaid has expanded to include 7.5 million able-bodied adults without dependents, aged 18 to 64, who are capable of working but are not employed, seeking work, volunteering, or in training programs. He noted that these individuals receive higher reimbursement rates than single mothers, people with disabilities, or those caring for dependents, straining the program. Franklin advocated for policies that protect Medicaid for those in genuine need while encouraging work or community engagement among able-bodied recipients.

On veterans’ issues, Franklin underscored bipartisan support for the Veterans Administration, stating, “The bill we just passed last week on House Appropriations increases spending for veterans for the coming year. We’ve continued to increase it while I’ve been there, and there have been no cuts whatsoever to veterans’ care.” He emphasized the nation’s commitment to veterans, focusing on eliminating waste within the VA to enhance efficiency without compromising services.

Franklin also discussed the looming debt ceiling deadline in August, warning that defaulting on the national debt—currently at $37 trillion—would destabilize financial markets and affect pensions and investments. He advocated for fiscal responsibility, drawing parallels to business and household budgeting, and expressed concern about the growing national debt burdening future generations.

On international issues, Franklin shared his perspective as a former naval aviator, advocating for “peace through strength” and a strong military to deter threats. He highlighted Iran’s role as a destabilizing force in the Middle East, supporting groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and its pursuit of nuclear arms capabilities. While supporting Israel’s efforts to counter these threats, he expressed hope for de-escalation to avoid a broader conflict. Franklin also acknowledged the complexity of ongoing conflicts, such as Ukraine, and the challenges of fulfilling campaign promises to resolve them quickly.

Local Impact and Civic Engagement

Franklin praised the Lake Wales community for its role in fostering growth while preserving its unique character. He encouraged local civic engagement, noting that community involvement yields more immediate results than federal work. He invited attendees to reach out to his district office, led by District Director Alice Hunt, for appointments or to join his monthly telephone town halls, which connect with thousands across the district.

The luncheon concluded with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with Franklin on issues affecting Lake Wales and beyond. The event highlighted the intersection of arts, economic development, and federal leadership, reinforcing Lake Wales’ commitment to a vibrant future.

For more information on Congressman Franklin’s work or to get involved, visit his office’s website or follow his Facebook page for updates on telephone town halls. The Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce continues to champion initiatives that strengthen the community, with the arts at the heart of its economic and cultural vision.