September 12, 2018
Dear Friend,
It is exciting to see America's economy grow at a pace that we have not seen in years. More companies, emboldened by tax reform and fewer regulations, are expanding and creating jobs in Mississippi and across the nation. In fact, there are more job openings than people to fill them. The latest figures show 6.7 million job openings. In August, 201,000 jobs were created. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of people applying for unemployment benefits is the lowest it has been since 1969.
Additionally, employers are offering higher wages and enhanced benefits to their employees. I look forward to more of the same as they compete with other companies to attract more team members to meet the rapidly increasing consumer demand for goods and services. We will continue our work to deliver pro-growth policies that will fuel the economy and achieve our goal of enhancing the quality of life for all Americans.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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Empowering Students through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act
When a person chooses to pursue a higher education, that effort often begins with the need for federal financial aid. Navigating this system should be done with the help of experienced professionals. Many students do not receive meaningful assistance and find themselves in debt when they complete their education. The numbers are staggering. Americans are carrying more than $1.4 trillion in student debt, a burden experienced by families and taxpayers nationwide. The House passed, with my support, H.R. 1635, the Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act. This legislation will make sure enhanced counseling is promoted to all recipients of federal financial aid. Below are the main components of this important legislation.
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committee action
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As Hurricane Florence approaches the eastern seaboard, our thoughts are with all those who may be impacted. How our nation responds to those who may need help will be critical to helping with recovery efforts. The 2017 Hurricane Season put agencies to the test, including the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA's Disaster Loan Program is where many homeowners and small business operators turned to for fixed-term and low-interest direct loans to get back on their feet. Last week, The House Small Business Committee held a hearing titled, "Surveying Storms: A Deeper Dive into SBA's Disaster Response" to review the SBA's response to the 2017 hurricanes and to discuss ways to enhance response efforts moving forward. SBA Office of Disaster Assistance Associate Administrator James Rivera offered testimony and answered our questions. To watch an excerpt from the hearing, please click on the link.
Sephora adds jobs in olive branch
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Congratulations to Prestige Beauty Retailer Sephora! Recently, the company opened a new distribution operations facility in Olive Branch. Sephora's investment creates a total of 400 jobs.
It is exciting to see the company partner with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitative Services, Ability Works, and Viability, whose physically challenged clients will staff up to 30 percent of the open positions. "The investment we are making here is indicative of the economic climate in the state, the great people of DeSoto County, and the confidence we have in the future of our business," Sephora of Americas COO Satish Malhotra said. "We are proud to be a new member of the community and look forward to redefining innovation in the retail industry."
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national retail federation
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As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I strive to advocate for policies that help businesses, large and small, achieve their goals without the federal government getting in the way. I am humbled to be recognized for my work on their behalf and to be named a 2018 Hero of Main Street by the National Retail Federation.
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academy day 2018 - save the date
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Academy Day 2018 is coming soon. It is an honor to host this event for north Mississippi young people who are interested in serving our nation as an officer in the United States Armed Forces. Service Academy and ROTC representatives will be on hand to answer questions about attending one of America's prestigious military academies and their admissions process. For more information, please contact our military academy liaison at (662) 687-1540 or send an email to Robert.Smith@mail.house.gov
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a week in pictures
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For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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Crop Insurance Professionals Association
representatives William Cole of Batesville, MS,
Marva Ulleland of Spokane, WA,
and Matt Railey of Winter Haven, FL |
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Under Secretary of the Army, Honorable
Ryan McCarthy and Commanding General
of Army Futures Command, General Mike Murray |
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Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott and Jasper
County Sheriff Randy Johnson |
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Ducks Unlimited representatives Gary Blair,
Ed Penny, Kellis Moss, Ashlee
Smith, Drew Keeth, and T.A. Hawks |
For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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STAY IN TOUCH
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Let me know if there is anything my office can do to assist you. You can keep up with the latest news by signing up for my newsletter and following me on Facebook and Twitter.
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Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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Washington D.C.
1721 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4306 |
Hernando
2565 Caffey St., #200
P.O. Box 218
Hernando, MS 38632
Phone: (662) 449-3090 |
Columbus
318 North 7th St., Ste. D
Columbus, MS 39701
Phone: (662) 327-0748 |
Tupelo
431 West Main St.
Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: (662) 841-8808 |
Eupora
855 South Dunn St.
Eupora, MS 39744
Phone: (662) 687-1545 |
Farmington
4135 County Road 200
Corinth, MS 38834
Phone: (662) 687-1525 |
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