April 24, 2018

Dear Friend,

These are historic times for our nation.  For the first time in years, Mississippians and all Americans are enjoying a thriving economy.  Scores of people have more take-home pay which will help to boost the family budget.  Companies are reinvesting in their operations which is creating more jobs.  We believe this is a direct result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - the biggest overhaul of the tax code in a generation.  

April 17 was a significant day for our nation.  It was the last time that taxpayers had to deal with the old, broken tax code.  The next step will be to streamline and simplify the tax filing process.  Last week, the House passed a series of bills that will redesign the IRS for the first time in 20 years.  Both sides of the aisle are behind this effort to create a taxpayer-friendly system that is modern and safe.  

To read a summary of each bill, please click on the link.  
                               

farm bill

Last week, the House Agriculture Committee passed H.R. 2, The Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018.  This legislation seeks to support our nation's farmers, protect national security, and allow Americans in poverty to get much-needed job training to help lift them up.

In preparation for the next Farm Bill, the House Agriculture Committee spent over two years holding hearings and listening to experts in the agriculture field.  Our nation's farmers and ranchers need adequate safety nets as farm income continues to decline and talks of trade wars loom.


I have enjoyed working with members of Mississippi's agriculture industry to ensure they have a voice on Capitol Hill.  I appreciate industry leaders and producers keeping my office informed on the impact of Farm Bill programs.  We have made great strides together to make sure this legislation works for our farmers and our communities in Mississippi.   

As this legislation heads to the floor, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure that our farmers and ranchers have adequate safety nets, use our nation's natural resources effectively and responsibly, and have access to capital that will allow them to grow.

For more information about the 2018 Farm Bill, please click on the link.                                           

grammer, inc

Companies invest in Mississippi because our workforce is second to none.  The dedication of our hardworking Mississippians make it possible for companies to achieve their production goals.  Grammer, Incorporated, located in the First District, opened its doors in August 2014.  The Shannon based company manufactures seating for a variety of machinery including tractors and lawn mowers.  Their customers include John Deere and Caterpillar. 

A Grammer, Incorporated employee discusses
product features with local officials
and with members of our team

Human Resources Manager Janice Childers said their business continues to grow which has enabled them to expand their operation multiple times.  Grammer's workforce has grown to 250 employees.  Additionally, Janice said the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will be good for business.  Reducing the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent will place them on a more level playing field with their competitors.  I am proud to see Grammer grow and create more jobs.


Mississippi teacher of the year

Our state is fortunate to have many dedicated educators who go above and beyond to make sure our children receive the best education possible.  Whitney Drewrey, a Lafayette Upper Elementary School teacher, demonstrates an outstanding devotion to her students in her special education class. 


Recently, Whitney's dedication to her students was recognized when she was named the Mississippi Department of Education 2018 Teacher of the Year.  Whitney was nominated by her peers to receive this honor.  "I have always been drawn to children who face more challenges than others," Whitney said.  "I want to make sure they achieve their full potential.  I want them to know that they can learn."  Recently, Whitney was honored by the whole school.  Everyone gathered on the football field for an academic pep rally to celebrate her accomplishment.  Congratulations, Whitney!
                                                 

congressional art competition

We want to thank all the talented high school students in the First District who submitted their artwork for the 2018 Congressional Art Competition.  The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talents of our young people.  Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have entered the national competition. 


The winner's artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year with all those chosen from across the nation.  Additionally, artwork will be selected for display in each of our First District field offices.  The awards ceremony will be held at the Farmington City Hall on April 26 from 5:00-6:00.  For more information, please contact Melinda Whited at (662) 687-1525. 
                                           

a week in pictures

For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.

Sunshine Mills, Inc. Chief Executive
Officer Alan Bostick

Mississippi Firefighters Association
representatives are: Chief John Pope
(Collins), Chief Jennifer Williams
(Houston), Chief Mike Beyerstedt
(Gulfport), Deputy Chief Mark
Whiteside (New Albany), Chief Jim
Palmer (Florence), Chief Ruben
Brown (Greenville), Chief Ronnie
McGilberry (Ellisville), Chief Cole
Robbins (Columbia), and Chief
Terry Tucker (Okolona)

Tupelo Christian Preparatory School
students visit Washington, D.C.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing MS representatives 
TMMMS President Sean Suggs,
External Affairs Director Kathryn
Ragsdale, General Manager Manufacturing
Aaron Foster, Safety Specialist
and Corporate Communications Manager
Mike McField, and Toyota Boshoku
Manager Doug Shields

Talking with Mississippi student leaders 
      at the University of Mississippi

For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.

STAY IN TOUCH

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 FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

Thanks for reading, 

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress

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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