May 11, 2020

Dear Friend,

One of the most talked about issues as related to the coronavirus pandemic is the possibility of a fourth stimulus package. At this hour, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her loyal following are penning legislation without input from Republicans. Rather than work together to deliver additional relief with speed, this partisan agenda will do nothing more than slow the process. It is imperative that we get back to Washington, D.C., and resume the business of the people. A plan to do just that is being offered up for consideration.

In the meantime, I take each and every opportunity to discuss the work we have carried out on your behalf, including the Paycheck Protection Program. The PPP has successfully helped thousands of our small business owners keep their employees on the payroll.

I have participated in numerous conference calls to carry out my duties and to communicate with our constituents. Last week, the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation hosted a Q&A session. To listen to an excerpt of the session, please click on the link.

covid-19 and the workplace

Changes in lifestyle. Changes in the workplace. This means being more aware of our environment, making sure to take any and all precautions to avoid contact with COVID-19. That can prove challenging on multiple fronts, but Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi is adapting. I had the opportunity to tour the facility where new measures are in place to help protect their team members.

Sean Suggs, TMMMS President, said team members will be screened prior to entering the facility. Changes to the work environment include sanitizing equipment between shifts. Masks will be worn at all times. Following the tour, I was interviewed by WCBI TV. To watch the interview, please click on the link.

national nurses week

Now, perhaps more than ever, Americans are seeing firsthand what it means to be a nurse. These men and women have been on the front lines of this pandemic, delivering the services needed to care for their patients. They know the risks associated with COVID-19 and yet, they have not faltered. Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting with healthcare professionals throughout the First District.

Winston Medical Center - August 2019

National Nurses Week (May 6-12) is a great opportunity to show your appreciation for all their hard work and dedication. While we recognize nurses on the front lines and well beyond, I would also like to highlight the outstanding programs that are offered by our institutions of higher learning including the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus.

MUW first admitted nursing students in 1971. Today, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers associate, bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees in nursing. The W is expected to graduate more than 520 nurses in 2020. The W's departments of nursing are consistently ranked among the highest in the nation. Look for more features on nursing programs in the First District in upcoming newsletters.

Mississippi Farm corps - update

Recently, I was pleased to launch the Mississippi Farm and Ranch Mission (FARM) Corps in coordination with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, Mississippi Farm Bureau, Mississippi Veterans Administration, Mississippi National Guard and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture. FARM Corps provides furloughed Mississippi National and Reserve members an opportunity to work in the agriculture industry. Since the inception of the program, job listings have continued to be posted on the website. For more information, please visit the website.

COVID-19 testing

The Mississippi State Department of Health and the University of Mississippi Medical Center continue to offer one-day drive-through testing at selected sites across the state. Tests are free of charge. To schedule an appointment (required), please click HERE or call (601) 496-7200.

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 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for reading,

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