October 16, 2017
Dear Friend,
If we are to keep America safe, we must continue to strengthen our national defense capabilities. We have aerospace and defense industries in the First District helping to achieve that goal like Orbital ATK in Iuka. The company designs, builds and delivers space, defense, and aviation systems around the world.
Last week, Orbital ATK announced plans to expand in Iuka. Their $10.48 million investment will increase the number of people they employ from 100 to 150. The company plans to begin production on the new composite launch vehicle structures and aerospace components in the third quarter of 2017 and fill the 50 jobs by the end of 2018. The expansion of Orbital ATK once again demonstrates the company's faith in Mississippi's workforce, which is second to none. The company plays an invaluable role in both our national defense and Mississippi's economy.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
|
Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017
The rate of overdose deaths involving opioids continues to rise at an alarming rate. Abuse of prescribed pain relievers like oxycodone and hydrocodone is devastating lives, families, and communities across our nation. Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick, a former clinical psychologist at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Toma, Wisconsin, saw this firsthand when he began working at the VA. He expressed concerns about the over-medication of veterans being treated at the facility. Dr. Kirkpatrick was fired for his comments. Sadly, the day Dr. Kirkpatrick lost his job, he committed suicide. Last week, the House and Senate passed, with unanimous consent, S. 585, the Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017. This legislation adds protections for probationary whistleblowers that are retaliated against. Additionally, it makes retaliating against a VA employee by accessing their medical file a prohibited personnel action so that supervisors can be punished accordingly.
|
tax reform: fair and simple
|
Mississippians and all Americans are calling for pro-growth tax reform. For far too long, the outdated U.S. Tax Code has been filled with complicated, confusing brackets and special interest loopholes. Businesses and industries have suffered from burdensome taxes which prevents them from growing and creating more jobs. It is time for an overhaul of this antiquated system.
We believe the process should be fair and simple. How would you like to fill our your taxes using a postcard like the one above? Let us know what you think.
|
kevin and melony armstrong
|
In the First District, we are blessed to have a wide variety of businesses. Kevin and Melony Armstrong are the owners of the Naturally Speaking Salon in Tupelo. Melony opened her hair braiding business in 1999. She made it her mission to train single mothers who needed a job to support their families. Melony said operating a salon and a training academy is rewarding, but becomes a source of frustration when it is time to fill out an income tax return.
Kevin and Melony are advocates for tax reform. The Armstrongs support our efforts in the House to lift burdens off our Main Street job creators and the people they employ.
|
committee action
|
Millions of Americans dream of becoming a small business operator. What they quickly learn is that much of their time will be wasted filling out paperwork. This results in hours of lost productivity for the operator and in many cases, for their employees. In March, the House Small Business Committee heard from small businesses about how the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) was being used to help reduce paperwork in their workplaces. Last week, I had the opportunity to question government agencies about how they are implementing the PRA and what improvements can be made. Please click on the link to learn more about what we want to know vs. what we need to know.
|
national farmers day
|
Last week, we celebrated National Farmers Day. This was an opportunity to thank farmers for dedicating their lives to feeding and clothing our nation. The life of a farmer is not an easy one, yet they willingly take on this responsibility in good times and bad.
We have to make sure others will want to follow in their footsteps. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I will continue to listen to their concerns and push for policies in the next Farm Bill that will help meet their needs.
|
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
|
|
