June 8, 2020
Dear Friend,
Planting season is underway for farmers in Mississippi and across America. On any given day, you will see them cultivating the land to produce corn, soybeans, cotton, wheat, and other commodities. In good times and bad, our producers stay the course - a commitment they honor year-after-year. At a time when farmers have suffered a net income drop by half for years, COVID-19 also delivered a blow due to market supply chain disruptions. To meet this challenge head-on, the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program or CFAP, was launched. CFAP provides much-needed financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered losses due to COVID-19. The USDA is accepting applications through August 28. Click HERE to get started.
Bradley and Carla Taylor
The Taylor's operate a dairy farm in Prentiss County, producing milk that is sold in stores from Memphis to Birmingham to Louisiana. Bradley said milk prices have been stagnant for years and the coronavirus only made matters worse. On May 26th, Bradley applied for the CFAP to help recoup losses. In just a matter of days, the family received financial relief. "We love what we do," Bradley said. "We were never in this for the money - that's for sure. This is a family operation that has been here since 1966. Our three boys, Carl, Holden and Lee love life on the farm! We want to keep it that way."
Dustin and Will Roberts
Dustin Roberts grows corn and soybeans on 1,725 acres from Prentiss County, MS, to McNairy County, TN. He is also a cattle farmer, managing 200 cows. He began farming in 2005 and quickly learned all the challenges that come with working the land. Dustin thought about scaling back his operation, but the plan changed when his son, Will, graduated from high school.
Now, the two are in business together. "Unlike most farmers, I was the first in my immediate family to try this," Dustin said. "I am proud that my son will follow in my footsteps - even though it's not going to be easy.. Farming is difficult and the coronavirus taught us all just how hard times can get. I am thankful for any assistance that will help us stay in business, including the CFAP."
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act
During these extraordinary times, we have seen small business owners do everything in their power to stay afloat. It is vital that we, as Members of Congress, do everything in our power to protect our job providers from ruin - the end result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provided relief to scores of businesses, but more action was needed to fine-tune the program. The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act will make the recovery process easier.
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| mississippi back to business grant program |
In May, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed into law a bill to launch the Mississippi Back to Business Grant Program. This program, created with CARES Act funding, will assist small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees impacted by COVID-19. The grants will provide eligible businesses with funds to cover expenses, including operating costs and salaries. The Mississippi Development Authority will be accepting applications soon. To learn more about requirements and other details, please visit my coronavirus resource page.
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| associated wholesale grocers, inc. |
As your Representative, it is a top priority to seek ways to support economic development in Mississippi. Fewer burdensome regulations and less government red tap will ensure a business-friendly climate. We continue to see this working in DeSoto County. Associated Grocers, Inc., (AWG) plans to build a new facility in Hernando, a $300 million investment. With the additional 79 jobs, the company will employ a total of 590 there.
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| tammy loague: making a difference |
It is always inspiring to see Mississippians reaching out to help others, using their God-given talents. Tammy Loague, a Peppertown resident, is known for her home-sewn quilts and something more - masks. She decided to start sewing masks to help people in the medical profession, including her daughter, sister and nephew.
Although Tammy works full time, she spends her evenings sewing the masks. To date, she has donated more than 150 masks. "It has been a blessing," Tammy said. "Just to know they are making a difference has made this a project very dear to my heart. I am also grateful to receive my material from Patsy Pettit, my aunt who lives in the Carolina community. She also feels blessed to give back."
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| Desoto county mask giveaway |
From making masks to distributing them, Mississippians are stepping up in a variety of ways to support President Trump's re-opening of America guidelines. In DeSoto County, the Board of Supervisors recently distributed 52,400 free masks at twelve locations.
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| District 4 Supervisor Lee Caldwell |
Lee Caldwell, DeSoto County District 4 Supervisor, said the giveaway was made possible through the Mississippi Community Mask Program in partnership with the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. "As the state reopens all businesses, it is important people who need a mask, are able to get one," Caldwell said.
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| 2020 Congressional Art Competition - we have a winner! |
I am pleased to announce the 1st place winner of the 2020 First Congressional District Art Competition! James Dukes, a Booneville High School 9th grade student, submitted his piece called "Summertime". I want to congratulate all the young people who submitted their artwork. We are proud of each and every one of you for all your hard work and dedication. Full details about our winner are coming your way soon. For more information about the competition, please click on the link.
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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, Twitter and Instagram.
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Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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