Representative Trent Kelly

March 18, 2021

Dear Friend,

Beginning this week, all Mississippians are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Operation Warp Speed (OWS), a partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Defense (DOD), and private industry, set the stage for this unprecedented progress. In less than one year, three vaccines have been distributed to the American people! I am thankful for the great spirit of cooperation on the federal, state, and local levels.

At this hour, approximately 1,200 Mississippi National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are carrying out their duties at COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites in the First District and across Mississippi. They are working in tandem with Governor Tate Reeve’s office, the Mississippi State Department of Health, and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. As of March 7, MSDH statistics show 502,177 Mississippians have received the first dose, and 285,231 have received the second dose. More than 500,000 miles have been driven to deliver personal protective equipment (PPE), testing kits, vaccinations, and medical supplies.

on the radio - from capitol hill

I appreciated the opportunity to discuss issues that are important to Mississippians and all Americans. Among the top priorities in this country should be maintaining our national defense capabilities. Through my role on the House Armed Services Committee, I have been working with my colleagues to strengthen America's military might. These men and women must have the tools they need to protect our Nation at home and across the world. We need to have more planes in the air, ships at sea, and ensure members of the military have excellent training. To listen to the interview, please click on the link.

Captain (CPT) Tony Starks

Captain (CPT) Tony Starks, our 2021 Congressional Defense Fellow, has joined our team in Washington, D.C.! CPT Starks has a long and distinguished service record with scores of honors and achievements. He has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to all his endeavors, and we are glad to have him on board. Currently, CPT Starks is completing a Master of Professional Studies in Legislative Affairs at George Washington University and is a doctoral student at Abilene Christian University, studying Organizational Leadership and Conflict Resolution.

connecting with small business owners

Last week, I had a virtual meeting with representatives from the Mississippi Small Business Development Center. State Director Sharon Nichols introduced me to Matt Shipton and Bryan Smith, owners of Core Furniture, Inc., in Maben.

They explained their journey into entrepreneurship as a furniture manufacturer, employing over 30 people. Nichols was also able to share the impact the organization has had in our Congressional District. In one year, 1,046 clients were served, and 2,088 hours of counseling were conducted. For more information about the SBDC, please click on the link.

internal revenue service assistance

Have you had issues filing your 2020 taxes or receiving refunds owed to you from 2019 and 2020? Our office has received a surge in calls from constituents in the First District who have encountered considerable delays due to a backlog of 2019 tax returns. In response, I joined U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, Cindy Hyde-Smith and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, Steven Palazzo, and Michael Guest in a letter to the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), urging the agency to clear the backlog of 2019 tax returns before the 2020 tax return deadline. To read the letter, please click on the link. If you have questions or concerns, our team is ready to assist you. Click HERE for the latest information and resources available through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Latest from the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service

The agencies have announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. Click HERE for full details.

in the news

Kelly appointed to House Intelligence Committee

Kelly, Ryan Introduce Gold Star Altitude Act

House Passes Rep. Trent Kelly's Bill to Name Tupelo Post Office for Colonel Carlyle "Smitty" Harris

pictures from the hill to the district

Virtual meeting with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack with Legislative Asst. Abbey Herfurth

Boys Scouts of America Eagle Scout ceremony in Corinth

Frank Davis, Jr. in Corinth

stay in touch

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Thanks for reading,

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