November 20, 2017
Dear Friend,
As a 32-year veteran of the Mississippi Army National Guard, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing our men and women in uniform. Last week, the House passed the conference report agreement reached with the Senate on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. We expect President Donald Trump to sign the legislation into law in the coming days.
The NDAA for FY18 sets the budget for national defense spending in 2018, provides for our troops and their families, and establishes national defense policy. This legislation sends a powerful message that we are committed to protecting America at home and around the world. Please watch my video to hear my remarks in support of the conference report agreement.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Last week, the House continued to move the process forward by passing our version of tax reform. According to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, the bill we passed increases the income for median households in Mississippi to approximately $1,562. Additionally, this bill paves the way for approximately 7,045 new full time jobs to be created. I look forward to conference negotiations with the Senate on a final tax reform bill. Please read more about our plan to reform the tax code by clicking here.
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Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation 2017 farmer fly-in
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Last week, more than 100 Mississippi farmers traveled to DC for the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation's 2017 Member Fly-In Tour. This was an opportunity to sit down with farmers and listen to their thoughts on the 2018 Farm Bill, tax reform, and other issues that are important to them.
Matthew Poe, a Pontotoc County farmer, came to the event. Matthew comes from a long line of farmers who have worked the soil to provide for their families.
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From left: Matthew Poe in DC, Matthew,
Kayla, and Harrison Poe on their
Pontotoc County farm |
Like other farmers, he is closely watching as we advocate for policies that will give farmers the support they need to compete on a global level. Matthew said this experience helped him to see firsthand what we are doing to represent their best interests in Washington.
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native son farm
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Mississippi is a rural state where farming has been a way of life for generations of families. Vegetables and livestock raised on the farm were used to feed a farmer's family and to make a living. That tradition continues to this day for thousands of Mississippi farmers including Will Reed, owner of Native Son Farm in Tupelo.
In 2010, Will and his wife, Amanda, started their naturally grown farm in Tupelo. Their acreage has grown to 20 acres and they feed over 200 Mississippi families who invest in their operation. Will is part of a growing movement called the "farm to fork" pipeline. This is an effort to open new markets and economic opportunities for local farmers and food producers. Will is the board president of the Mississippi Sustainable Agriculture Network (MSAN), and one of Mississippi's leading practitioners of organically-minded vegetable production.
Recently, Will and other like-minded farmers traveled to Washington, D.C. to build support for legislation that would advocate for small farms like theirs. We want all farmers to be successful and to make sure their voice is heard on Capitol Hill.
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| caterpillar celebrates 35 years in mississippi |
Last week, Caterpillar celebrated 35 years in Corinth and the assembly of the 3500 engine - a new product line for this location. Caterpillar team members restore end-of-life, broken, or blemished products to new condition, sending less to the landfill and using fewer raw materials.
Like many other companies, Caterpillar quickly learned how dedicated Mississippians are to their employers.Through their hard work, companies are able to innovate and grow. We want to see more businesses expand their Mississippi operations and create new jobs.
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| Mississippi blues trail marker |
Mississippi is known across the world as the home of the Blues. Cities and counties across the state can take claim to famous Blues musicians, including Senatobia. This Tate County town is home to Sid Hemphill, a pioneering fiddler, composer, and a bandleader of early Mississippi Hill Country Blues.
Recently, state and local officials gathered with residents to unveil the Mississippi Blues Trail marker which honors Sid Hemphill's contribution to the Blues. The marker, located at Gabbert Park, is the 199th marker to be placed on the Mississippi Blues Trail.
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| a week in pictures |
For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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| John and Jeanine Burnside from Hernando |
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| Sarah and Jerry Porter from Southaven |
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John and Jeanine Burnside and
Jerry Porter enjoy their Capitol Dome
tour with our guide, Hal Barthold |
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Tadpole Ventures representatives Ronald
Keohane, Jeannie Lewin, Dr. John O'Brien,
David Park, Jeff Fritz, and Steve Lanza |
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Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation
President Mike McCormick and House
Committee on Agriculture
Chairman Michael Conaway |
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| Beth Sisson from Starkville and David Acosta |
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| Christi Webb from Baldwyn and Nancy New |
For more photos from a week in pictures, Please visit my Facebook page.
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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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