May 1, 2017
Dear Friend,
Hearing from you is an important part of my job. The two-week district work period was a productive time. I traveled to 13 of the 22 counties of the First Congressional District. At diverse venues, I consistently heard the same message: you are ready to see legislation that will grow the economy, drive down healthcare costs, and strengthen our national defense. Please read my column below which appeared in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal today.
Over the two weeks of working in the district, I heard firsthand your stories of making tough choices because of government red tape. For many business owners - large and small - expansion is not possible. They spend so much time and money on paperwork when they could be investing in their companies, making more products, and adding more jobs. Legislation already passed by this Congress to roll back job-killing regulations has made progress, saving $18 billion annually, but to really get the economy on track, tax reform is needed. As Congress begins the work of crafting new tax policies, I will be supportive of proposals lowering taxes for businesses and individuals and simplifying the tax code. Easing the burdens on small businesses and families will result in new and better-paying jobs and allow you to keep more of the money you have earned.
You also told me healthcare reform is needed to give you more insurance options while keeping premiums affordable. The American Health Care Act will give control of healthcare back to the states and individuals, abandoning the failed one-size-fits-all policies of the current law. By expanding consumer choices and empowering patients, healthcare policies will allow you to have access to what you need, not what someone in Washington thinks is best.
The ability to protect our nation continues to be a concern as we face rising threats around the world. During my time in the district, you told me our military must remain the most powerful in the world. I couldn't agree more. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to get more funding for our national defense. This will improve our readiness levels and put more planes in the air, ships at sea, and tanks on the ground. Our service men and women must have the tools they need to keep our nation safe at home and abroad.
Whether it's seeing you while I'm in the district or your contacting my office by phone or email, I always want to know what issues are important to you and your families. Much work remains to be done, but I am proud of what the House has achieved, and I am optimistic that more will be accomplished as the work of the 115th Congress progresses.
working for our farmers
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It is encouraging to see the U.S. Senate confirm former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as the 31st Secretary of Agriculture. He is a proven leader who will help us address the issues that are having a profound impact on the farming industry. Secretary Perdue, a Georgia native, comes from a state that grows similar commodities as Mississippi. He understands the challenges faced by farmers in the South.
Cotton farmers are among those facing difficult times from a price standpoint. Through my role on the House Committee on Agriculture, it will be a top priority to work with Secretary Perdue on the next farm bill so our farmers can continue to compete on a global level.
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Winston county hospital
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On Friday, Winston Medical Center cut the ribbon on their new facilities. It was only 18 months ago that a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new facility. The buildings where medical services have been provided for 60 years were destroyed by an EF4 tornado April 28, 2014.
It is great to see what a group of determined people can accomplish in just three years. The new Winston Medical Center will begin taking their first patients today.
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Congressional Art Competition
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Congratulations to Ashley Dowdy who has won the First District Congressional Art Competition. Ashley, a Ripley High School sophomore, is one of 35 students who entered their artwork for the annual competition sponsored by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
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| Ashley Dowdy |
On Thursday, my staff hosted an awards ceremony in Farmington for all the talented artists who participated this year. Ashley will have her artwork on display in the United States Capitol. To view the artwork of the finalists, please visit my Facebook page.
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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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Magnolia Freight (Saltillo) President Tommy
Franks and Diamond G Trucking (Pontotoc)
owner Danny Gattis |
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| Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi |
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Colonel James Delapp, Pete Taylor, and
Patrick Robbins with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers |
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Navistar Defense President Kevin Thomas,
Vice President Meg Kulungowski,
and Michael Beer |
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Mississippi Rural Water Association
CEO Kirby Mayfield |
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American Chamber of Commerce in Japan
representatives |
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Jon Milstead with the Mississippi Landscape
Architects and son Jake |
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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