January 10, 2019

Dear Friend,

Last week, we returned to Washington, D.C. for the swearing in ceremony of the 116th Congress. As you know, Democrats are now the House majority. This means new leadership and new objectives - many of which will be attempts to reverse successful Republican policies. A booming economy, historic lows in the unemployment rate, and plentiful jobs are not just coincidences. Lives and livelihoods are better now than they have been in decades. Now is the time to move forward.

ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE

Incentivizing Fairness in Subcontracting Act

Contractors, large and small, serve a valuable role in Mississippi and across the nation. We want to encourage more subcontractors to participate in the federal marketplace which will increase the industrial base. I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 227, the Incentivizing Fairness in Subcontracting Act, recently introduced by Representative Nydia Velazquez (D-NY). If passed in the House and the Senate and signed into law, this bill would require prime contractors to abide by their subcontracting goals and hold them accountable if they do not. Additionally, subcontractors would be able to lodge complaints of nonpayment with the agency's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Businesses.

tax reform: keep the momentum going

There's no denying it. Tax reform is working. Just over one year ago, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act was signed into law. One of the key components of the measure was to reduce corporate taxes from 28 percent to 21 percent. Since then, scores of companies have expanded, purchased more equipment, and increased the size of their workforce.

In 2016, Emerald Home Furnishings started up operations in New Albany with just three employees. The company's workforce has grown to 104 employees. Terry Treadaway, president of manufacturing, said the booming economy has been great for the company. Business has doubled over last year. In response, Treadaway said more people will be needed to meet the increased demand for their products.

Tax reform has enabled Emerald Home Furnishings to become more competitive, grow, and create more jobs. Across the nation, there is more good news. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 312,000 jobs were added to the economy in December, bringing the total number to 4.8 million jobs since President Trump was sworn into office.

farewell to Thomas mills

It is important to bring the Mississippi mindset to Capitol Hill which is why our team works hard to make sure your concerns are heard - loud and clear. Thomas Mills, a New Albany native, has a genuine concern for the needs of farmers and has worked tirelessly to study and help our office promote policies that enable farmers to succeed.

After serving two years as a member of our staff, Thomas was recently named the new Environmental Protection Agency's senior advisor for agriculture research in the Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education. "It has been a privilege to serve the people of north Mississippi," Thomas said. "I am incredibly thankful for the opportunities given to me." We wish Thomas well in this new endeavor!

how can we assist you?

Congratulations to Adam Grubbs who is our team's new legislative assistant specializing in agriculture policy. Adam, a Saltillo native, has always made it a priority to build and maintain relationships with our constituents. Previously, Adam served as a field representative in the First District, where he spent much of his time with farmers in Lowndes, Monroe, Clay, Winston, and in portions of Oktibbeha County.

"When I worked as a field representative, I saw how this vital industry impacts the lives of so many people in the First District," Adam said. "I am excited to bring this experience to my new position. Additionally, I look forward to helping Congressman Kelly in his effort to lay the groundwork for broadband technology which will help farmers and scores of other small business operators."

Adam is our main point of contact for the House Committee on Agriculture. If you need assistance or have a question, please email Adam.grubbs@mail.house.gov or give him a call at (202) 225-4306.

honoring a Korean war veteran

In 1949, Charles Fowler joined the U.S. Army when he was just 17 years old. In July 1950, Mr. Fowler entered the Korean War where he served in the U.S. Army 25th Infantry, 65th Combat Engineers. He fought in five major battles, including one that exposed him to freezing temperatures that nearly cost him his feet. During his 52 days aboard a hospital ship, Mr. Fowler refused to allow doctors to amputate his feet. Following the war, he resumed his military career until being honorably discharged in 1956. Mr. Fowler's awards include the Peace Medal, the Japan and Germany Occupation Medal, and the Korean Commendation Ribbon.

In 1957, Mr. Fowler married the love of his life, Mary. While working as a barber, Mr. Fowler said God called him to preach. After more than three decades behind the pulpit, Mr. Fowler retired in 2002. He is always eager to share his testimony which includes his wife's remarkable recovery from cancer - twice.

These days, Mr. and Mrs. Fowler enjoy life in Oxford. They have three children; David Fowler, Richard Fowler, and Tina Heuser, four grandchildren; Keith Hall, Katie Fowler, Stormy Fowler, and Krystal Fowler, and nine great-grandchildren. The couple recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. We wish them many more years together. If you would like to nominate a veteran to be highlighted in the newsletter, please give us a call.

a week in pictures

University of Mississippi Lucky Day Scholars
Daniel Leetran, Tori Trammel,
Madison Alliston, Kate Spiers, and Caitlyn Henry

Swearing in ceremony for Representative
Michael Guest

For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.

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 and Twitter.

Thanks for reading,

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