January 16, 2018
Dear Friend,
Secretary of the Army Dr. Mark T. Esper has accepted the National Commission on the Future of the Army recommendation to retain four Attack-Reconnaissance Battalions of 18 aircraft each in the Army National Guard, including AH-64 Apache Helicopters for the Tupelo-based company. Our delegation worked through the authorizing and appropriations process to protect the Apache helicopter unit after the previous administration recommended ending this valuable unit as part of a U.S. Army active-duty reserve components restructuring.
In March, I testified before the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to share with them my priorities for the Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) defense appropriations bill. I urged the committee to take action to ensure that combat units have access to the equipment they need, and that National Guard Apache battalions remain equipped with the helicopters they have on hand and that number not be reduced. Additionally, I testified that if the Army chooses to move the Apaches from the Tupelo-based Apache company, top military leaders estimated the loss of readiness would take up to five years to regain.
We thank the Secretary of the Army and all those who were involved in making this decision. The Mississippi AH-64 Apache Company has an established history of excellence and some of the best trained pilots, flight teams, and maintenance teams in the nation. Maintaining this detachment is cost-effective and vital to meeting the readiness levels of the Army. Getting accurate information to those involved in the decision was a collaborative effort of our delegation and the leadership of the Mississippi National Guard and I am proud of our working relationship.
tax cuts and jobs act
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Walmart Shares the Savings
Walmart joins a growing number of companies who are passing along their tax savings to employees. Walmart is boosting starting wages, providing a one-time bonus for employees, and expanding benefits. More than one million employees will enjoy the additional income. The bonus is based on length of service. Those who have worked 20 years are eligible for $1,000. Walmart is also raising the starting hourly wage from $9 to $11 an hour. The company is set to expand its maternity and paternity leave benefits. It is great to see Walmart and many other companies across the nation share their savings with the people who support them day in and day out.
Bigger Paychecks in February
Get ready for a bigger paycheck that is coming your way soon. The Treasury Department and the IRS recently sent employers the new withholding guidance which is going to be reflected in many paychecks beginning next month.
Jimmy Snyder, general manager of Union Lumber Company in New Albany, said he and the company's 20 employees are looking forward to seeing the difference in their paychecks. Jimmy has been the general manager at the building supply store for 51 years. He has not seen tax reform since the Reagan administration. That was more than 30 years ago. "Anytime there are less deductions in our paychecks, I am definitely for it," Jimmy said.
The time it will take for employees to see the changes in their paychecks will vary depending on how quickly the new tables are implemented by their employers and how often they are paid. To see what employers received, please click on the link.
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dr. martin luther king, junior
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Remembering the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His contributions will always be remembered.
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2018 farm bill
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America's farmers and ranchers are feeding more people with fewer resources. They are also experiencing a significant drop in net farm income. Mike Graves, a third generation Tippah County farmer, operates a farm with help from his three sons. They grow cotton, soybeans and corn on 5,500 acres. Mike and other farmers are closely watching what will be included in the next Farm Bill. He is hoping to see fewer regulations which have a negative impact on his operation and get in the way of making a profit.
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| Mike Graves |
David Houston, a Lafayette County cattle farmer, said federal government overreach has interfered with his ability to manage his own land. "Farmers are the greatest conservationists in the world," David said. "They want to take care of these animals and the land. When it comes to regulations, there needs to be common ground. We don't need to regulate just to regulate."
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| David Houston |
Listening to farmers is a critical part of my role on the House Committee on Agriculture. It is with their needs in mind that we will continue our work on the next Farm Bill. Our priorities include streamlining government programs which eliminate redundancy and rolling back burdensome and unnecessary regulations, improving existing programs to reduce waste and making every taxpayer dollar count. A top priority will also be to strengthen the farm safety net which will ensure we have programs in place that meet the needs of all producers. Additionally, we will work to develop new international markets for agricultural exports that will help grow the economy and create more jobs. To read more about the 2018 Farm Bill, please click on the link.
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national law enforcement appreciation day
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There is no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend. Every time a law enforcement officer puts on a uniform and goes to work, they do it knowing that shift could be their last. They willingly place their lives on the line to protect us all. National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is an opportunity for us to remember their service and sacrifice.
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| Tupelo Police Department Honor Guard |
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Mississippi on the national stage
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Others are discovering what those of us in Mississippi already know. We live in one of the greatest states in the nation, where a pro-business spirit thrives with help from our workforce which is second to none. This determination to succeed on multiple fronts has earned our state a place on the national stage. Recently, the Mississippi Development Authority was ranked #9 among the Top 10 State Economic Development Organizations in the U.S. based on research conducted by the American Economic Development Institute and Pollina Corporate Real estate, Incorporated, the national leader in corporate site selection.
I am proud to see the Mississippi Development Authority achieve this recognition for all of their hard work and determination to develop and grow Mississippi's economy through recruitment of new businesses and supporting those who have invested in our cities and counties. Congratulations to MDA for this well-deserved recognition.
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devin millson joins our team
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Devin Millson, a native of Springfield, Virginia, recently joined our team from the National Guard Bureau Office of the Legislative Liaison. He will serve as our Defense Fellow for the year. Devin is a graduate of Virginia Military Institute and finishing a masters in Legislative affairs at George Washington University. Devin will work with our defense policy team on legislation related to national defense, homeland security, and veterans affairs.
Devin was selected to serve as a FY18 Army Congressional Fellow and assigned to this position by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Army Legislative Liaison. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I look forward to working with Devin on key legislation that will protect America at home and across the globe.
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a week in pictures
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Dr. Sarah Lee with Mississippi Alliance
for Women in Computing from Columbus |
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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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