February 13, 2018

Dear Friend,

I continue to be frustrated that we do not have a full-year funding plan for the entire government. The continuing resolution was not perfect, but it ensures that our service members have the predictable funding needed to keep us safe. The safety of Mississippians and all Americans must be a top priority. For too many years, our military men and women have defended our nation without being fully-trained, using equipment that is aging or obsolete. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have listened to our military leaders and national security experts who say military readiness is in a state of crisis. As a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard for 32 years, I have seen firsthand how a severe lack of funding year after year has placed Americans at risk at a time when there are rising threats on multiple fronts across the globe. Temporary funding in the form of a continuing resolution did nothing more than jeopardize the lives of our service members and diminish our defense readiness capabilities. It is the responsibility of Congress to provide for the common defense and the only way to do that is with predictable, stable funding.

The Bipartisan Budget Act gives the Department of Defense the resources needed to rebuild and sustain our fighting forces. This legislation increases total defense funding to match with FY18 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) levels and the administration's request for FY19. Secretary of Defense James Mattis said it best, "Today's Congressional action will ensure our military can defend our way of life, preserve the promise of prosperity, and pass on the freedoms you and I enjoy to the next generation."

Additionally, this legislation addresses a number of other priorities including access to healthcare for the most vulnerable. There will be a 10-year extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Community health centers, which are also vital to Mississippians, are also funded.

This legislation was important to help relieve our nation's farmers who are facing a downturn in prices. With a fall in prices, cotton farmers and dairy producers have endured unsustainable prices without an adequate safety net. This legislation makes cotton eligible for Title I Farm Bill programs, Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Dairy farmers will also see immediate relief through raising their first tier of covered production and reducing their premium in the Margin Protection Program. This will allow for more accurate margin calculations. The passing of this legislation provides support to our farmers while we work on the next Farm Bill.

It has been a hard-fought battle to do what is right for Mississippians and all Americans. We will continue to push for policies that will protect our nation and improve quality of life. It is an honor to be your voice on Capitol Hill.

For more information on the Bipartisan Budget Agreement, please click on the link.

cooper tire invests in marshall county

Companies who invest in hardworking Mississippians can expect a return on their investment. Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is an established manufacturer in the district that continues to thrive. Last week, state and local officials gathered in Byhalia, where Cooper Tire is going to locate their largest distribution center in the United States. The $50.5 million investment will create approximately 100 jobs. The new distribution center is scheduled to open in the fall.

new industrial park in lee county

There has long been a need for more space to accommodate companies who want to invest in Lee County. Last week, the Lee County Board of Supervisors announced the creation of the Hive, a 1,000 - acre business park in Tupelo along Highways 6 and 76.

The new park will be marketed to attract advanced manufacturing industries, including suppliers of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi and the future Toyota/Mazda joint operation in Huntsville, Alabama.

Mississippi economic council tour

While Mississippi is enjoying great success in economic development and job creation, it is important to seek new ways to continue on this path. Tax reform is exactly what Mississippi needed to move our state forward. I am proud that the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act has resulted in millions of dollars in corporate investments and bigger paychecks right here in Mississippi.

The Mississippi Economic Council, our State Chamber of Commerce, is also making great strides in the effort to enhance the quality of life for Mississippians. MEC representatives are traveling across the state to get feedback on such issues as economic development, workforce training, and infrastructure. Last week, MEC officials met with business, industry and economic development leaders in Tupelo, their 18th stop on the tour.

prudential spirit of community awards

I have always believed that community service is a responsibility. That is a philosophy I often share with young people in the district. I am proud to see that there are many who are reaching out to help others and to see them recognized by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. More than 29,000 students across the country participated in the 23rd annual awards program which recognizes top middle school and high school volunteers in each state. Madison Ray of Ackerman and Hassell Wilkinson of Oxford are finalists.

Madison Ray, a Choctaw County High School senior, has been a volunteer at her local animal shelter for the past four years. She helps to clean their pens, feed them, and prepare dogs and cats for adoption. Madison said she tries to encourage others to volunteer as well. "I hope to open the eyes of others and to help house many strays," Madison said. "Volunteering can make a big difference in your community. I strongly recommend being a part of it."

Hassell Wilkinson, an eighth grader at Oxford Middle School, was one of the first students to volunteer with his school's inaugural peer tutoring program. His responsibilities have ranged from understanding different learning styles to making study skills videos. Since the program started last school year, between 50 and 100 students have been assisted.

4-h members recognized

We are fortunate to have many successful 4-H clubs in the district. These young people devote their time and energy to promote agriculture, which is the number one industry in our state. They also spend much of their time helping others. This year, the Consolidated 4-H Club of Lee County was selected as the 4-H First Congressional District Award winner. They received their award at the annual 4-H Legislative Day luncheon in Jackson. In addition to participating in agricultural programs, this 4-H Club helps senior citizens and others to better understand technology. They also participated in an anti-bullying play in Washington, D.C. and New York.

Consolidated 4-H Club of Lee County

4-H Clubs from southern Lee County and Lowndes County were also recognized for their outstanding contributions to their communities. The 4-H County Line Club of southern Lee County received the 4-H Speaker's Award and the 4-H Dream Weavers Club of Lowndes County received the 4-H Governor's Award.

4-H County Line Club of southern Lee
County and 4-H Dream Weavers
Club of Lowndes county

Dr. Paula Threadgill, Mississippi State University Extension Associate Director, said the 4-H Legislative Day is an opportunity for the 4-H'ers to showcase their leadership and community service skills that take place in their 4-H clubs in each county. "It is also a time for the 4-H'ers to learn about the governmental processes as well as understand the importance of each level of the government so they can be productive citizens," Dr. Threadgill said. "Our goal is to strive to improve the quality of life for Mississippi's 4-H'ers by developing the potential of young people and by providing a hands-on program."

a week in pictures

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

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
Chief Phyllis Anderson and representatives:
Natasha John, Heather Knight, Krystina
Thompson, Beatrice Steve, Debbie
Martin, LoriAnn Ahshapenek, Christopher
Eaves, James Robinson, and Kendall Wallace

Blue Mountain College President
Dr. Barbara Childers McMillin

Mississippi Rural Water Association
representatives: David Boone, Richard
McLendon, Mack Lee, Kirby Mayfield,
Everette Hill, Bill Rutledge, and Rick Shepherd

66th Annual National Prayer Breakfast with
Aaron Gregory and Russell Smith

Dan and Sandra Ballard from Tupelo

Dixie National Rodeo and Livestock Show
with Mississippi Commissioner of
Agriculture and Commerce
Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mississippi
Governor Phil Bryant, and friends

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

STAY IN TOUCH

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Thanks for reading,

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