May 8, 2017
Dear Friend,
Last week was a big week in Washington. The House took an important first step in making healthcare in this country a more patient-centered system.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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American Health Care Act (AHCA): I was pleased to join my colleagues in voting to lower premiums and make healthcare more affordable for Mississippians. Not only does this bill provide relief from taxes created under the current healthcare law, but it will strengthen the individual marketplace and make it more competitive while still protecting coverage for vulnerable individuals. Additionally, this legislation contains strong pro-life protections, including defunding Planned Parenthood.
Omnibus: The House passed an omnibus spending package that funds the government through September 20, 2017. With the government funded for the rest of the fiscal year, Congress can now focus on putting together a bill that funds the government for the next year.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY EXECUTIVE ORDER
Obamacare requires that health plans cover contraception, unfairly forcing faith-based groups to violate deeply held beliefs on life or pay fines. In May 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the rights of these groups and ordered several federal agencies to provide a solution that accommodates religious beliefs. The President's signature on the religious liberty executive order affirms the Court's directive and will continue to stop the government's discriminatory practices.
A 1954 provision known as the Johnson amendment severely limits the free speech of churches and non-profits by prohibiting actions that the IRS could interpret as campaign activities. This could include simply making a statement from the pulpit that references a political candidate. The religious liberty executive order is intended to provide relief for tax-exempt organizations facing increased IRS scrutiny for exercising their faith.
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small business week
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Small businesses are the backbone of America. They represent 96.5 percent of all employers and employ almost half of the private sector labor force. National Small Business Week is a celebration of that entrepreneurial spirit which thrives throughout Mississippi and our nation. While my work continues on the House Small Business Committee to make it easier to open and operate a business, there are also resources in place to assist them back home. There are a variety of mentoring services throughout the First District including the Renasant Center for Ideas in Tupelo.
Judd Wilson, Executive Director, says 22 businesses have graduated, producing more than 400 jobs. Shirley Hendrix and Fanny Green, operators of R & B Specialty Printing, are among those who have a business in the incubator. Both say the guidance they have received has been a great help as they work to grow their business in northeast Mississippi.
To see a complete list of services available to help successfully start and run a business in Mississippi, please click on the links below.
The Entrepreneur Center
Mississippi Small Business Development Center
Mississippi Secretary of State
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America's best southern small town
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Congratulations to the City of New Albany on being named "America's Best Southern Small Town" for 2017 by USA Today! The Union County town is known for its unique shops, attractions like the Tanglefoot Trail, and friendly atmosphere.
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small business person of the year
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Congratulations to Mary Jennifer Russell, founder and owner of Sugaree's Bakery, on being selected one of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Small Business Persons of the Year. Mary Jennifer, a New Albany native, was recognized during a ceremony in her hometown.
Mary Jennifer started as a home-based business in 1997. 20 years later, her business has grown to 35 employees who bake 1,000 cakes a week that are sold locally and by mail order to all 50 states. It is a proud moment to see her business continue to thrive.
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national veterans golden age games
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As a member of the Mississippi National Guard for 31 years, I have seen firsthand the need for veterans to have access to services that keep them healthy. It is important to make sure their needs are met on multiple levels - mentally and physically. In 1983, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) found a unique way to improve the quality of life for veterans through sport.
This year, U.S. military veterans will head to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to compete in the 31st National Veterans Golden Age Games. Veteran athletes 55 years and older will compete in 14 events including cycling, golf, pool, table tennis, and air rifle. Good luck to everyone participating in this year's games.
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u.s. air force academy appointments
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It is an honor to announce the appointment of two north Mississippi students who were nominated through our office to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 17-year-old Austin Williams, a Lewisburg High School Senior and son of Sean and Peggy Williams of Olive Branch, wants to defend our nation through the study of cybersecurity.
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| Austin Williams and COL Bron Stuart |
18-year-old Drew Sullivan, a Tupelo High School Senior and son of Andy and Paula Sullivan, plans to become a U.S. Air Force Pilot.
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| Andrew Sullivan |
Every year, our office hosts Academy Day which is an opportunity for north Mississippi students to explore a career as an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces. Students like Austin and Drew are able to meet with Service Academy and ROTC representatives who can answer their questions. Academy Day is open to students, parents, counselors, and educators. For more information, please contact our military academy liaison Melinda Whited at (662) 687-1525 or send her an email Melinda.Whited@mail.house.gov.
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American conservative union award
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ACU Chairman Matt Schlapp and Executive
Director Dan Schneider |
It was an honor to receive the American Conservative Union Award for Conservative Excellence. The award recognized my commitment to America's foundational principles, the U.S. Constitution, and in recognition of an American Conservative Union Congressional rating of 92%.
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listening to our constituents
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This week, representatives from the Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi and the Mississippi Beer Distributors Association visited our DC office to talk about issues that are important to their businesses.
Hearing from our constituents is a top priority - back home and in Washington. I remain committed to making sure the Mississippi mindset is heard loud and clear on Capitol Hill.
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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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