|
|
June 26, 2017
Dear Friend,
President Donald Trump has signed into law the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Act of 2017. This legislation brings meaningful relief to our nation's veterans. For too many years, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has forced veterans to endure long wait times for appointments. There have been veterans who have died waiting to receive treatment. That's not acceptable. While the majority of VA employees are dedicated to their profession, many have failed to offer the level of care our veterans have earned and deserve.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Act of 2017 streamlines the process to remove Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees who are not doing their jobs. It also expands protections for whistleblowers who expose corruption. Additionally, the legislation gives the VA Secretary the authority to appoint medical directors to hire professionals with a proven track record. Veterans answered the call to serve our nation. We have to protect them.
A Political Divide
We face a political divide in America that is getting in the way of our ability to govern. Political rhetoric has made it difficult and at times impossible to address the issues that would improve the quality of life for Mississippians and all Americans. As your Representative, I remain committed to moving this nation forward. To read more of my column in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, please click on the link.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
|
Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act
If a person is able to work, he should work. Too often, our current safety net programs punish individuals who take a job instead of incentivizing it. The House passed, with my support, H.R. 2842, the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act. The legislation encourages employer-led partnerships with state and local agencies to hire recipients from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Local communities would be able to use TANF funds to pursue programs that offer training specific to the needs of employers. States would also be required to show the programs are effective.
Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act
In 1984, the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act was passed to provide federal support to state and local career and technical education, or CTE, programs. The legislation helped to prepare high school and community college students with the knowledge and information they need to get a job in a variety of industries. A lot has changed over the years - including the specific needs of both student and employer. We need to be able to offer a skilled workforce ready to meet the specific needs of manufacturers. If we don't have that, they will invest somewhere else. Our First District schools and community colleges know what employers want and are making great strides to meet their needs. The House passed, with my support, H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. This legislation will empower state and local leaders to carry out CTE programs that work for them and limit the federal government's role.
Water Supply Permitting Coordination Act
It should be top priority to make sure we have water when we need it. Federal government regulations have dragged out the permitting process for water infrastructure projects for decades. This impacts cities, counties, farmers, and families throughout the First District. The House passed, with my support, H.R. 1654, the Water Supply Permitting Coordination Act. This legislation speeds up the process by cutting bureaucratic red tape.
|
community development foundation job fair
|
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently said U.S. employers added 211,000 jobs in April. The unemployment rate is lower than it's been in 10 years. Mississippi Department of Employment Security figures show Union, Lee, and DeSoto Counties with the lowest unemployment in north Mississippi. This comes as no surprise to the Community Development Foundation in Tupelo. Last week, the economic development organization held a job fair which attracted the most employers they have ever had since they began job fairs in the mid 1990s.
Greg Giachelli, CDF Vice President for Economic Development, said companies came looking to hire people now and they were hoping to find them at the job fair. They had 58 employers who represented a variety of fields including healthcare, automotive, banking, retail, and furniture. Greg says there were as many as 500 people waiting for the fair to begin that morning. Job fair organizers anticipated 2,000 people would participate. It's great to see these companies look to hardworking Mississippians to build and maintain their workforce.
|
listening to our constituents
|
It remains a top priority to listen to the concerns of our constituents. We recently met with First District community banks to talk about what is being done in Washington to make sure their needs are being met. It is important to keep our financial systems operating. These lenders make it possible for many Mississippians to buy a home or open a business.
 |
| Bankers Roundtable |
We also met with Mississippi Soybean Association farmers from the First District. Like other farmers, they are closely watching as those of us on the House Agriculture Committee continue our work on the next farm bill. Listening to our farmers will be a top priority throughout this process. Their needs will come first.
 |
| Mississippi Soybean Association |
|
Thompson's welding services
|
Our staff got to shake hands and talk with some hardworking Mississippians at Thompson's Welding Services. The Hamilton-based operation started in 1972 with one truck and one man - Bill Thompson. Over the years, the family operation has grown to 75 employees.
The company manufactures steel piping and tanks. They also work with some of the First District's major manufacturers including Steel Dynamics, Inc. and Yokohama Tire. Congratulations to the family who are celebrating their 45th year in business.
|
a week in pictures
|
For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
 |
Chevron marketers Dean Hingson, Ben Smith,
Grady Gaubert, Paul Carruth, and Buddy Lott |
 |
Mississippi Optometric Association representatives
David Parker OD, Ryan Wally OD, Mike Weeden
OD, and MOA Executive Director Linda Ross Aldy |
 |
LTG Flora Darpino, LTC Ed Berg, and LTC
Michael Jones |
 |
New Albany High School JROTC
Major Dave Prejean, Kaye Prejean, Cecy Garcia,
Tianna Graham, Ruth Rivera,
Cody Baker, Leo Castillo, and Anderson Parks |
 |
Associated Builders & Contractors
Mississippi delegation |
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, Twitter and Instagram.
|
Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
|
|
