March 15, 2019

Dear Friend,

This week is National Agriculture Week and an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of our farmers in the First District and across the nation. Over the years, our farmers have endured increasing operating costs and big drops in net farm income which has put a strain on our family farmers. As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, my colleagues and I are determined to reverse this disturbing trend. That effort began with passage of the 2018 Farm Bill which was signed into law by President Trump. The Farm Bill will provide better protections for farmers over the next five years, including stronger commodity programs.

Additionally, this important legislation addresses the need for broadband access - especially in rural areas. Investments in infrastructure will be made to improve broadband access. Not only would this be a game changer for farmers who would have access to smart equipment, but improved technology would lead to job creation and have a profound impact on the quality of life.

The game has definitely changed for W.D. Atkins. When he began farming, W.D. used a plow and a mule to work the land. He and his wife, Jeanette, and sons, Alan and Brian, are owners of Atkins Farms near Hamilton, Mississippi. Their grandson, Jamie Dean, represents the fifth generation to farm their land. Over the years, the family has adapted to changes within the agriculture industry. They use modern technology, including GPS technology, to grow peanuts, corn, cotton, soybeans, and wheat. "I thought I could sow a straight row," W.D. said. "The technology we use now is so precise! I can only imagine what farming will be like for Jamie Dean in the future. Even he has witnessed changes since he began working the fields when he was 8 years old."

While our work continues on the federal level to improve broadband access, I am encouraged to see members of the Mississippi State Legislature pass bipartisan legislation which gives electric cooperatives the opportunity to provide broadband access to their members. Governor Phil Bryant signed the Mississippi Broadband Enabling Act on January 30. Recently, representatives of electric cooperatives located in the First District met in Tupelo for a broadband grant work session with USDA and the Appalachian Regional Commission officials. We all know this is going to be a costly endeavor for electric cooperatives, but a united effort on the federal, state and local level will help us to achieve our objectives.

ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE

Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act

Every child in Mississippi and across the nation should have the best educational opportunities available, delivered in a safe and secure environment. From the cafeteria to the classroom and beyond, we want to recognize all school employees who provide exemplary service to students. I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 276, the Recognizing Achievements in Classified School Employees Act. The House passed this legislation that would require the Secretary of Education to establish a Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees award. Nominees must demonstrate excellence in the following areas: work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment, local support, and enhancement of classified school employees image in the community and schools.

committee action

Last week, the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee held a joint hearing with the Readiness Subcommittee titled, "U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and Maritime Administration (MA): State of the Mobility Enterprise." If we are to protect our great nation at home and across the globe, our forces must have the tools they need - where they need them, to defeat our enemies. U.S. Transportation Command Commander General Steve Lyons and Maritime Administration Administrator Rear Admiral Mark Buzby, USN, Ret. testified. To watch an excerpt from the hearing, please click on the link.

advocating for conservative values

FRC Action President Tony Perkins

As your voice on Capitol Hill, it is my goal to advocate for policies that represent our shared conservative values. It is an honor to be recognized by the Family Research Council (FRC) for scoring 100 percent for votes cast during the second session of the 115th Congress. The FRC Action's "True Blue" award was presented to 276 Members for displaying a firm commitment and consistent support of faith, family, and freedom. To view the scorecard, please click on the link.

ABB expanding in senatobia

Congratulations to ABB! The manufacturer of high-tech electrical components is expanding its advanced manufacturing operations in Senatobia. The $36 million investment will create 50 new jobs and enable the company to fill 150 of the remaining 300 jobs announced in 2016. ABB will build a 200,000-square-foot building adjacent to its facility. I am pleased to see ABB achieving their production goals with help from our skilled workforce.

how can we assist you?

If you need help with a federal agency, Tupelo District Office Director Darren Herring is ready to be your guide. Under Darren's leadership, our constituents receive expert guidance without federal government red tape. Additionally, Darren coordinates assistance that is also offered through our field offices in Tupelo, Farmington, Hernando, Eupora, and Columbus. Darren, along with our field representatives, is at your service.

Darren, a Lee County native, previously served the public in a variety of roles in law enforcement. He has distinguished himself as a member of the Lee County Sheriff's Department, the Itawamba Community College Police Department, and as an investigator for the office of 1st Circuit District Attorney John Weddle. If you have a question or concern, contact Darren at (662) 841-8808 or send him an e-mail Darren.Herring@mail.house.gov.

a week in pictures

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

Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce
Commissioner Andy Gipson

Mississippi delegation of Employee Benefit
Professionals member Eugene Starks

Mississippi Association of Broadcasters
representatives WTVA General Manager
Jerry Jones, WCBI General Manager
Derek Rogers, and Coast Radio Group
Sales Manager Dennis Warren

Mississippi School Nutrition Association
representatives Jimmy Buchanan,
Alex Hallmark, Jerry Vandivrer, Christell Hicks,
Valeria Weviod, and Jeremy Berry

American Legion Department of Mississippi
representatives Murry Toney, PDC and
membership chairman, Pat Baughman,
Department Commander, Robert Gosa,
NEC, Steve Sweet, NVC, and National
Ladies Auxiliary President Kathy Dungan

Richard Williams, DDS (Nesbit)

Phyllis Aduddell, Edward Jones
Grassroots Task Force

University of Mississippi Interim Chancellor
Larry Sparks, Vice Chancellor for
Research Josh Gladden, Assistant
to the Chancellor for Government Affairs
Perry Sansing, External Affairs Director
Amy Lewis, and University of Mississippi
Medical Center Federal Relations
Director Kristy Simms

Mississippi Public Broadcasting Underwriting
Staff member Cedric Grizzell, Executive Director
Ronnie Agnew, and Director of
Communications and Education
Tara Wren

Bradley Taylor, president of
Taylor Jersey Farm, Inc.

Lee County Sheriff Jim Johnson and wife, Jamie

American Family Radio with Today's Issues
host Tim Wildmon

Blake McCollum and Joyce Li from Tupelo

Mississippi State University College of
Veterinary Medicine Dean Kent Hoblet
DVM, MS and Alicia Oliver, DVM, PhD, DACVP

NGAUS President BG (Ret.) Roy Robinson
and Legislative Director Col (Ret.) Mike Hadley

Wheeler High School students

MSU Stennis Institute of Government

Mississippi Home Corporation representatives
Scott Spivey, Jenny Layton,
Tony Jones, and Dustey Walley

Major General Stephen Strand, Commanding
General of the 412th Theater Engineer Command

Hurricane Baptist Church (Pontotoc) Pastor
Phillip Brock, Stephen Brock, Dick Caron,
and Phil Robbins

Amy Lewis, External Affairs Director for the
University of Mississippi

Dr. Mark T. Esper, Secretary of the Army

Mississippi Soil & Water Conservation
Commission representatives Mark Gilbert,
Pete Hunter, Jerry Smith, Anita Cowan, Kurt
Readus, and Don Underwood

Major General Antonio Aguto, Deputy Chief of
Staff, G-3/5/7 FORSCOM, Ft. Bragg

Lafayette High School JROTC

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