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September 9, 2016
Dear Friends,
I spent time with so may folks who care about their communities, Mississippi and this great nation while visiting all 22 counties in July and August. Listening to your ideas and concerns allows me to better represent you in our nation’s capital.
COMMITTEE ACTION
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I also had the opportunity to visit with the small business community. Small businesses have been some of the top job creators. Increased rules and regulations and a lack of access to capital have negatively impacted small businesses ability to grow and hire more people – especially in rural areas like ours.
This week, the Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access heard about the frustration that overregulation is causing from representatives and businesses from across rural America. One of the companies that testified before the committee was Flowood, Mississippi based mobile technology company Kopis Mobile. Although located in Rep. Harper’s district, Kopis was co-founded by University of Mississippi graduate Henry Jones.
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| Hugh Middleton Kopis Mobile LLC |
Representing Kopis Mobile was co-founder Hugh Middleton, a former Navy SEAL Officer. As Mr. Middleton testified,
“Small businesses are the backbone of America. We create opportunity, generate jobs, invent new technology and keep the economy going. We do all of this while being over regulated, over taxed and under supported by the Federal Government. Everything from Obama Care to mountains of paperwork are hindrances to the growth and health of a small business.”
We need fewer regulations, not more. If new regulations are needed, they must be efficient and effective. Working with my colleagues in the House, I remain committed to forwarding policies that lead to smarter regulations.
You can watch Mr. Middleton’s full testimony by clicking the video below:
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ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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Accelerating Access to Capital Act
In addition to burdensome regulations, a lack of access to capital has negatively impacted small businesses. In response, the House passed H.R. 2357, the Accelerating Access to Capital Act of 2016 which is a package of bi-partisan bills that would streamline some of the registration and reporting requirements for small businesses with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These clarifications will help small business growth by getting them access to new investor opportunities.
Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has been requiring settling defendants to donate money to activist groups. We cannot allow settlement money to be used for any other purpose for which it is intended. This week the House passed H.R. 5063, the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act which would stop this DOJ practice and ensure the money goes to the people that it is supposed to.
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community service awards
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The search has begun for young Mississippians who devote their time to community service. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, now in its 22nd year, is now accepting applications from residents in grades 5-12. Girl Scout Councils, 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of HandsOn Network are also encouraged to apply.
Mississippi's top middle level and high school youth volunteers for 2017 will be announced February 7. They will receive a trip to Washington in May for four days of special recognition events, along with the top two applicants from every other state and the District of Columbia.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program has honored more than 115,000 youth volunteers over the past 21 years at the local, state and national level.
More information is available by clicking here.
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a week in pictures
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| Asian American Hotel Owners Association |
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| Small Business Subcommittee Hearing |
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| Tupelo Students stop by the office |
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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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