Friend,
This week we lost a very inspirational man who devoted his life to spreading the message of Christ. Reverend Billy Graham was a man of conviction, hope, and faith. Growing up, I listened to Graham’s sermons, his message remained a positive influence throughout my life and journey to Congress. In these times of uncertainty and trial, the message of the Gospel couldn’t be more important. I joined our nation and millions around the world this week in mourning his death. I rejoice in knowing the Lord has his hand on one of his greatest foot soldiers.
For two days next week Reverend Graham’s body will ‘Lie in Honor’ in the U.S. Capitol.This is one of the nation’s highest honors for our nation’s leading voice in ministry. Only three others in U.S. history have received this type of commemoration.
Introduced Bi-Partisan Legislation For Hunters And Our Rural Communities:
As an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, I’m proud to have introduced the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act, a program that expands hunting and fishing access in Kansas and across the country. VPA-HIP is a competitive grants program that helps increase public access to private lands for wildlife-dependent recreation, such as hunting, fishing, nature watching or hiking.These funds are particularly important in a state like Kansas, where more than 97 percent of lands are privately held. By enhancing access to outdoor recreation, we also support local producers and tourism, all while providing an additional revenue stream to agricultural producers.
Tax Reform Success in the Big First
Families in the First District, and all over the country, are seeing the benefits from the #TaxCutsandJobsAct.
United Bank & Trust in Marysville, KS is rewarding every employee with a bonus AND increase in salary.
Each employee has received an increase of $100 per month. That’s an extra $1,200 a year IN ADDITION to the bonus. I am happy to see businesses like United Bank & Trust investing in their employees, and hard-working Kansans taking more money home to their families.
President of United Bank & Trust, Leonard R. Wolfe, described the #TaxCutsandJobsAct as ‘very positive.’ Immediately upon passing, Wolfe said he wanted to share with ALL of his employees.
“Our board of directors considered a one-time bonus, but felt we should go BEYOND that, and awarded ALL employees with an immediate increase in their base salary,” Wolfe said. “This will provide a longer-term benefit since future merit increases are based on a percentage of their salary/wages. The amount of the increase, effective Jan. 1, 2018 for all employees was $100.00 per month. This $1,200.00 increase was given to all hourly wage and salaried employees. With a current employee count of 100, our cost to do this amounts to $120,000.00 annually.”
Wolfe also said that he is now considering expanding into other communities and improving the bank’s infrastructure.
This is what this new tax code was always about, businesses investing in their employees and communities. Please give my office a call with your tax reform stories. What will you do with the extra cash in your pocket?
Second Amendment News
Following the tragic shooting in Florida, we continue to mourn the loss of those 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. We must make sure that guns are in the hands of mentally stable, law-abiding individuals that have no intent to harm others.
We must put politics aside when it comes to the safety of our schools and our children. To achieve a safer America, we must come together and take common-sense action. After reflecting on the tragedy last week, I can’t help but think what if? What if teachers, coaches, or authorized personnel had the opportunity to carry their concealed weapon on school grounds, how would that have changed the outcome in Parkland, Florida? I stand with the president on this and his call to strengthen our background check process.
This approach is far from an attack our second amendment rights, but reforms tailored towards strengthening background checks by acknowledging warning signs and mental stability is just common sense.
Calling all Artists!
Would you like your art displayed in the U.S. Capitol? Submit your masterpieces to the Congressional Art Competition! Your work will be judged by panels of district artists alongside pieces from other students across the country. See below for more details.
