These past weeks have been busy with my attending local events around the Fifth District, meeting with constituents in my district offices and hosting roundtables with different stakeholder groups to learn more about the needs of the Fifth District! The wisdom of the world is not in Washington, and I was enlightened by the input I received and also grateful for the opportunity to share positive economic news and results of the conservative policies passed by this Congress.

Last week, I held a roundtable at Forsyth Tech @ Innovation Quarter to discuss the federal grant reporting process and my bill, the Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency (GREAT) Act. Libraries from around the state, universities, non-profits, the Winston-Salem Police Department and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District shared the challenges they face with the current grant reporting system. As a former researcher, librarian and college president, I have been grant-writing for all of my professional life. It’s hard to believe that the same challenges I faced at the beginning of my career are the same ones faced by federal grant recipients today—inconsistent reporting standards and inefficient paperwork. That’s why I introduced the GREAT Act, which will modernize federal grant tracking and reporting with digital data and searchable documents. It passed in the House on September 26, and I am working with my colleagues in the Senate to make it law! Read more about the GREAT Act here.

TOURING R.J. REYNOLDS MANUFACTURING

As I toured R.J. Reynolds manufacturing operations last month, I met employees who received bonuses and saw the company’s new investments in research and development—both made possible thanks to our tax cuts. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a win-win for workers and business leaders, and this company and its employees are proof of its positive impact in the Fifth District. Not only are workers keeping more of their hard-earned money, local businesses are expanding and passing on their tax savings to workers.

For more stories like this, follow me on Instagram.

For an update on the new Opportunity Zone Funds, which became law under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, read my latest op-ed by clicking here or the image below.

SUPPORTING OUR FARMERS 

Last Tuesday, North Carolina Farm Bureau President Larry Wooten presented me with the Farm Bureau Award for my strong advocacy for farmers in North Carolina and nationwide this Congress. American Farm Bureau Federation gives the award each Congress to members whose voting records demonstrate their outstanding support for agriculture.

ROUNDTABLE WITH VETERANS & SERVICE DOGS 

Chances are you have seen one of the frequently reported stories of fake and poorly trained emotional support animals and service dogs causing problems on airplanes—from emotional support hamsters to squirrels. In light of this issue, I gathered veterans and representatives from the American Service Dog Access Coalition, Saving Grace K9's, and the Salisbury VA Medical Center to discuss how the abuse of accommodations for service dogs and emotional support animals has hurt veterans and their families. They emphasized that education for the public is just as important as legislation when it comes to solving these problems. Many times people who don't understand the difference between legitimate and illegitimate service animals deny disabled individuals the accommodations that they are entitled to. To learn about what qualifies as a service animal, see this FAQ. And if you have questions about this issue, please feel free to contact my office. I will be glad to share educational resources and hear your input as I consider additional legislative solutions.

FLAT ROCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Yesterday, I was delighted to present Flat Rock Elementary School with a plaque to honor the heroic sacrifice of Cora Beasley who died in 1957 saving third grader Larry Adams in a fire that destroyed the school. Flat Rock Elementary and the Mount Airy community have remembered her bravery through the generations, and I am very proud to represent a town that never forgets its heroes. We don’t all have the opportunity to make the ultimate sacrifice, but by keeping alive the memory of incredible role models like Mrs. Beasley, we are reminded daily to dedicate ourselves to helping others in every way we can.

MORE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FIFTH

WHAT'S COMING UP? 

As District Work Period continues next week, I look forward to traveling around the Fifth District to hear from more of you!

Sincerely,