Dear Friends,

Skilled workforce development is critical to central Arkansas’s success because it gives Arkansans employment options.

I was proud to partner with the University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College to help them secure a $2.5 million U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant.

This investment will prepare up to 600 skilled workers every year for our local workforce through Pulaski Tech’s new state-of-the-art STEM park, which will be a driver of economic opportunity and success for our community.

These funds will be used to renovate Pulaski Tech’s science labs and classrooms and admit additional students each year to help to address the jobs gap in STEM fields in Arkansas. With this grant, the EDA will now have invested $28 million in Arkansas, including in the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub and the Port of Little Rock’s expansion project.

To watch my full remarks on this happy occasion, click HERE or on the image below.

I thank Chancellor Dr. Margaret Ellibee, for her continued leadership and expansion of Pulaski Tech. I’m glad Kevin Preskenis, Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for EDA Administration, presented this award in person in North Little Rock. It was also good to see Mayor Joe Smith of North Little Rock and Dr. Marico Howe, and I thank them for their support and remarks at this wonderful event as well.

Pulaski Tech is an emerging leader in STEM fields, and by adding employees and recruiting new employers with assistance from the grant, this institution will help North Little Rock and Central Arkansas thrive.

your ideas have a national impact

Central Arkansans Shaping My Work in Congress

Over the last five years, serving the people of Central Arkansas as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I have loved the interaction across the district that has led to wonderful ideas for legislation or a badly needed project to benefit our local economic growth.

This is why I created the "Your Ideas" video series where I highlight eight of my key accomplishments in Congress that have come from the ideas that central Arkansans have given me.

From legislation to combat the opioid crisis, expand the Little Rock Port, or review the military records of minority service members of the Armed Forces, the ideas of central Arkansans are shaping our communities in a major way.

It only takes one person to make a difference. If you have an idea about improving our community that you believe I could help with in Congress, please contact me by visiting my website at Hill.House.Gov or by calling my office in Little Rock at (501) 324-5941. It is my job to represent the great people of our state and I look forward to hearing from you.

Being your advocate to the IRS

My Office Can Help If You Are Missing Your Tax Return

One of my most important responsibilities as your representative is advocating on your behalf before the federal government.

Each day, I work to help central Arkansans receive the benefits, services, and programs that they deserve as citizens of this great country.

If you are still waiting for your 2019 tax return, I can help.

Over the past few months, I have helped almost 100 central Arkansans receive their tax refunds. My office has helped return nearly $400,000 to central Arkansans since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently my office was able to help a central Arkansan who reached out to my office for assistance after the IRS had informed her that she would not receive one this year. Thanks to my team investigating the matter, we were able to help her get the $2000 return that she was due.

We were also able to assist a gentleman whose family mistakenly claimed a tax credit that they were ineligible for. The IRS had then flagged their tax filing and stopped their federal return. Because the IRS is currently backlogged by 4-5 months on average due to the pandemic, the IRS had not looked at their filing.

My office filed a Congressional request which prompted the IRS to consider this family's dire need and fix the issue quickly and return $10,000.

Contact me at (501) 324-5941 or Hill.House.Gov if I can help you.

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS

Submit Your Application by November 1^st

As your Congressman, I have the distinct honor of nominating central Arkansans to attend one of the five United States service academies.

I want to bring to your attention an important deadline that is coming up.

Applications for a Congressional nomination to the service academies are due to my office by Sunday, November 1, 2020.

If you are a high school student, teacher, parent, or counselor interested in learning more about the Congressional nomination process, please visit my website for more information.

Our nation’s service academies, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy provide students with an exceptional academic background and prepare them for a lifeline of service – both to our nation and to their communities.

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

A Reminder to Have Routine Screening Done

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but awareness for this disease should constantly be in our thoughts and on our minds. With one in eight American women developing breast cancer over the course of their lives, too many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, during the pandemic, the weekly average number of people diagnosed with breast cancer dropped by 51.8% — from 2,208 to 1,064. This means that fewer people are being diagnosed in a timely manner.

Now that clinics are opening in Arkansas, it is important to complete your check-ups even if they seem routine. For a guide on how to conduct a self-checkup while you wait for an appointment, click HERE.

It is my honor to represent you in Congress.

Please contact me at (501) 324-5941 or Hill.House.Gov if I may be of service to you.

Sincerely,

Representative French Hill