Dear Friends,
President Trump has nominated a well-qualified, experienced jurist to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Judge Barrett first was selected by the president to serve as a judge on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. A former law clerk to the late Justice Antonin Scalia, Judge Barrett, 48, was confirmed by a bipartisan vote in the U.S. Senate in 2017. A member of the law faculty of her alma mater, the University of Notre Dame, since 2002, she has been committed to educating talented legal minds.
I am hopeful the Senate will move swiftly in their consideration of Judge Barrett so the Court can return to full strength and do its essential work.
|
| Education opinion piece featured |
Advocating for Federal Funding to Support Workforce Education |
Every American should have the opportunity to succeed both academically and financially. Since I came to Congress, I have been advocating for changes to federal funding that would expand career opportunities so that individuals of all backgrounds can achieve their American dream.
Friday, my op-ed titled "Young People Need Education Options Beyond the 4-Year Degree" was featured in Real Clear Education which you can read HERE.
For some, a four-year college or university is a good option, but it is not the only route to a successful life and the pursuit of happiness. Arkansas is currently facing a shortage of workers in our skilled labor market, which makes up a majority of the state’s overall workforce.
In the current challenging economic climate, giving our young people the tools they need for a successful career outside of a four-year degree is more important than ever.
Working to Support Our Farmers |
As the number one rice producer in America, Arkansas accounts for over half the rice production in the entire country, and we all know for a fact that Arkansas rice is the best in the world.
I was proud to support Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds by voting in favor of funding the government last week. These funds help provide critical relief and support for family-owned farms in Arkansas.
Pictured: Top picture (left to right): Lambert Marshall (Bearskin Farm), Congressman Hill, Lauren Ward (Arkansas Rice Federation), and Lynn Marshall (owner, Bearskin Farm). Bottom picture (left to right): Josh Hankins (Arkansas Rice Federation), Congressman Hill, Lauren Ward, and Mark Isbell (owner, Isbell Farms). |
In addition, I was pleased to vote for the CARES Act in March which delivered billions in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an additional $14 billion in funding for the program.
The Farm Service Agency recommends calling (877) 508-8364 to begin the application, or for general assistance before contacting local Farm Service Agency offices.
For more information on all eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations visit the CFAP 2 website HERE.
| HBCUs receiving rapid COVID-19 test |
Good news as we reach the end of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) week! HBCUs are the latest beneficiaries of rapid tests that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ordered from August as part of a commitment to procuring 150 million tests by the end of the year.
The first shipment sent more than 250,000 COVID-19 rapid tests to 41 public colleges and universities that are classified as HBCUs.
Next week, another 300,000 rapid tests will be sent to over 65 HBCUs that did not receive test kits this week.
Every HBCU is receiving enough kits to test every student, faculty member, and member of staff.
| Answer the census by September 30 |
Do Your Part to Help Arkansas Receive Federal Funding
|
Article I of the Constitution directs that a Census be conducted each decade.
The 2020 Census will have a direct impact on Arkansas’s future for the next ten years, including how much federal funding will be delegated to our communities for services like schools and medical clinics.
I encourage you to take the Census.
It’s of vital importance that Arkansans complete the official U.S. Census, as it is of our civic duty to do.
To get started, visit www.2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020.
| COVID-19 BUSINESS TAX RELIEF TOOL |
Find Out If Your Business Qualifies
|
Relief from federal taxes could provide the opportunity for businesses who are having financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic to keep their doors open.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) has created a COVID-19 Business Tax Relief Tool that allows you to see if your business qualifies for some of the COVID-19 business tax relief options that are available.
In addition, my team stands at the ready to advocate on your behalf to the IRS. Please contact us at (501) 324-5941 or Hill.House.Gov if you need assistance.
Wishing You an Easy and Meaningful Fast
|
Wishing all Arkansans observing Judaism’s holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur, an easy and meaningful fast.
G'mar Chatimah Tovah - may you be sealed in the book of life.
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
|
