Pictured: Top picture (left to right): Shane Broadway (Vice President for University Relations, Arkansas State University-Beebe), Jeff Griffin (Vice President of Finance, Dassault Falcon Jet Corp), Congressman Hill, and Shawn Taillon (Department Head for John Deere, Arkansas State University-Beebe). Bottom left: Congressman Hill addressing the importance of employer engagement in addressing America’s need for skilled trades. Bottom right: Congressman Hill with Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Co-Chairs, Skilled American Workforce Caucus.

My Skilled American Workforce Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), and I hosted a briefing on Wednesday morning to discuss the House’s important work on skilled workforce development. We were honored to be joined by Shane Broadway and Shawn Taillon of the Arkansas State University-Beebe and Jeff Griffin, from Dassault Falcon Jet to discuss best practices for recruiting and training workers for a rapidly-growing and developing labor force. Watch the briefing here. 

Happy Birthday, Ms. Annie Abrams!
Pictured: (left to right): Congressman Hill, Ms. Annie Abrams, and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR). 

Arkansas treasure, Ms. Annie Abrams, celebrated her 87th birthday on Tuesday. I had the opportunity to honor her on the House floor, wishing her a happy birthday (watch here). As a local educator and civic and community leader, Ms. Abrams has enriched the lives of countless Arkansans and Americans.

Remembering Little Rock Central High School Sixty-one years ago Tuesday, all eyes were on South Park Street that fronts Little Rock Central High School as nine brave students entered the school. The Little Rock Nine's brave actions integrating the school will be forever remembered for their role in ending so-called “separate but equal" Education. I honored this anniversary and the Little Rock Nine on the House floor. Listen here. 

Providing Permanent Tax Relief for Arkansans 
Tax reform has meant real, tangible change for hardworking Arkansans and Americans. We’ve seen healthy growth in our local economies in our state since the House’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law in December 2017.

This week, we’ve kept the momentum going by passing a second tax reform package that delivers Arkansans and Americans permanent individual tax rates, which will help boost employment opportunities and increased wages, promote start-up businesses, and allow families to save more and earlier for their futures. Click here to read more. 

Enhancing and Preserving Flatside Wilderness 
I'm excited to announce that my bill that allows Arkansans and visitors, young and old, to enjoy more of one of Arkansas’s most unspoiled landscapes, Perry and Saline Counties’ Flatside Wilderness, passed out of House Committee on Natural Resources this week. That means that it’s now eligible for consideration by the full House and is one step closer to becoming law.

Perry County in particular offers a very special and rare opportunity for visitors to support our wildlife and natural resources while also boosting the state’s economy. I am particularly pleased to have the honor to name this addition for a tireless conservationist and advocate for Arkansas wilderness who is also a dear friend, former Arkansas Congressman Ed Bethune (pictured above, seated to my left). Read more here. 
 

This week, I prioritized Arkansas military, funding to combat the opioid epidemic, and skilled workforce training by supporting a government funding bill that directly benefits Arkansas families. It does this through the 2.4 percent pay raise for our troops, enhanced programs to support our military families, and additional funds for training, readiness, and more than $200 million for the modernization and upgrade of our C-130 fleet.

We also funded training and employment services that includes apprenticeships, Job Corps, and programs for ex-offenders. Additionally, we provided additional resources to combat the heartbreaking opioid crisis, prioritizing the needs of Arkansans and Americans across the nation. Read more here. 
 
Working with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce  
It's always good to see my friends with Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, including Col. (Ret) Rob Ator, Michelle Lewis, Courtney Dunn, Sheryl Boyd, Glenda Fletcher, Mayor Gary Fletcher, Daniel Gray, and Brad Hegeman. I enjoyed our visit discussing how the House is helping our men and women at Little Rock Air Force Base and how to better expand economic and educational opportunities in Jacksonville.

Sincerely,