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REPORT FROM LAKE SYLVIA: MY WORK BOOSTING TOURISM AND RECREATION
Proud to report that after years of effort, the Lake Sylvia Recreation Area will have consistent oversight, cabin availability and be open year-round.
I joined local and state leaders at the Lake Sylvia Recreation Area to recognize the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT) for the announcement. The event came on the heels of an event with Governor Hutchinson announcing an agreement to put Lake Sylvia Recreation Area and Camp Ouachita under the state parks system.
As a ninth-generation Arkansan and lifelong outdoorsman, I am excited that more Arkansas families will have access to explore the new recreational opportunities.
The event was an example of the good things that can happen when federal, state, and local government work together toward a common goal to expand and enhance The Natural State’s outdoor resources for all Arkansans to enjoy.
Photo credit: Arkansas Democrat Gazette/Stephen Swofford |
PASSPORTS, PASSPORTS, PASSPORTS
With backlogs in the State Department, it’s taking longer than usual for Arkansans to get their new passports. I do not want anyone to miss a trip because of an expired passport.
I led a bipartisan letter, signed by nearly half of the House of Representatives, to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. More than 200 of my colleagues and I urged him to do everything he can to get passports in Americans’ hands fast. You can read more about my letter in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
Since January, my office has helped get more than 100 passports to Arkansans.
If you need assistance, contact me as soon as possible at (501) 324-5941.
Additional information can be found here: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.
HOW I’M PROMOTING ARKANSAS SMALL BUSINESSES
Even “pre-pandemic,” America was in a “startup slump.” As a former entrepreneur and business owner, I know how difficult getting a new business off the ground can be. That’s why I’m proud to help grow Arkansas’s entrepreneurs.
Government regulations should not stand in the way of a business’s success.
Despite national setbacks, central Arkansas continues to grow into a tech hub and serve as a model for communities who are hoping to encourage development within their own industries.
As the economy continues to recover from the pandemic, it is vital that job creators have the resources and support they need to keep the economy moving, and to get Americans back to work.
I recently wrote an op-ed addressing the slowing rate of startup business launches, and the work I am doing in Washington to help get more Americans on track to startup success.
Read my op-ed HERE.
TAKING THE FIGHT TO IRANIAN SUPPORTERS OF TERRORISM
Last week, I introduced bipartisan legislation with my friend Rep. Al Lawson (D-FL) to provide transparency into the financial corruption of Iranian leaders.
For the past four decades, the people of Iran have lived under the brutal dictatorship of the Ayatollahs in Tehran. The Iranian people are rightfully calling for accountability. Recently, the Biden Administration waived sanctions on the world’s leading state-sponsor of terror by giving them access to billions in previously frozen assets.
It’s highly unlikely that the money is going to reach the ordinary citizens of Iran who have suffered for too long
My legislation will help Congress hold the Iranian regime accountable at a time when its citizens want reform. Read more about my bill in the Washington Free Beacon.
VA AGENT ORANGE UPDATE
The VA recently added three conditions to the Agent Orange list, or those associated with exposure to herbicide agents. If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, or Parkinsonism, you may be eligible for disability compensation.
If you have an existing claim, if you have been previously denied service, or need further details on how to go about getting assistance, please contact my Director of Military and Veteran Affairs, David Carnahan in my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941.
Learn more about the updates to Agent Orange HERE.
WOUNDED WARRIOR FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE STILL OPEN
I currently seek applications to fill the role of District Representative for Military and Veterans Affairs.
This position is available through the U.S. House of Representatives Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, a two-year full-time paid fellowship with the possibility of permanent full-time employment. The fellowship will provide veterans with experience and exposure to broaden their career opportunities. Fellows will help central Arkansans with matters before the federal government, including the Veterans Administration, and community organizations on behalf of central Arkansans.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter along with your most recent DD214 and a letter from the VA indicating a 30% or greater disability rating to housewoundedwarriors@mail.house.gov.
To learn more about the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, please click HERE.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill |
