EC from DC

This week I attended a Financial Services Committee hearing in Washington, D.C focused on ways to improve access to affordable housing in the multifamily market.

One of the Superintendents in my district contacted me a while back to help him with an issue. At least 250 students in the Kansas City Public School District had signed on to be a part of the mentorship program. These kids and their families wanted a mentor in their lives. But there was a problem, the school district didn't have enough mentors from the community to pair with the students who asked for one. More than half of the students on the list who are waiting for mentors are young African American and Latino boys.

Many of you have likely heard about a new tax reform policy affecting churches and charitable organizations.

Due to the passage of the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, churches, synagogues, and other nonprofit organizations will begin paying a 21 percent tax on some fringe benefits including those for transportation, meals, and parking. Not only will the GOP tax bill add over $1.4 trillion to the deficit, but they are forcing places of worship and charitable organizations to pay for these massive tax breaks.

This is something that is unprecedented.

It has been a whirlwind through the Fifth District...productive and, as always, quite fun. I visited with farmers in Richmond, MO and organizations concerned about the extended drought occurring in Missouri this summer. They told me about their issues getting water to livestock and the water storage needed to address the problem.

Following these conversations, I penned a letter to Governor Parson and mentioned that a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) might help with the funding needed for proper water storage.

I recently had the opportunity to speak to educators to kick off the start of a new school year in the Kansas City Public School District. I know the value of educators and those who give their all to help children.

A teacher's job is the most important job because teachers change lives. They have the ability to connect with students beyond academics, in other aspects of their lives. A teacher's personal interest can make the difference in whether or not a student returns to school or even whether he or she graduates.

During my trips back and forth to the Fifth District, I've heard from many people worried about the tariffs. Farmers and business leaders have expressed their concerns. I've visited with farmers in the Higginsville community and invited the Canadian Consul, John Cruickshank, to answer some of their questions.

The issue isn't going away, in fact, I think there are others out there whom I haven't heard from. Small contractors and others who help keep these larger industries flowing smoothly are worried about their future because of the tariffs.

I am truly excited that the VFW, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the largest and oldest veterans service organization, will be holding their 119th National Convention in the Fifth District of Missouri.

Thousands of veterans, families and supporters will descend upon Kansas City, MO this weekend to continue their mission of servicing veterans across the world.

I'm looking forward to welcoming VFW at their national convention.

This week has been a great week for helping families in search of achieving the American dream, finding and obtaining affordable quality housing.

A bill which I authored, with my colleague Representative Sean Duffy, H.R. 5793, the Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Demonstration Act of 2018, passed on the House floor by a vote of 368-19.

This bill will help families who have been stuck in a continuing circle of poverty move out of those areas and into neighborhoods with better opportunities.