I am so glad to be back home enjoying the beauty of the Second District in full bloom. I hope this newsletter finds you and your family rejoicing on this blessed Easter holiday weekend.
Last week was the first of two back-to-back work weeks in the district, and I’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to talk with so many constituents about the issues we are working on in Washington. One of these issues – taxes – was on the mind of many constituents this week as they filled out their returns in time for the Tax Day deadline.
Below you will find information about a letter I wrote this week to Chairman Camp of the Ways and Means Committee, urging repeal of the death tax that continues to threaten Second District family farms and businesses.
Also in this newsletter, you will find information about NCWorks – a great public-private partnership that pairs our community college system with NC industries. This effort will help our citizens get back to work by providing them with additional training and resources needed to succeed in the workforce.
It is one of my greatest honors to represent so many of our nation’s heroes in the Ft. Bragg community including the families of those serving. These families deserve our support and appreciation for the sacrifices they make. One way to do that is to join me in congratulating Susan Reynolds of Fort Bragg on winning the “Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award” for 2014! Another is to remember that April is the Month of the Military Child. Below you will find a photo of Susan and her family and a link to information about events related to the Month of the Military Child.
Please remember our troops, as they are serving away from home and their families during the holidays. To see some of the ways I am working in Washington to support our military, visit this page of my website.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your Easter weekend. As always, please feel free to contact my office if we can be of assistance to you.
NCWorks!
This week, Governor Pat McCrory and Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker joined state officials in announcing “NCWorks,” a major initiative that will promote one consistent, cohesive strategy for workforce development across North Carolina. They made the announcement at Caterpillar Inc. in Sanford. I released the following statement applauding this new intiative:
I am thrilled to learn of yet another public-private partnership taking place in our state. NCWorks is an important new initiative that will serve citizens by providing them with the necessary skill sets and training they need to succeed, all the while making our state’s business climate more competitive. Pairing our state’s stellar community college system with top-tier industries across North Carolina will provide a focused approach to supplying job seekers with the right foundation for lasting careers.”
“We are fortunate to have first-rate educational resources within our state—particularly ones that prioritize the expansion of opportunities to all. NCWorks will provide our citizens with a clear advantage in the work force, and I look forward to doing what I can on the federal level to help projects like this thrive. I applaud Governor McCrory, Secretary Decker and all who made this possible for today’s success.
For more information read my op-ed in The Sanford Herald touting the importance of public-private partnerships in North Carolina and my full statement about the NCWorks announcement released earlier this week.
Fixing Our Broken Tax Code
I am proud to be one of 60 members to sign onto a letter to the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee this week urging a full repeal of the death tax. This burdensome tax hurts hard working farmers and business owners and threatens to put them out of work. We need to bury the death tax to ensure it’s no longer passed along to family heirs. Click here to see the letter we sent to Chairman Camp.
Snapshots from the District
Congratulations to Susan Reynolds on winning the “Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award” for 2014! The honor is awarded through the Air Force Association and the US Air Force.
This week, I toured the new Bayer CropScience North American Bee Care Center at Research Triangle Park.
I had a great time visiting the Academy of Moore County charter school on Wednesday.
Llistening to Drs. James Johnson and Stephen Appold present findings of study “Demographic and Economic Impact of International Migration to North Carolina.”
In the News
Congresswoman Visits Bayer Bee Center
AgWired
Even though she had to miss the grand opening ceremony due to a conflict, Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) made it a point to make it out to see the new Bayer CropScience North American Bee Care Center in Research Triangle Park. “The research and development that they are doing here is going to help us grow more food into the future,” she said in an interview. “It is vital to the North Carolina economy but also to the world.”
Are immigrant workers taking jobs from North Carolinians?
Triangle Business Journal
During the presentation on the demographic and economic impacts of international migration to North Carolina at the Sheraton in Research Triangle Park yesterday, Congresswoman Renee Ellmers asked a question on the minds of many. “Are they taking jobs from Americans?” asked Ellmers of UNC-Chapel Hill Professors James H. Johnson and Stephen J. Appold who were presenting the report “Demographic and Economic Impact of International Migration to North Carolina.” “Is the migrant population underpaid? Is there evidence that those who are hiring undocumented workers are not being reported? Did it factor into your research?” asked Ellmers.
No Evidence That Low-Paid Immigrants Are “Taking” NC Jobs
WUNC
At a press conference, Congresswoman Renee Ellmers of Dunn asked the study’s authors if there’s any truth to the notion that low-paid immigrants are taking the jobs of more qualified native workers. Author Stephen Appold of UNC-Chapel Hill’s business school said that is a commonly held belief. “But when we look at the numbers, we can’t find that,” said Appold.
Share Your Second District Snapshots
Dogwoods, azaleas and many other flowers and trees across the Second District are in full bloom! This photo was taken outside my Dunn office. Share your favorite spring photos with me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by posting with the hashtag #NC2snapshots. The best shots will be featured on my social media sites and in my e-newsletter.
Month of the Military Child
April has been designated the Month of the Military Child to recognize the sacrifices and contributions sons and daughters make in support of their military parents. You can find more information about the Month of the Military Child here: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2014/0414_militarychild/.
