There is a lot to report from the Second District this week, but first I would like to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the paratroopers that were killed and wounded in a training accident in Ft. Bragg Friday morning. We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women of our armed forces, both at home and abroad, for the sacrifices they make every day.
In this newsletter, you will find information and photos from some of my activities that took place this week across the district. On Wednesday, I moderated a panel discussion in Cary on the issue of immigration reform. This is an important and complex issue that affects us here in the Second District in many ways. This discussion was only the first of several events I hope to host, which will allow for constituents to voice their concerns and be heard on this issue.
Also this week, I visited several local businesses — touring their facilities, meeting with and taking questions from employees — including LabCorp, MOM brands and Challenge Printing. You will find several photos below from my visit to the Lee County Innovation Center at CCCC where I spoke with company directors and instructors and had the chance to meet with students in the welding program. I also spoke to the Asheboro Rotary Club and visited with Asheboro City Manager John Ogburn and Mayor David Smith. Meeting with company and city leaders throughout this last week was both informative and insightful. I am thankful for these invitations to stop by and visit, as it allowed for me to meet and discuss their questions and concerns.
At the end of the week, I appeared “On the Record” with Greta Van Susteren to discuss what the Energy and Commerce Committee is doing in response to FCC attempts to violate journalists’ First Amendment rights. The FCC is unfairly interfering in journalists’ editorial processes with a media study that would send researchers into newsrooms. You will find a link to the video of that interview in the right sidebar. Please share this information by forwarding this email to your friends.
It is such an honor to represent the people of the Second District. Please contact my offices in Dunn, Asheboro and Washington with your questions, concerns and requests for assistance. We are here to serve you!
Opening the Discussion on Immigration
The issue of immigration is a tough one that must be addressed. There is no one who would claim that our current system is working. This week, I hosted a panel discussion on the issue with local business and faith leaders who talked about how immigration affects their companies and communities.
The event was open to the public, and I was pleased to see attendance exceeded expectations. Some of the media accounts from the event can be found below under In the News.
Snapshots from the District
At Lee County Innovation Center with CCCC Director of Industry Services Cathy Swindell.
Lee County Innovation Center tour with CCCC Industry Trainer/Coordinator Kendall Crawford.
With CCCC welding students, instructors, Cathy Swindell, and Lee County Commissioner Kirk Smith.
Speaking to employees at Challenge Printing Company in Sanford.
With City Manager John Ogburn and Mayor David Smith at City Hall in Asheboro.
Thirteen local business and faith leaders participated in a panel discussion in Cary regarding immigration and how it affects their businesses and communities.
In the News
Rep. Ellmers moderates immigration reform discussion in Cary
NBC 17 WNCN
“Congresswoman Renee Ellmers moderated a panel of local business leaders as part of a discussion on immigration reform and its impact on North Carolina’s economy. The panel stopped short of laying out a specific plan for immigration reform…”
Ellmers shows courage on immigration reform
Editorial – Raleigh News & Observer
“Congress has avoided doing anything meaningful about immigration for decades, and presidents who have tried to lead have typically given up after finding a lack of determination on Capitol Hill. That Ellmers would even demonstrate an interest in doing something and offer general ideas about how to do it represents political courage.”
Rep. Ellmers calls for updated immigration reform laws
Time Warner Cable/News 14 Carolina
“Congresswoman Renee Ellmers wants to bring federal immigration policies up to date. During a forum on immigration reform in Cary on Wednesday, Ellmers said new laws would improve North Carolina’s work force and attract companies here.”
Central Carolina Works: Partnership, contributors lauded at reception
Sanford Herald
“Greater educational opportunities for young people and the generosity of those who are making them possible were celebrated at the this week’s Central Carolina Works reception…Special guests at the reception included U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers; Will Collins, special assistant for workforce development at the N.C. Department of Commerce; and Dan Gerlach, president of the Golden LEAF Foundation, which has supported the initiative with a $100,000 grant.”
Ellmers makes glowing remarks at Challenge Printing
The Sanford Herald
“Standing in the main hall of a local manufacturing plant that faced closure last year, U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-Lee County) praised workers for their diligence and support of public health Wednesday afternoon.”