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Last week the House passed Tax Reform 2.0 with my support. Tax Reform 2.0 is a package of three bills to continue the momentum of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Thanks to tax reform and pro-growth policies, Georgians are better off now than they were under our old complicated and burdensome tax code. Our economy is booming, workers are receiving pay raises and bonuses and Americans are keeping more of their hard-earned money. Additionally, the unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent in September - the lowest rate since 1969.
First, the House passed the Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act which makes permanent the individual and small business tax cuts currently in the new tax law. The nonpartisan Tax Foundation estimates this move would create 1.5 million jobs and raise long run GDP by 2.2 percent.
Next, Tax Reform 2.0 also includes the Family Savings Act. This bill bolsters the use of 529 education savings accounts, creates new Universal Savings Accounts to offer flexible savings tools for families, and allows families to access retirement accounts penalty-free when welcoming a new child into the family.
Finally, the American Innovation Act will help brand new businesses write off more of their initial start up costs, remove barriers to growth and encourage new innovation.
Tax reform is already working to help Americans from all walks of life achieve the American Dream and I will continue supporting policies to ensure this continues. |
| From our Nation's Capitol CLXXXII |
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Monday, October 1, 2018: Yesterday, I traveled to Raleigh, NC, as I was honored to speak to members of the North Carolina Mutual Wholesale Drug Company (Mutual Drug) at their annual conference held at the Raleigh Convention Center. Serving independent pharmacies in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, Mutual Drug is owned and managed by pharmacists. Having the opportunity to bring this group of about 400 pharmacists up to date on issues pertaining to our profession was truly a pleasure.
Rep. Carter at the Midwife Group Women’s Health & Birth Center |
This morning I’m in Savannah as I have the chance to tour the Midwife Group Women’s Health & Birth Center and learn more about the great work they do here. This state-licensed and nationally accredited facility has been in operation for over 30 years providing mothers with a safe and comfortable place to give birth and is the oldest free-standing midwifery practice in the State of Georgia. Believing that birth is a social event and a normal part of a woman’s life, the facility provides a comfortable birth setting that is “low-tech” but “high-touch.” Afterwards, I head to my Savannah district office where I meet with my friend Bruce McCartney to discuss veteran issues. Bruce, a veteran himself who served our country during the Vietnam War, is very active in the veteran community and stays up to date on veteran issues. Next, I meet with representatives from Preferred Materials, a leading supplier of asphalt, concrete and paving services in the area as we discuss infrastructure initiatives in Washington. Afterwards, I meet with Kathy Moore, who is a Registered Nurse and has a strong interest in the opioid epidemic, as we discuss the opioid legislation that we passed in Congress last week and that now awaits the President’s signature. My next meeting is with Paula Kreissler with Healthy Savannah and Joel Smoker, CEO of the YMCA, as they bring me up to date on their strategies and activities. After meeting with John Hauber to discuss law enforcement issues including defensive tactics to reduce use of force, I have a TV interview with WSAV in Savannah to discuss Gold Star Wives and the unfair compensation they are receiving from the Veterans Administration. A link to my interview can be found here.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018: I’m in Thunderbolt this morning as I have the privilege of meeting with retirees from local union 188. Founded in 1899 by 27 plumbers and gas fitters, the union now also includes HVAC journeymen and apprentices.
Rep. Carter visiting Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge |
After bringing the group up to date on Washington issues, I have the opportunity to answer their questions and hear their comments. Next, I head to Skidaway Island where I board a boat with personnel from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and head to Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), one of seven refuges under the jurisdiction of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex. Wassaw Island NWR consists of 7,425 acres of wetland and 2,628 acres of upland area and was accepted by the federal government under Deed of Donation from The Nature Conservancy on October 20, 1969, for one dollar. Upon arriving on the barrier island, we tour the US Fish and Wildlife facilities and then head out on a tour of the island that received approximately 12,000 visitors last year. The natural, primitive beauty of the island, combined with the vast knowledge of the US Fish and Wildlife Service personnel, makes for a great visit as I learn about projects such as the Caretta Research group that reported approximately 8,000 Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings and 153 nests by the closeout of the 2018 field season.
Wednesday, October 3, 2018: Three years ago, I visited Liberty Elementary School (LES) in Hinesville as they started their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program and this morning I am delighted to be back and attend the State STEM Certification Flag presentation ceremony signifying that they have completed this program.
Rep. Carter reading to students at Folkston Elementary School |
Along with Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods, this special ceremony includes presentations from students and faculty as well as a check presentation from representatives from Coastal Electric Membership. I am reminded that currently there are around 2,500 public schools in Georgia and only 60 are State STEM certified and only 2 elementary schools south of Macon are STEM certified - and one of them is LES! Afterwards, I head to Woodbine in Camden County as I attend the Region 12 Georgia Municipal Association meeting held at City Hall and bring them up to date on Washington issues including 5G deployment. Next, I head to Folkston Elementary School in Charlton County where I have the opportunity to read to a great group of 1st and 2nd grade classes. Next, I head to Waycross in Ware County to meet with constituents before heading to Cogdell in Clinch County to meet with more constituents.
Thursday, October 4, 2018: After heading to Savannah and meeting with local new car salesmen about issues specific to them, I head to the Chatham County Police Department Graduation/Promotion ceremony held at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler.
Rep. Carter at the Chatham County Police Department Graduation and Promotion Ceremony |
Under the leadership of new Chief Jeff Hadley, this group of 15 graduates and 9 promotion candidates brings the force to a 95% staff level. Next, I head to the Richmond Hill YMCA fun club in Bryan County where I read 3 books to the students, including Pete the Cat and Dr. Seuss. Afterwards, I meet with a group of constituents from Bryan and Liberty counties to discuss issues important to them.
Friday, October 5, 2018: I’m in downtown Savannah this morning as I have been invited to speak to the American Pilots Association at their annual international convention that is being held here this year. Savannah’s maritime community, and especially its Pilots Association led by Captain Trey Thompson, is recognized as not only one of the best in the country but also in the world. Next, I head to Waycross in Ware County where I meet with judicial and law enforcement personnel before heading back to Fleming in Liberty County where I participate in the annual “Clays for Clayton” clay shoot at the 17th South Rod and Gun Club to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer. Afterwards, I head to the most impressive “Specialty Sports Complex” at Calvary Day School in Savannah where, along with Savannah Mayor Pro-tem Carol Bell, I am honored before the Calvary vs. Savannah Christian football game and I have the opportunity to perform the coin toss. In what is one of the great high school rivalries in South Georgia, Savannah Christian prevails tonight in a nail biter, 24-21. |
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