6 Months

It has been six months since the largest reform to our nation's tax code in more than 30 years, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, was signed into law. Since then, our economy has skyrocketed.

Because of our new tax law, American workers have received $4 billion in bonuses and more than 600 businesses have announced they will pass their tax savings to employees through bonuses, expanded benefits and more. Additionally, the consumer confidence level rose to a 17-year high, 90% of Americans will see bigger paychecks, the unemployment rate fell to the lowest level in nearly 20 years and more.

Click here to see more about what our new, simplified tax code has accomplished in 6 months.

6 months after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed, Americans are seeing more jobs, bigger paychecks and fairer taxes. Click here to see more about what our new, simplified tax code has accomplished.

From our Nation's Capitol CLXVIV

Monday, July 2, 2018: I love celebrating the July 4^th holiday! Parades, cookouts, watermelon, and best of all the reason for the celebration - our nation’s independence. Although this past weekend was extremely busy, it was tons of fun. Saturday afternoon I headed to Screven in Wayne County where the summer afternoon thundershowers couldn’t dampen the spirits of the great turnout. With lots of vendors, elected officials and hot dogs, this is the type celebration that makes the July 4^th holiday so special.

Rep. Carter at the 4th of July Celebration in Richmond Hill

Afterwards, I headed to Richmond Hill in Bryan County and one of the best venues in the State of Georgia, J.F. Gregory Park. Along with hundreds of people, Mayor Russ Carpenter, State Representative Ron Stephens and I had the opportunity to attend the celebration and visit the many vendors participating as well as enjoy the wonderful music. After addressing the crowd along with the Mayor and Rep. Stephens, I had the opportunity to partake in some fine Bar B Que that was delicious. On Sunday afternoon, I traveled to Waycross in Ware County to speak at the “In God We Trust” celebration at Sweat Memorial Baptist Church. This is one of my favorite events of the year and this is the fourth year in a row that I have spoken at this annual celebration. Along with Waycross Mayor John Knox, State Senator Tyler Harper, and other elected officials, we enjoyed the great music of the Waycross orchestra and singing of patriotic songs by the choir. This morning, I begin in Effingham County with a tour of Port Fresh Logistics, a company that packages and stores fruits and vegetables shipped through the Port of Savannah. This state-of-the-art cold storage facility handles import and export cargo while participating in a USDA pilot program that allows South American citrus fruit, grapes, blueberries and other products to enter via the Port of Savannah which greatly reduces shipping times to customers in the region. Afterwards, I head to the Savannah Police Department training center where I meet with a cadet class from the department who participated in a search last week in Port Wentworth for a lost 2 year old girl and were successful in finding and rescuing the child. As I present them with an American flag flown over the Capitol in their honor, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to have such fine men and women serving us in public safety.

Rep. Carter presents a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to the Savannah Police Department

Next, I head to my Savannah office where I meet with Nick Farley regarding maritime security training in the Savannah port followed by a meeting with Savannah City Councilman Bill Durrence, Historic Savannah Foundation President and CEO, Daniel Carey and local architect Scott Barnard to discuss the design of the Tomochichi Federal Courthouse Annex. Afterwards, I head to downtown Savannah to tour the Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC) and learn more of the great work they do for small businesses in our area.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018: After an early morning meeting in Pooler with Rick Terrell with Coca-Cola to discuss tax reform and other issues, I head to the intersection at Abercorn Extension and Truman Parkway for the inaugural raising of the largest American flag in the City of Savannah. Displayed atop a new 100 ft flag pole recently installed at the new Veterans Memorial Park located next to the intersection, the 30 ft x 50 ft flag is raised with the help of the 3^rd Infantry Division Color Guard with the 3^rd ID band performing patriotic musical selections.

Rep. Carter participates in the inaugural raising of the largest American flag in the City of Savannah

Spearheaded by City of Savannah Alderman Tony Thomas, this flag will be seen by the many motorists who traverse this intersection and will remind them of the sacrifices our forefathers and veterans made and the sacrifices our active military continue to make to defend the rights and freedoms we have in this great country. Afterwards, I have a meeting with new Savannah U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commander Col. Daniel Hibner. Fortunately, Col. Hibner is no stranger to this area as he previously served at Fort Stewart and is therefore very familiar with our area. Next, I head to Blessed Sacrament Church and School on Victory Drive for a tour of their new facilities. Originally built in 1939 and expanded in 1958, the new addition helps the school serve more than 400 children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Afterwards, I head back to my office to meet with Becky Brownlee from the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) followed by a meeting with Dr. Matt Gilligan from Savannah State University where I have the opportunity to congratulate him for receiving a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). Next, I meet with Tony Tata to learn of his work in Kurdistan with the Kurdish Peshmerga fighting ISIS and terrorism and afterwards, do a television interview with Fox 28 regarding my meeting with him. Next, I head to Home Depot on Victory Drive where I do a Facebook Live segment on tax reform followed by a tour of the business where I have the opportunity to speak to the staff about the impact of tax reform on their business. I end my visit by testing my skills at mixing paint and, to the delight of everyone, make it through without incident. My final stop of a very busy day is at the sold out Savannah Bananas baseball game where I witness the “Nanna’s” beat the Holly Springs Salamanders in extra innings.

Wednesday, July 4, 2018: I’m up early this morning and on St. Simons Island at 7:15 a.m. to greet the early finishers from the Sunshine Festival Race 5K run and to speak to the U.S. Capitol Police class training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco after they complete the run.

Rep. Carter discusses the impacts of tax reform for employees at Home Depot

From there I head to St. Marys for their annual 4^th of July parade that is delayed for about 15 minutes while thunderstorms pass through the area. The St. Marys parade is a great parade that draws big crowds and that the youngsters thoroughly enjoy. Afterwards, I head to St. George in Charlton County which is the southernmost city in the First Congressional District and boasts one of the biggest and best July 4^th celebrations around. Supported by area churches and hosted by the St. George First Baptist Church, this annual event draws hundreds of people with plenty of good food and door prizes.