Today I’m with my grandchildren enjoying some family time before heading back to Washington to vote on important bills related to the opioid abuse crisis, among other issues. But first I want to give you an update on the latest from this week in the district:
Small Businesses Making a Big Impact
Did you know that small businesses create two-thirds of the new jobs in our economy and employ 48 percent of all private sector workers? May 1st through 7th marks National Small Business Week and is as good a time as any to patronize some of the outstanding small businesses making a big impact in middle Tennessee. I marked the occasion with a visit to Lafayette, Tennessee, where I met with local small business owner at the Macon County Rotary Club and heard firsthand from them about the challenges and opportunities they face as they seek to grow their business in today’s economic climate. Later, I got a chance to visit a #TN06 favorite – Cathy’s Flowers & Gifts on the square in Lafayette. If you’re in the area, be sure to check out their arrangements and remember to “shop small” this week and throughout the year!
You Can’t Make This Up
You won’t believe this—the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs decided to cease using the terms “felon” and “convict” in speeches and other materials because, in their view, the phrases could be damaging to criminals’ self-esteem and harmful to their reintegration into society. You can read the details here. I’m not buying their explanation and I have a feeling most Tennesseans won’t either. Our country is in real trouble and Washington bureaucracies are busy thinking up new, politically correct terms for criminals and illegal aliens. It defies comprehension and it doesn’t solve a single problem facing Americans’ daily lives. I shared more of my thoughts on this ridiculous change with CNS News, which you can read HERE.
Creativity Reigns at Hendersonville Christian Academy
This week I had the honor of recognizing Hendersonville Christian Academy Senior Marian Silva as winner of the 2016 6th District Congressional Art Competition. Silva’s beautiful artwork, entitled “Iris” will hang in the halls of the U.S. Capitol over the course of the next year. I got a chance to personally deliver the news to Marian at school on Wednesday and her parents even showed up to celebrate with us! Join me in congratulating Marian and all of the talented young artists that participated in this year’s competition!