NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, The media is right to celebrate the U.S. economy adding 263,000 jobs in November; however, they’re missing some key numbers highlighting an unhealthy economy. The report showed an increase to 3.7% in unemployment and a decline in participation in our labor force.
Based on my conversations with business owners throughout our district, the decline in labor force participation impacts them the most. Multiple small businesses are changing their hours due to workforce shortages and inflated costs, and this causes wage losses and pay cuts.
Here's what we can do to help our economy – - Move supply chains away from China
- Expand U.S. manufacturing
- Enhance America’s economic competitiveness and cyber resiliency
- Prioritize energy independence
Above all, we must put an end to the Democrats’ wasteful spending. We cannot afford to let our businesses die out.
Please read about my week below:
Top Reads of the Week
A Recap of My Week
Updates from Agencies
Top Reads of the Week
WTXL (TALLAHASSEE): U.S. Postal Service closed Dec. 26 and Jan. 2
FOX NEWS: Economists skewer Fed, call suggestion to end worker pay raises 'tone deaf'
WALL STREET JOURNAL: Supreme Court Agrees to Decide if Biden Administration Can Provide Mass Student-Loan Forgiveness
A Recap of My Week
The Associated Industries of Florida Conference 
This past week, I gave a federal update at the 2022 Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) Annual Conference. This event was initially supposed to take place in early October, but it was postponed due to Hurricane Ian. We need groups like AIF now more than ever as we work to boost our economy and get this country back on track.
Thank you all for inviting me to speak and for your outstanding work! God bless you!
GOP Doctors Caucus 
In this week’s GOP Doctors Caucus meeting, we reviewed our priorities for next year with members of the Ways & Means, Energy & Commerce, and Appropriations Committees. Some of my healthcare priorities consist of the following: - Addressing physician reimbursement
- Working to end the Fentanyl epidemic
- Investigating the origins of COVID-19
I look forward to working with this group to improve access to and quality of care.
Here’s What I’m Supporting The Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act (H.R. 2923) – This bill would authorize a lightering crewmember to obtain a permit to land in the United States for up to 180 days if, during this period, the crewmember will perform ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfer operations involving a vessel engaged in foreign trade. A crewmember may now obtain a permit to land for up to 29 days and ask for parole. In addition, this bill would clarify that an alien passing in transit through the United States to board a vessel to perform liquid cargo transfer operations may qualify as a nonimmigrant in transit and may obtain a transit visa.
Updates From Agencies
IMPORTANT Announcement for Veterans A retired VA phone number may be putting your information at risk.
The Department of Veterans Affairs established 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) in 2020 to help Veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors understand and access the broad spectrum of VA benefits and services.
VA’s previous information number, 1-844-MyVA311, was retired at that time. Since that transition, 1-844-MyVA311 has been repurposed by a non-federal entity claiming to be a medical equipment provider. Veterans may try to call VA using the 1-844-MyVA311 number and unintentionally divulge personal information.
It is imperative that Veterans are informed that 1-800-MyVA411 is the appropriate number to call for information regarding: - COVID-19 updates
- Healthcare eligibility and enrollment
- VA benefits, such as disability, compensation and pension, education programs, caregiver support, insurance, home loans, and burial headstones and markers, among others
- The nearest VA medical centers, benefits offices, or cemeteries to Veterans, VA Medical Center operational updates and connection to VA Medical Center operators
- Directory assistance and technical support for www.VA.gov
- Debt and payment options
Update from the IRS
The IRS encourages taxpayers to take simple steps before the end of the year to make filing their 2022 federal tax return easier.
- Filers can visit the Get Ready webpage at IRS.gov/getready to find guidance on what’s new and what to consider when filing a 2022 tax return.
- The IRS encourages taxpayers to develop an electronic or paper recordkeeping system to store tax-related information in one place for easy access.
- Taxpayers should keep copies of filed tax returns and their supporting documents for at least three years.
- Before January, taxpayers should confirm that their employer, bank, and other payers have their current mailing address and email address to ensure they receive their year-end financial statements.
Click here for more details.
Help is available. You are not alone.
The holiday season can be a difficult time for many. If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, anonymous, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. Call 800-273-8255
Thank you for your continued energy and enthusiasm, as reflected in your letters and Facebook posts. If you haven’t already, LIKE my Facebook page. You can also follow me on Twitter @DrNealDunnFL2. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in Congress!
Sincerely,
Dr. Neal Dunn
Member of Congress
| Constituent Casework Corner
A veteran contacted my office after trying to obtain military medical records from the National Personnel Record Center (NPRC) for nearly six years. Between NPRC losing the veteran’s first and second requests and delays because of their COVID-19 backlog, enough was enough. We worked with NPRC, and they promptly sent copy of the veteran’s records to my office.
Do you need help with a federal agency? Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov
|
No comments:
Post a Comment