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I hope you saw my latest weekly column.
ROGER WICKER: Senator Addresses Water Crisis, Infrastructure Needs, and Economy
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Each year during August, I get the chance to travel extensively in Mississippi
to meet with constituents while Congress is out of session. This past month, I
met with a wide range of small business owners, employees, parents, civic
groups, and local leaders, some of whom are managing new infrastructure
projects. I am encouraged by the great deal of progress happening across our
state. However, the Jackson water crisis and our slowing economy have posed
significant challenges.
Jackson Loses Water Supply
Last week’s flooding along the Pearl River and the subsequent loss of water
supply has affected more than 180,000 residents in the Jackson area. Early in
the crisis, I met with Mayor Lumumba to tour the rising floodwaters and discuss
emerging needs. Governor Reeves soon announced the imminent failure of
Jackson’s water system, and President Biden granted a federal emergency
declaration. It is critical that we receive all available resources as
officials work to restore water access in the capital.
As Mississippi’s senior U.S. Senator, I am hopeful that we can soon enact a
long-term solution to these problems. As a direct result of the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law I helped negotiate, Mississippi will be able to draw upon at
least $429 million over the next five years to address water and wastewater
problems. These funds will supplement other money that has already been set
aside for Mississippi but is not yet spent. It is also clear that we need to
address flooding that coincided with the water crisis. As the historic rain was
falling, I hosted a group of federal officials in Jackson to discuss a
long-delayed plan for flood control along the Pearl River developed by state
and local leaders. I will continue calling on the Biden Administration and the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve this proposal and let us get to work.
New Projects Move Forward
Throughout my August travels, I met with builders and manufacturers who are
unleashing new growth across our state. I had the chance to meet with
transportation officials coordinating the construction of new highways and
bridges, as well as Mississippi shipbuilders and parts manufacturers who are
supplying our Navy with world-class equipment. I also visited chemical and
asphalt plants, met with furniture makers, and helped mark the beginning of
construction on a federal courthouse in Greenville. Additionally, I celebrated
the opening of a new Adranos rocket facility in McHenry, which will build
high-end rockets to help us beat China in the next space race. These and other
examples of development bring the promise of jobs and prosperity to
Mississippi, and I will continue to support them through legislation in
Congress.
Tax Hikes Loom Over Job Creators
Despite these positive trends, Mississippians are struggling under our slowing
economy. Inflation, which is near a 40-year high, continues to drive up prices.
Job creators still cannot find enough workers – a problem that became
entrenched with President Biden’s extended welfare benefits. Many are also
rightly disturbed by the President’s decision to pay off hundreds of billions
of dollars in student debt with our taxes – a move that is unfair and will make
inflation worse. On top of all this, the President’s new tax hikes are forcing
many job creators to rethink their plans for expansion, dimming the prospects
for a recovery. With Congress now returning to session, I will continue to
bring these concerns to the table as we seek solutions to our nation’s
challenges.
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Thank you for your support,
Senator Roger Wicker
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Please mail contributions to P.O. Box 64, Jackson, MS 39205.
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