Representative David Rouzer

Dear Friend,

As we approach peak hurricane season in September, it's important to be and stay prepared. Below you will find the latest update from hurricane forecasters about a potential increase in Atlantic hurricane activity along with important preparedness tips. I'm also happy to share new details about two bills I'm supporting in Congress to help North Carolina's agritourism and our small businesses. Please keep reading for more information and important resources!

If you received this newsletter from a friend, and you would like to continue receiving these updates, you can subscribe here or connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Recent Legislation

Strengthening North Carolina Agritourism

Agritourism in North Carolina generates economic activity in our communities while helping visitors better learn how our farm families provide for our nation’s food supply and the critical impact they have. This week, I was pleased to join my fellow co-chair of the Agritourism Caucus, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton from Virginia, in introducing the bipartisan Agritourism Act. This bill will improve access to the resources available to help our farmers and entire rural communities benefit from the unique economic opportunities agritourism has to offer.

Supporting the Main Street Tax Certainty Act

With soaring prices, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions, many small businesses are struggling. To support America's job creators, Congress must improve the regulatory climate, including making permanent the tax provisions of the historic 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that incentivize investment, productivity, and work.

To ensure our tax code continues to support our small businesses, which drive our local economy, I cosponsored the Main Street Tax Certainty Act. This bill makes permanent small business tax deductions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. By making this tax cut permanent, Congress can give small business owners the tax certainty they need to continue to operate their businesses and create lasting, good paying jobs in our communities.

Stay Safe During Hurricane Season

As we quickly approach peak hurricane season, it’s important to make sure you stay informed. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have increased their prediction for the ongoing 2023 Atlantic hurricane season from a near-normal level of activity to an above-normal level of activity.

While NOAA’s hurricane season outlooks are forecasts of overall season activity, not landfalls, it's important to stay prepared. Click here or on the button below to visit my Hurricane Resources page for preparedness tips, local emergency contact information, specific resources on how my office can help before as well as after a storm and more.

NC-07 HURRICANE RESOURCES

Resources

2023 Congressional App Challenge: I’m excited to invite students in North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District to display their coding skills by participating in the 2023 Congressional App Challenge! Students interested in learning to code and creating their own applications are encouraged to apply. All entries are due by November 1st. Click here for more information.

VA Extends PACT Act Deadline: Due to extremely high demand and technical issues, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has extended the deadline for veterans to register for PACT Act benefits to Monday, August 14, 2023. If you apply before then, and are accepted, you may be eligible for one year of retroactive benefits as well. To learn more and find out if you are eligible, click HERE to watch an informational video from the Veterans Health Administration. To apply for benefits, click HERE or call 1-800-MY-VA-411.

SBA Changes Disaster Lending Program: This week, the Small Business Administration announced changes to its disaster lending program. The new rule increases home disaster loan limits, expands use of protective upgrades, increases the initial payment deferral period, and waives interest accrual for the first year from the date of the initial disbursement for all disaster loans. Click here for more information.

Learn How Scammers Pose as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Scammers may impersonate the IRS by phone or email, in person, or by mail or delivery service. By staying vigilant against scams, taxpayers can protect themselves. Click here for three tips from the IRS to protect yourself.

This Week's Good News Story

For this week's good news story, I'm congratulating Bladen County's newest Eagle Scouts! According to the Bladen Journal, "Despite a rigorous process with numerous requirements, Tucker Bordeaux and Andrew Runion became Eagle Scouts on July 25 and earned a high honor accomplished by a dedicated few. The two young men are under the guidance of Troopmaster Andy Runion." Congratulations, Tucker and Andrew! Completing your Eagle Project is an accomplishment for which you can truly be proud, especially considering only five percent of all Boy Scouts attain the rank of Eagle. Your efforts on behalf of the local community and the State of North Carolina and its citizens are to be commended.

Closing Thoughts...

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” — Winston Churchill