This week in D.C. has been quite busy with meetings, votes, interviews, and roundtables. Often while in DC, each half hour is filled with “virtual” and in-person discussions on differing topics. Discussions this week ranged from infrastructure priorities with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), savings and money policy with students from Boyne Falls, economic partnership priorities with Ontario, defense priorities for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a VA Health Subcommittee meeting, legislative priorities with constituents, and a meeting with VA Secretary McDonough - just to outline a few.
I love the opportunity to discuss the broad array of issues affecting the daily lives of those who call the First District home. This week I introduced an important piece of legislation in support of our First District workers. Recent COVID-19 relief legislation gave a $10,200 tax deduction to individuals who lost their job over the past year and claimed unemployment. I found it incredibly frustrating that no such tax break was given to Americans who continued to work through the pandemic - keeping our economy functioning and running.
This legislation would provide the $10,200 tax exclusion to all Americans making less than $150,000 if passed into law. Our workers - from our grocers to our nurses - deserve this tax break after the year they’ve gone through.
I hope you take a few minutes to read more about this bill below. I appreciate each of you and look forward to talking more.
Respectfully,
Jack Bergman
Bergman Forms Rural Connectivity Advisory Committee
Rep. Jack Bergman announced the formation of the Rural Connectivity Advisory Committee for Michigan’s First District. The Committee will serve as a forum where Rep. Bergman, internet service providers, local and tribal leaders, and stakeholder groups can share ideas, opportunities, and solutions in the fight to address the critical lack of connectivity in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
Some key goals of the Committee include:
Identifying underlying issues behind the lack of connectivity in Michigan’s First District;
Exploring actionable solutions to bridge the digital divide in Michigan’s rural communities;
Seeking coordination among federal, state, local, tribal, and private partners;
Informing members and constituents of ongoing efforts and available resources; and
Hearing from relevant government officials involved in broadband programs.
Read the full release here
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Offers Presentation
USPTO Midwest Regional Outreach Office will present to the Michigan UP community, an overview of intellectual property types.
About this Event: Although this event is virtual, and open to anyone, it is specifically reaching out to the communities serviced by the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Michigan Technological University servicing the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Regional Outreach Officer and Assistant Outreach Advisor will conduct a discussion will present a discussion that will cover: an overview of intellectual property types: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, why innovators and entrepreneurs should consider protecting their IP, and local resources and assistance available through the USPTO and other agencies.
Register Online and ALSO CLICK HERE to register at USPTO to receive the webinar connection information.
Michigan Teacher Announced as Space Foundation Teacher Liaison
The new flight of Teacher Liaisons will be honored at the Teacher Liaison Virtual Workshop during Space Foundation’s upcoming 36th Space Symposium. In addition to the recognition activities, Teacher Liaisons will participate in a workshop featuring special guests and speakers.
Read more here
House Armed Services Committee
On April 14th, Rep. Bergman attended a full committee briefing on “National Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activity in North and South America.” Members heard testimony from the Department of Defense, U.S. Northern Command, and U.S. Southern Command officials. Testimony covered topics including U.S. force postures in the regions, security challenges, partner capacity building and defense of the homeland.
During the briefing, Rep. Bergman questioned whether current assumptions about the threat to the homeland are correct and the preparedness of U.S. Northern Command to conduct operations in the homeland. He also questioned which naval platforms should be considered for use in U.S. Southern Command.
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