When I speak with local police chiefs and sheriffs in south Mississippi they all agree we need to fund street level outreach, education, and employment opportunities that combat gun and gang violence.

So, this week during a House Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations hearing, I questioned Attorney General Sessions about his Project Safe Neighborhood initiative, and how it will address the ongoing violence in neighborhoods throughout the country.  This program will provide $140 million in grants to be given directly to local law enforcement across the nation, in order to create task forces and partnerships.

Click here or on the picture below to view our full exchange and learn more about the Project Safe Neighborhood Initiative. 

#SmallBusinessWeek
Next week is Small Business Week in America. With 29 million small businesses in the United States, it's no surprise that they are the backbone of our economy. Two-thirds of all new jobs are created by small business owners, which is why we passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to make it easier for these job producers to continue doing what they do best.  Let's show some appreciation to America's job creators next week. 

Congressional Art Competition Winner Announced 
Each year I host the Congressional Art Competition for high school students in Mississippi's 4th Congressional District. This year's competition took place over the last week on my facebook page. People from all across the 4th District were able to cast a vote for their favorite artwork by "liking" the online version of the art. This year's winner was Skylar Boyd from Columbia High School.  Her artwork will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and she will attend a reception in Washington, D.C. that recognizes the 2018 competition winners from each congressional district.

"Portrait of Jensen Ackles" by Skylar Boyd

The runner up was Simon Alvarez from Biloxi High School, and his art work will hang in my office in Washington, DC. 

"One Moment" by Simon Alvarez

I enjoyed seeing all of the impressive artwork that was submitted this year, and I am proud to represent such a talented group of Mississippians in Washington. The full album can be viewed here.  Below are the winners of each category who received the highest number of votes online. 

Overall Winners
1st Place over all- Skylar Boyd, Columbia High School
Runner Up - Simon Alvarez, Biloxi High School
Honorable Mention- JP Person, West Jones High School

Winners by Medium Category

Printing
1st - Brandon Stringer, West Jones High School
2nd - Karson Wardell, West Jones High School
3rd - Cassie Winship, West Jones High School

Photography
1st - Abbie Ledet, Northeast Jones High School
2nd - Katelynn Holder, Perry Central High School
3rd - Abbie Ledet, Northeast Jones High School

Painting
1st - Simon Alvarez, Biloxi High School
2nd - JP Person, West Jones High School
3rd - Rakizah Woodson, Columbia High School

Mixed Media
1st - Samiya Dillon, Columbia High School
2nd - Breanna Penton, Perry Central High School
3rd - Denise Gutierrez, Northeast Jones High School

Drawing
1st - Skylar Boyd, Columbia High School
2nd - JP Person, West Jones High School
3rd - Samiya Dillon, Columbia High School

Collage
1st - Kelly Stevens, Northeast Jones High School
2nd - Quinton Chapman, Northeast Jones High School
3rd- Tiffany Gambrell, Northeast Jones High School

Computer Generated
1st - Bobby Jane Little, Perry Central High School
2nd - Madison Wareham, D'Iberville High School
3rd - Megan Donston, Pass Christian High School

Happening in D.C.
This week I was pleased to welcome 8th graders and their families from Laurel Christian School to D.C. as they take some time to explore our nation's capital. I enjoyed speaking to them about key issues that are in the national spotlight, as well as Academy Day and my annual Youth Leadership Summit. It's always great to see the upcoming generation engaged in what's happening in America! 

Congressman Palazzo with Laurel Christian School 8th graders

I enjoyed meeting with Shaya Heckman who was sponsored by the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command at Stennis Space Center through their Executive Leadership Program to come to D.C. and learn a little more about the work we are doing in Congress and how I am able to serve south Mississippi in my role.

Congressman Palazzo with Shaya Heckman

In your service,  Steven