Congressman Jason Smith, U.S. Representative of Missouri’s 8th Congressional District visited a couple area schools Monday, with one scheduled stop meeting with Campbell High School’s student officers.

Upon arrival, Smith was greeted by members of Campbell High’s Student Council, FFA, BETA, FCCLA and FBLA.

Congressman Smith made the group comfortable by cracking jokes and interacting with the students who appeared to be quite interested in what Smith’s position details, as well as, how he serves areas like the Bootheel.

Smith began by telling the students that it doesn’t matter what your last name is, it doesn’t matter what zip code you live in, always stand behind your beliefs. “Learn and Lead,” Smith said. “My vote represents you and I don’t take that lightly.”

Congressman Smith wanted the students to know a little more about him and where he comes from so they could get a better understanding of who their voice is in Washington. “I’m sure most of you are unaware of my past,” Smith said. “I grew up poor and my family didn’t have the luxuries others around us had, so I grew up knowing what work was because nothing was ever given.”

Smith went on to tell the students how young he was when he realized he wanted to grow up and make a difference for people who are often overlooked and his reason for it..

“It was my freshman year, I was in the middle of my SAE project, (which is a Supervised Agriculture Experience) that I was operating approximately 25-feet from my father’s auto mechanic shop, when I was told I could not do it there,” Smith said. “They told me I could not run a commercial business in a residential area. “So from that point on, I knew I wanted to become someone who would be the voice for others and make a difference in their lives.”

Smith asked the students if they knew what he had just voted on the previous week. “What would you think if there were a Bill to pass that would require you to go to school year-round,” Smith asked. As with most students, no one was in favor of that idea.

“That was presented not long ago but it didn’t pass,” Smith advised. “You guys should always pay attention to what is going on with local, state and federal governments because you never know from one day to the next what will be passed and how it will effect you and your families.”

After talking with the students about how farming was a big part of his childhood, he asked how many students were part of farm families. Several raised their hands. That’s when Smith updated them on the recent tax reform issue.

Smith discussed the meeting he had with President Donald Trump where they addressed the details on how he planned to reduce the tax burden on American businesses, families, farmers and workers, giving Americans one of the largest pay increases a president has ever proposed.

“Things like the child tax credit, with the right modifications, can be used to help middle class working families is something we addressed,” Smith said. “Starting one’s family shouldn’t also force them into a decision between groceries or day care, between work or staying at home.”

Smith told the students that President Trump is an entirely different man than the one seen on television.

“He is extremely personable and is willing to always hear people out, who have ideas on how to help American families in need,” Smith said. “That’s something I didn’t get to experience with the prior administration and communication is crucial in progression.”

Smith said he also met with the President’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, last Wednesday in his office to discuss how they could work together to change the tax code to reward working families, not punish them.

“Ivanka and I agreed, working two jobs and raising a family at the same time should be rewarded, not punished,” Smith said. “And it’s people like you, student leaders who will one day be our voice in Washington.”

Smith concluded his visit by telling the students, “Every vote I cast affects you, and I want you to know, trust and believe that any of you here in this room can do what I do.”

Smith wanted the students to stay up to date on the issues in Washington and to know he is doing everything he can to represent this area and be the voice for the people in the delta.

http://www.dddnews.com/story/2454280.html