On Wednesday, Congressman Smith stopped at the Tyson Foods Plant in Dexter, Missouri to see their recent plant expansion first-hand and also to talk about how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is reducing the federal tax burden on American companies like Tyson, leaving employers with more resources to decide best how to invest in their operations.
“Before passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, like most American based companies, Tyson was being held back by one of the highest tax rates found anywhere in the world,” said Congressman Smith. “That is why our action last month was so important – it leveled the playing field for American employers, including those like Tyson here in Dexter. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will help American companies compete against our competitors around the globe and help ensure that American companies and American workers can continue to succeed.”
Tyson Foods in Dexter employs approximately 620 people and sources from local growers for corn and other needs. In the last five years, the Dexter facility completed an over $5 million expansion while simultaneously increasing hourly wages for employees. While there, Smith learned about day to day operations from manager Mark Avery.
“It’s great when members of the U.S. Congress show interest in our company,” said Mark Avery, Tyson Foods’ complex manager in Dexter. “We enjoyed showing Representative Smith how our team is dedicated to providing safe, wholesome food not only to the people of Missouri, but also to the U.S. and the world.”
“It was great to spend time with the folks from Tyson today and see their operation. They are an important employer in the Dexter area and exactly the type of American company which the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is going to help,” said Congressman Smith. "America is open for business and competitive once again thanks to this legislation which not only levels the playing field for employers, but also takes care of the American worker. More than two million American families, including thousands of Missourians, have already received bonuses, increased pay and other benefits as a direct result of this legislation. Next month millions more will be receiving larger paychecks as the full impact of these tax cuts begins to kick in," concluded Congressman Smith.
Smith is the only member of the Missouri Congressional Delegation on the tax-writing committee in Congress, The Ways and Means Committee, and was instrumental in writing and passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Smith also traveled to St. Charles, Missouri with President Trump in November to discuss the importance of the tax cuts legislation and joined him at a similar stop in Springfield, Missouri last August.
The stop in Dexter is one of many tax-related stops the Congressman is making this week. He will also visit Dent and Texas County to hear about how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has positively impacted Missourians.
