Newsletter: Happy Labor Day!

Statement

Friends,

Wow. I cannot believe how fast time flies. As we head into Labor Day, I hate to see summer end, but I'm excited to think about back to school, football season gearing up, and a little break from the heat.

I just wrapped up a great week traveling the district and meeting with folks to hear their concerns and discuss ways to help revitalize our local communities. Weeks like this are the favorite parts of my job because I enjoy spending time in our communities hearing directly from my employer-- each of you!

On Monday I had the opportunity to meet with North Carolina farmers who are so vital to the success and prosperity of our state. Agriculture is our number one industry, and I wanted to hear directly from our farmers about implementation of the new Farm Bill.

One of my stops was in Robeson County to discuss the farm bill and ways that the Department of Agriculture can assist local farmers with some of their questions. I will continue to work with the USDA to ensure that these farmers get timely and satisfactory responses.

I also had to opportunity to tour a long term job creator in our district when I stopped by McRae Industries in Montgomery County. Founded in 1959 with the primary focus of manufacturing high quality children¹s shoes, this family business began making combat boots for the Department of Defense in 1966 to equip our troops in Vietnam. Forty years after that first contract, McRae Industries continues to provide quality combat boots to the men and women serving this great nation. McRae has also diversified in the private sector and owns the popular western boot brands Laredo, Dingo, and Dan Post. This is the kind of quality manufacturing that I'm working hard every day to encourage and help keep right here in North Carolina.

Small businesses form the foundation of this country's economy and the Eighth District is home to many. I was able to visit a few this week during my Main Street tour in Lexington. Speaking firsthand with local entrepreneurs helped me to gain a better understanding of how Washington's policies are impacting jobs. I am so impressed by those who work incredibly hard every day to build quality business in their communities that provide employment opportunities and foundations for growth in the local economy. Now more than ever, it's clear to me that we need a pro-growth plan that gets government off the backs of our job-creators and returns power to American workers and entrepreneurs.

Few industries have the far-reaching impact on our economy like real estate does. As the real estate market begins its recovery it is important that your elected leaders ensure that polices are put in place to empower the individuals, families, and job creators in our community instead of bureaucrats in Washington. This week, I sat down with leaders from the real estate community to gain a better understand of how we can work together to reduce regulations and encourage investments back into our local economies. The tepid economic recovery has stifled numerous industries, particularly the housing industry. I continue to believe that big government failed policies led to this weak recovery and continues to be constrained by regulations.

Based on all my time listening to so many of you, it is clear you are frustrated with Washington these days. I share your frustration, and I will continue to work as hard as I can to fix our broken system and get the federal government out of the way so we can put people back to work.

As the weather cools, the leaves change and that high school football season gets into full swing, rest assured that my focus remains on representing you with common sense and continuing to work across the aisle to get things done.

Until next week,

Richard Hudson
Member of Congress (NC-08)

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