Representative Ron Estes

.Dear Friend,

In the 4th District and across Kansas, the Working Families Tax Cuts – championed by President Trump and Republicans in Congress – represent a historic investment in our farmers and ranchers that hasn’t been seen in at least a generation.

As an old farm kid myself who grew up on our family's century farm in northeast Kansas, I understand the challenges our ag producers face each day, but Republicans in Congress are working to provide lasting solutions for these issues. Just like the weather here changes from day to day, so can the trade and economic climate, but I've championed long-term investments and policies that will be felt for generations in our rural communities.

By increasing reference prices by 10% to 20% and adding 30 million new base acres, we are providing a robust safety net that finally accounts for the rising costs of production. This legislation also makes crop insurance more affordable and modernizes livestock and dairy programs to ensure our producers are protected when disaster strikes.

We are also securing the future of the family farm by making the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts permanent. This vital step prevents the "Death Tax" from forcing families to sell their land and secures a permanent 20% Small Business Deduction for the vast majority of our farms. With doubled expensing limits and lower taxes on agricultural loans, we are making it easier for the next generation to carry on Kansas’ strong agricultural tradition.

Finally, the Working Families Tax Cuts puts rural America first by doubling our investment in trade programs and ag research to support export growth. Newly created Qualified Rural Opportunity Funds will support a massive wave of private investment in the American heartland, steering capital toward agriculture and water infrastructure, and incentivize on-shoring of manufacturing. We have instituted new protections for securing our domestic biofuels fuel markets from foreign adversaries to ensure Kansas producers remain competitive on the global stage.

Just a few weeks ago, the House passed further legislation to assist our farmers and ranchers in Kansas – the Farm, Food, and National Security Act – better known as simply the Farm Bill. This was a major win for Kansas ag producers, and the legislation now heads to the Senate. We made one final adjustment to this legislation last week by allowing year-round E15. This is a major win for Kansas farmers, ethanol producers, and American energy independence. Expanding access to E15 gives consumers more choices at the pump, helps lower fuel costs, and strengthens rural economies across Kansas and the nation.

After years of neglect, this administration is delivering the respect and resources our rural communities deserve and helping ensure a prosperous future for American agriculture.

Sincerely,

Member of Congress

.I had the opportunity to host Rep. Brian Babin, Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, in Wichita. As a national leader for U.S. aviation and space policy and a representative of the interests of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Chairman Babin’s work plays a vital role in expanding and supporting the future of American innovation. His visit to the Air Capital of the World was especially significant due to our leadership in innovation in the aerospace industry.

During his visit, we highlighted important aviation and technological innovations happening right here in Kansas. As chairman, Rep. Babin understands firsthand the need for continued and improved research, workforce development, and manufacturing capability to ensure our nation remains competitive in the aerospace industry. Chairman Babin’s work has been instrumental in advancing policies that promote innovation and growth and support the skilled workforce that powers our aviation economy.

It was an honor to host him in the district this past week and showcase the people, institutions and industries that continue to make Wichita a cornerstone of American aerospace leadership. Thank you to Chairman Babin for coming to the Air Capital of the World!

.Attending Exploration Place Ribbon Cutting
I had the honor to attend the Exploration Place “ribbon cutting” in Wichita – instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, participants each poured water into a beaker, with the final participant – a young Kansan who has benefited from modern medicine and research – pouring the full beaker into the fountain.

Exploration Place is more than a recreational playspace – it is a laboratory, developing Kansas’ brightest young minds and instilling in them the skills driving the 4th District’s economy. The facility’s new expansion includes new state-of-the-art exhibits, interactive learning, and more dedicated spaces for hands-on STEM education all targeting different ages and levels of education. These resources provide students and families with unique opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and math in a fun and practical way.

As industries across the 4th District continue to grow and evolve, developing a strong pipeline of skilled workers remains essential. Exploration Place’s partnerships with local schools and businesses are already bearing fruit, giving students real-world exposure and fostering a passion for discovery.

It was truly inspiring to see the site where the next generation of Kansans is being equipped to compete on a global stage and continue to fuel the progress in STEM, ongoing right here in the Air Capital of the World. We aren’t just building a park, we are building a pipeline.

Boeing Investment in Wichita

Boeing announced its increased investment in the aviation sector here in Kansas. This investment will spur new research collaborations, fuel advanced manufacturing, and strengthen our supply chain, making Wichita even more central to the nation’s aerospace ambitions. Boeing's commitment to Wichita both reinforces our position as a hub for innovation in aerospace and supports our economy even further by creating job opportunities and supporting the current workforce in our region.

I was honored to attend the partnership announcement between Boeing and WSU Tech recently. This increased partnership includes new training initiatives for local workers, technology upgrades for regional manufacturers, and a renewed focus on workforce development that will help secure Wichita’s leadership for decades to come. I was honored to announce the continued partnership of Boeing to give Kansans the tools they need to continue making Wichita the heart of global aviation.

Headline: Honoring a Kansas Legend: Connie Palacioz

.Kansas and the entire nation lost a legendary figure in our history with the passing of Connie Palacioz. At 101 years old, Connie was one of the last original "Rosie the Riveters" who helped transform Wichita into the Arsenal of Democracy during World War II.

As a teenager, she stepped up when her country needed her most, working on the B-29 assembly lines to build the planes that secured our freedom. Her service didn't end in 1945, however – decades later, she spent more than 16 years volunteering to restore "Doc," the very B-29 Superfortress she helped build during the war.

I was always moved by Connie’s unwavering devotion to our country, and her grit and "we can do it" attitude represented the very best of the Greatest Generation. While she will be deeply missed in the Newton and Wichita communities, her legacy as a trailblazer in the Air Capital of the World will continue to fly high every time "Doc" takes to the skies. Susan and I join all Kansans in keeping her family and friends in our prayers.

.Did you know that RiverFest, the beloved annual festival of Wichita, started all the way back in 1972, funded at first by the sale of buttons? This festival features games like a bathtub race, carnival, art show, antique auto parade and race, and the Moonlight River Parade. In order for the festival to stay affordable for families, organizers decided to sell buttons – more than 2,000 buttons were sold that first year, making it a staple for the following years. Today, the festival still holds strong with over 100 events to partake in, making it Kansas’ largest festival, and one of the largest in America.