Congressman David Kustoff joined us for Biscuits ‘n’ Tips to share updates on what has shaped this year and what lies ahead.
A Year in Review: What Stood Out in Washington
Congressman Kustoff began by looking back at a busy year in Washington and explaining that the One Big Beautiful Bill stands out as one of the most significant pieces of legislation in his career.
- Tax Relief for Families and Businesses: “We permanently lowered the tax brackets for everyone at all incomes,” Kustoff explained. “We doubled the standard deduction, so most people today do not have to itemize.”
- Estate Tax Reform: “No family should have to worry about paying estate tax on the farm once their loved ones pass,” he said. “You can be cash poor but land rich. That’s why we made the exemption permanent and indexed for inflation.”
- Support for Workers: “No tax on tips. No tax on overtime. That’s going to put more money back in people’s pockets.”
Andy Hall, County Commissioner, speaking with Congressman David Kustoff
Agriculture at the Heart of the Conversation
Kustoff reminded us that the 8th Congressional District is the largest agricultural district in Tennessee. Farmers are facing the hardest times since the 1980s. “There are no perfect answers,” he admitted, “but we are working with the administration. One thing being floated is $15 billion in economic relief for farmers.” He also mentioned trade agreements to open markets for soybeans and other crops.
Community Safety and Law Enforcement
Another major topic was public safety. Kustoff highlighted the work of the Memphis Safe Task Force, which launched less than two months ago. “They’ve made about 3,100 arrests,” he said. “They’ve taken 327 known gang members off the streets and recovered 121 missing children. That’s incredible work.”
He described how local, state, and federal agencies are working together to make communities safer.
Disaster Relief and Practical Help
Kustoff also discussed legislation he helped pass, including the Natural Disaster Filing Relief Act. “If you’ve been subject to a natural disaster—tornado, flooding, hurricane—the IRS can now extend not only the filing deadline but the payment deadline,” he explained. “That matters when your home is damaged and your life is disrupted.”
Tough Questions from the Community
One of the best parts of Biscuits and Tips is the open dialogue. Attendees asked about affordability, inflation, and how federal spending impacts everyday life. Kustoff didn’t shy away from tough answers.
On Inflation:
“I think one big reason we’ve got the problems with the cost of everything is that after 2020, we had Pelosi as speaker of the house and Schumer as majority leader of the Senate… At the start of COVID, there were stimulus checks that went out… I get that… because the country shut down. Nobody went to work. Nobody went to school. The lights were out. The markets were closed. So, people got stimulus checks. But Pelosi and Schumer kept the stimulus checks coming at that point. They didn’t need to. The economy was actually okay and over my objection they passed what’s called the American Investment Plan, which was over $1 trillion in brand new federal spending. And then they passed an infrastructure bill that cost almost $1.2 trillion. So, you had a lot of new dollars pumped into the system and you saw inflation hit 9%.”
On entitlement programs:
The three biggest drivers of federal spending are Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. They account for almost two-thirds of all spending. We need to take care of people who truly need help—those who are disabled, veterans—but if you’re able to work, you should work.
He explained new work requirements for SNAP benefits:
“If you’re between 18 and 59, able-bodied, and have no dependent child, you need to work at least 20 hours a week or be in school to receive benefits. That’s smart policy.”
Why These Gatherings Matter
Events like this remind us why The Ledge exists. It’s not just a building. It’s a space for education, enrichment, entertainment, and events that bring people together. When we host leaders like Congressman Kustoff, we create opportunities for learning and connection. We also show that rural voices matter.
Thank You for a Great Year
As we wrap up 2025, we want to thank everyone who joined us for Biscuits ‘n‘ Tips and all our other programs. Your presence makes The Ledge a place where ideas grow and friendships thrive. We look forward to more events in the new year. If you have ideas for speakers or programs, we’d love to hear from you. This is your hall, and your input shapes its future.