I was invited to attend one of the premier social events of 2020, the Larsen granddaughter’s 4th of July Tea Party, held at Becky’s newly renovated garden. The event was hosted by Millie Dayton, Annabelle Larsen, Ada Martineau and Ella Martineau, the ladies were gracious and elegant and were eager to engage in a conversation on current affairs. We discussed the fiscal challenges facing Wyoming, why Mille’s dog in Cokeville doesn’t have a tail, how do worms see without eyes, and the impacts of COVID-19 on the businesses of Wyoming. They stood firm with their opinions but we all agreed that this years refreshment of chocolate milk provided by Amanda Larsen was superb and all agreed to participate in an effort to secure her recipe

The 4th of July is the Larsen family’s favorite holiday, and this year we are grateful that all of our six children and our 15 grandchildren (2 more on the way) are visiting us. We have enjoyed robust conversations on government and the role of government in our lives. I am proud that my children and their spouses have opinions on these important matters. We are grateful to live in in this great nation and vow to labor to protect the values that has allowed our nation to set the standard for other nations to follow.

I was also reading today on the number of businesses in the state and in Fremont County benefitting from the funds provided through the CARES act by our legislature to address the impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions. I am please that these funds have gone to businesses in our community and hope they are able to make a difference in their ability to move forward through these challenging times.

I am currently Co-chairing a legislative work group on mental health services provided by the state in Wyoming with the intent that the group report back to the Joint Appropriations and Joint Labor Committees with recommendations on ways to improve the process and give more direction on how these programs should be funded and the populations they should serve. Our next meeting will be on July 8th, it will be a “Zoom” meeting broadcast live through YouTube.

We also have a Joint Appropriations Committee on July 13th and 14th, this too will be a remote online broadcast that can be view via YouTube.

With the Primary elections coming up in August my first event will be on Friday evening July 10th and the invitation of the Fremont County Republican Women and the park on Federal Ave. in Riverton. These ladies have invited all Republicans running for state wide Senate and Congressional seats as well as those of us running for the state legislature. I hope those of you reading will be able to attend, the event starts with a BBQ and time for all candidates to present their case. I look forward to more events and the chance to visit with the constituents of House District 34.

My best wishes to everyone on this 4th of July!!