WYO’s FIRST LADY TO LEAD "READING CELEBRATION"
December 8, 2006
CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- First Lady Nancy Freudenthal has signed on to be an Ambassador of Reading for Wyoming, joining Scholastic and Reading Is Fundamental for the eighth annual "Read For 2007: Read For Life" global classroom reading initiative. At 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Scholastic Read For 2007 Day, the first lady will lead a statewide celebration of reading, encouraging all children, teachers, librarians and parents to take time during the day to read a book for at least 2,007 seconds (about 33 1/2 minutes).
Freudenthal will be reading with children at a local school, Pioneer Park Elementary in Cheyenne this year. Scholastic will donate 500 children’s books in Wyoming as part of the program. The reading initiative was created by Scholastic, the children’s publishing, education and media company, to generate excitement about reading .
“Literacy has always been an issue that knows no politics, which is why I am so proud to be an ambassador of reading for the 'Scholastic Read For 2007: Read For Life' campaign,” the first lady said. “Reading helps build better lives, and all children across Wyoming and the entire nation deserve to experience the joy of reading a book.” Joining Wyoming's first lady in the "Read For 2007: Read For Life" reading celebration are gubernatorial first spouses in states across the country. Last year, 49 first spouses participated in Scholastic Read For 2006 and led their states in exciting reading events in schools, libraries, and at state capitols, with more than a million children and 24,000 teachers in all 50 U.S. states and more than 37 countries participating.
MINI NOTE: For more information and to view the world map of participating countries, visit www.scholastic.com/readfor2007. The Web site also includes online chats with Scholastic authors, book lists for children, reading tips for parents, podcasts of young celebrities sharing their love of reading and KidsPick for 2007, where kids vote for their favorite. books.

THOMAS PANS FEDERAL LANDS FEE HIKE - “PRICE OF THE AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS NOT PRETTY”
December 7, 2006
WASHINGTON – As the Department of Interior announced an even higher fee for its America the Beautiful pass yesterday, U.S. Senator Craig Thomas is calling into question the program and the $80 fee for the pass.
“I had opposed the recreation fee being expanded beyond the national parks and now my worst fears are being realized – higher fees with no guarantee that the money is going back to the site being impacted,” Thomas said.
“An $80 fee is certainly higher than what folks should have to pay to recreate on federal lands. My concerns about the price of the pass are echoed in a study conducted by the University of Wyoming, which showed very little tolerance for a pass priced above $70.”
“If there’s a budget problem in our land management agencies, let’s get to the root of it – address it head on – and not put budget shortfalls on the backs of recreational visitors.”
Thomas instituted the parks-only recreation fee demonstration program in 1997 that saw the beginning of the National Parks Pass. The national parks program was a successful one that put money back into sites being visited, but Thomas has cautioned against the expanded federal lands program.
“The public lands fee issue is very different from the parks-only version which I authored and worked hard to get implemented. My parks-only demo had widespread support,” Thomas said after the rider was placed in the Omnibus Appropriations bill in late 2004 to expand the fee to all public lands. Following a competitive process, the land agencies contracted with the University of Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center to collect and analyze data to assist in providing a basis for making a decision on the price of the pass. The purpose of study was to research the potential revenue implications of different price levels.

THOMAS RETURNS TO SENATE AND WORK AFTER TREATMENT
December 6, 2006
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Craig Thomas announced yesterday that he is back to work in the United States Senate and ready to take care of the nation’s business.
   The senator was released from Bethesda National Naval Medical Center on Saturday, December 2nd. He had begun treatment for leukemia on November 9th. “I’m back, ready to vote, and looking forward to taking care of Senate business. There’s much work left to do – numerous spending bills, confirmations, and work to be done before the holiday break,” Thomas said.
   “Doctors were very encouraged with how quickly I bounced back after just three weeks of treatment. I’m thankful for all the support I received along the way. Now, I’ve got my sights set on the people’s business.”
    Dr. Brian Monahan, Director of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the National Naval Medical Center said upon the diagnosis that, “The majority of people with Craig’s great physical condition and general health attain remission.”
    “I’m proud to join the thousands of other cancer survivors in Wyoming. I’m excited to return to the Senate and I’m ready to get back to work for Wyoming. Susan and I have been overwhelmed by the kind thoughts and well wishes from everyone during this time. We’re so thankful for your support,” Thomas said.

Get Your Flu Shots Now!
December 5, 2006
Washington, D.C. - Flu vaccine has arrived in Wyoming and U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., who chairs the Senate Health Committee, is urging Wyoming residents, especially those in a high risk group, to protect themselves.
    "We've been assured by the Wyoming Department of Health that the vaccines are here this year for high risk groups. Residents with young children or seniors or people who may otherwise be in a higher risk category should consider getting vaccinated. Your local healthcare provider can help you with advice and how to get a vaccination. Getting a shot now could prevent a lot of misery later," Enzi said. 
   This last week was the start of National Influenza Vaccination Week (November 27 - December 4). Enzi said receiving the vaccine now and into December is beneficial because most flu activity occurs in January or later.
Children and under-insured or Medicaid-eligible people may be able to get vaccinations free or at a discount. The Wyoming Department of Health has more information that can be found online at www.immunizewyoming.com or by phone at 307-777-7656.
    High-risk groups such as young children, seniors, people with other health problems and those who come in close contact with high-risk individuals are recommended to receive the flu vaccine, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Both the Gov. Dave and First Lady Nancy Freudenthal received their annual flu shots Friday and encouraged Wyoming residents to do the same. "The seasonal flu can be more than an annoyance," the governor said after visiting the City/County Health Department in Cheyenne. "I want to encourage Wyoming residents to take it seriously. Get vaccinated this year. It's definitely not too late, and it's the single best thing you can do to protect yourself."
    People can contact their local health care providers at the Johnson County Health Center and JC Public Health office for more information and to receive the flu vaccine.

SENATOR THOMAS LAUDS PASSAGE OF RURAL HEALTH LEGISLATION
December 20, 2006
WASHINGTON – Four of U.S. Senator Craig Thomas’ rural health provisions were included in a package of Medicare related bills approved by Congress last weekend.
   “Several of the bills from my rural health package were included in the tax extenders legislation. These bills seek greater equity between rural and urban providers under Medicare,” Thomas said.
Rural Doctor Work Payment: This bill establishes a floor on the work component of the physician geographic adjustor in 2007 to raise payments in certain rural areas.
    “We’ve authored a payment provision that makes sure Medicare does not de-value a rural doctor’s work as compared with their urban counterparts. Unfortunately, Medicare payments for physician services were based upon a geographic index that disadvantage rural doctors. We previously found a way to remedy this rural discrimination in the Medicare Modernization Act, by creating a floor at which payments could not go under. My provision extends this work floor through 2007,” Thomas said.
Direct Billing for Pathology services: Another provision included in the tax package extends the treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. Sens. Thomas and Lincoln authored a provision that continues direct billing for the technical component for pathology services by independent labs, rather than hospitals. (S. 3609)
   “This allows rural independent labs to bill Medicare directly for certain pathology services. Direct billing allows labs to get full, timely payment for their services,” Thomas said. Previously, labs had to go through hospitals for payment, which sometimes delayed payment or cut into the pathology lab’s reimbursement.
Rural Laboratory reimbursement equity: A third provision extends the Medicare reasonable cost payments for lab tests furnished by small rural hospitals in low population areas. It provides equitable payment for lab services regardless of where the lab specimen is taken.
   “This is quite simply aimed at providing fair reimbursement for laboratory services regardless of where they take place,” Thomas said.
Medicare wage index extension: The fourth provision corrects mid-year expiration of the Medicare hospital wage index reclassifications and requires a report on the wage index. As long as a hospital can prove that their hospital’s labor costs are more reflective of another market, they can seek a reclassification of their wage index, a piece of the formula that determines how much a hospital gets paid. The provision extends the reclassification for six months, in order to give rural hospitals payment security through the end of 2007. One example of a hospital that reclassified in Wyoming is the St. John’s Hospital in Jackson. “I felt it was unfair for rural and frontier hospitals to lose their reclassifications mid-year. It’s hard enough for rural hospitals to compete with their urban counterparts when it comes to pay, they should be given every opportunity to succeed.”
Main Physician Payment Bill:    Another significant bill, put forward by the Senate Finance Committee, increases payments for physician services and includes a quality reporting system. The bill prevents physician payment cuts in 2007 by freezing payment rates for physician services. It also provides a 1.5 percent bonus-incentive payment to physicians who report on quality measures in 2007. Plus, it establishes a fund to promote physician payment stability and physician quality initiatives in 2008.

Thomas Saves Wyo Parks Winter-Use Season thru February 2007
December 12, 2006
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Craig Thomas was successful in including a provision last Friday to ensure the winter-use season rules for Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks through Feb. 15, 2007.
    “With the winter-use season upon us, it was imperative that we give some certainty for visitors and concessionaires about winter activities in our parks,” Thomas said.
    “Next year I hope to see through a longer-term plan for winter activities in the parks. As the Park Service works toward a more permanent solution, I felt it was necessary to give them ample time to put their final rules in place and not be derailed by lawsuits.” Thomas’s provision was approved along with the continuing resolution, which was signed by the President today. Two years ago, Thomas included a provision to ensure the interim winter-use rules for the 2004-2005 season.
    At the time the rules were tied up in court, causing a great deal of uncertainty for both concessionaires and snowmobile users heading into the winter season. The legislative fix ended a number of lawsuits spawned in early November 2004 by the release of the winter-use regulations.
At the time, Thomas said, “I think most folks are tired of a DC court deciding how we do things in Wyoming. I’m glad I could provide some certainty for these folks.” “I plan to keep a common sense approach to access in the parks that’s fair to everyone involved.”

ENZI APPLAUDS ACTION TO REDUCE UNDERAGE DRINKING, ACKNOWLEDGES NANCY FREUDENTHAL’S WORK
December 11,  2006
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, announced Friday that Congress had passed the "Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act," a bill that takes important steps to combat underage drinking and curb the disturbing trend of parents and adults providing children with alcohol.
"American youth have almost unfettered access to alcohol – the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 95 percent of 12-graders perceive alcohol as readily available to them," Enzi said. "Alarmingly, most children and youth who drink obtain the alcohol from their parents or another adult. The STOP Underage Drinking Act will authorize a National Media Campaign against Underage Drinking directed at educating adults about the dangers that alcohol poses to young people," Enzi said. "It also enhances and coordinates ongoing efforts by various federal agencies, local communities, states, and schools to prevent underage drinking and alcohol abuse." Enzi credited Wyoming First Lady Nancy Freudenthal with helping the legislation pass and being a champion for the cause. Nancy is a co-chair for a nationwide initiative known as Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free. The Leadership is a collaboration of almost 50 current and emeritus spouses of governors working together in a nonpartisan effort to increase public awareness, engage policymakers, and mobilize action to stop childhood drinking.
The impact of alcohol on young people is as staggering as it is tragic: alcohol is involved in 36 percent of homicides, 12 percent of male suicides, and 8 percent of female suicides involving people under 21, and it contributes to the four leading causes of deaths among 15 to 20 year-olds. Young drinking drivers were involved in 69 percent of youth fatalities from alcohol-related traffic accidents in the year 2000, and in 1999 nearly 40 percent of people under age 21 who were victims of drowning, burns, and falls tested positive for alcohol.
"We have a clear problem here, and there is no ‘silver bullet’ to solve it," Enzi said. "However, I believe that passing this bill is an important step toward improving our efforts to combat underage drinking."

WYO’s FIRST LADY TO LEAD "READING CELEBRATION"
December 8, 2006
CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- First Lady Nancy Freudenthal has signed on to be an Ambassador of Reading for Wyoming, joining Scholastic and Reading Is Fundamental for the eighth annual "Read For 2007: Read For Life" global classroom reading initiative. At 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Scholastic Read For 2007 Day, the first lady will lead a statewide celebration of reading, encouraging all children, teachers, librarians and parents to take time during the day to read a book for at least 2,007 seconds (about 33 1/2 minutes).
Freudenthal will be reading with children at a local school, Pioneer Park Elementary in Cheyenne this year. Scholastic will donate 500 children’s books in Wyoming as part of the program. The reading initiative was created by Scholastic, the children’s publishing, education and media company, to generate excitement about reading .
“Literacy has always been an issue that knows no politics, which is why I am so proud to be an ambassador of reading for the 'Scholastic Read For 2007: Read For Life' campaign,” the first lady said. “Reading helps build better lives, and all children across Wyoming and the entire nation deserve to experience the joy of reading a book.” Joining Wyoming's first lady in the "Read For 2007: Read For Life" reading celebration are gubernatorial first spouses in states across the country. Last year, 49 first spouses participated in Scholastic Read For 2006 and led their states in exciting reading events in schools, libraries, and at state capitols, with more than a million children and 24,000 teachers in all 50 U.S. states and more than 37 countries participating.
MINI NOTE: For more information and to view the world map of participating countries, visit www.scholastic.com/readfor2007. The Web site also includes online chats with Scholastic authors, book lists for children, reading tips for parents, podcasts of young celebrities sharing their love of reading and KidsPick for 2007, where kids vote for their favorite. books.
 

BUFFALO CHAMBER LOSES EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR - BEGINS NEW SEARCH
December 2, 2006
Buffalo, WYO - The Buffalo Chamber’s Executive Director, Dee Woodall, announced yesterday that she will be leaving the Chamber soon for a new job with the Wyoming Veterans Home. Woodall cited state benefits as the major reason for leaving. The State benefits package was just a “golden opportunity” that she couldn’t turn down. Woodall said, though, that she has “absolutely loved” her 9 years at the Chamber — all the people and businesses in Buffalo that she has had the opportunity to work for over that time. She said she is sad to leave as she has made so many great friends locally, regionally and statewide. The last two years Woodall served as the Executive Director, after serving 7 years as the assistant director under Nadine Gross.
   Woodall is proud of the work she has done and the new programs she has initiated since becoming Executive Director — including the October Fest and the new regional wide group insurance program that is now getting underway.
Woodall said she will remain a part of the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce — hopefully joining the Wild Bunch and a couple of other committees.
Kelly Twedt, Buffalo Chamber president, said “Dee will be missed hugely”. He said she has worked hard for the Chamber the last 9 years but they certainly can’t blame her for taking a job that will benefit her and her family economically. Twedt said it is hard to compete in this market. He hopes when the new group insurance plan is in place it will become a major benefit for the Chamber as well as other Chamber businesses — helping them to retain quality people.
   Already the Chamber has published in two Wyoming papers that are published statewide. Twedt said, “We can’t wait. We have to hit this hard as we have programs and business that we have to move forward on.” He says the Chamber plans to take applications and resumes in during the rest of December, then in early January to review those, interview and, hopefully, by the end of January have a new Executive Director in place.
Woodall sent out an email letter Thursday night to all Chamber members telling them of her decision. In the letter she said, “I believe in Buffalo, love the community, I grew up here, and I know that the best part of this community is the people! Thank you all so much for the wonderful opportunity to serve you throughout my time at the Chamber. I've made many, many friends in Buffalo and statewide and I will cherish each and every one!”
   Woodall said that December 20th would probably be her last day as Executive Director at the Chamber. 

INFRASTRUCTURE, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, TAX RELIEF FOCUSES OF GOVERNOR’S NEW BUDGET
December 1, 2006
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Shoring up the state’s basic infrastructure in coming years is the focus of Gov. Dave Freudenthal’s budget recommendations this year, as well as reducing mill levy taxes. In a supplemental budget to be submitted to the Wyoming Legislature Dec. 1, Freudenthal also recommended that policymakers make permanent the food sales tax holiday and pursue some measure of relief for property taxpayers. Both were campaign promises that Freudenthal made repeatedly.
    “These supplemental budget recommendations continue the pattern of saving 40 cents of every severance tax dollar that comes into the state,” Freudenthal said. “The remainder is focused on the infrastructure of our roads, our cities, our towns and our educational system.”
In his recommendations, Freudenthal provides $150 million for Wyoming’s cities, towns and counties in an effort to meet their continued infrastructure needs. Of that amount, $85 million would toward governments impacted by mineral development, $60 million to non-impacted governments and $5 million to otherwise “revenue-challenged” governments.
    “This $150 million should serve as a floor amount for these government, and I would encourage legislators to examine opportunities to directly distribute some or all of these funds, thereby reducing the repeated ‘hat in hand’ sessions whereby our local officials are forced to pitch their respective projects to SLIB members,” Freudenthal wrote in his budget message of the “imperfect” State Loan and Investment Board process for distributing state funds to local governments.
Freudenthal also recommends $162 million for the Wyoming Department of Transportation, which would commit the funding to construction projects put out to bid by the end of the current biennium. Circumstances permitting, the governor said, he intends to continue that level of support in future years to facilitate planning and procurement. His budget also includes $18 million for airport projects around the state.
    Other highlights from the governor’s supplemental budget recommendations include: $22.7 million to address compensation for active and retired employees of state government, community colleges and the University of Wyoming; $10.3 million for the Office of State Lands and Investments to restore fire accounts depleted by this year’s wildland activities; $126.8 million to fully fund the School Facilities Commission’s request; about $28 million for four community colleges’ capital construction projects; and $250 million to make up the costs of the significant property tax relief proposed by the governor.
    Though he has been told by members of the legislature — “in no uncertain terms” — that his earlier announced proposal to lift 12 mill levies collected by the state has little chance of succeeding, Freudenthal still wants to see taxes on Wyoming citizens reduced where warranted. Freudenthal said, “I would ask that you examine WS 21-13-303 (c) in this context. I firmly believe that a mill levy adjustment has merit and deserves consideration.”

Get Your Flu Shots Now!
December 5, 2006
Washington, D.C. - Flu vaccine has arrived in Wyoming and U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., who chairs the Senate Health Committee, is urging Wyoming residents, especially those in a high risk group, to protect themselves.
    "We've been assured by the Wyoming Department of Health that the vaccines are here this year for high risk groups. Residents with young children or seniors or people who may otherwise be in a higher risk category should consider getting vaccinated. Your local healthcare provider can help you with advice and how to get a vaccination. Getting a shot now could prevent a lot of misery later," Enzi said. 
   This last week was the start of National Influenza Vaccination Week (November 27 - December 4). Enzi said receiving the vaccine now and into December is beneficial because most flu activity occurs in January or later.
Children and under-insured or Medicaid-eligible people may be able to get vaccinations free or at a discount. The Wyoming Department of Health has more information that can be found online at www.immunizewyoming.com or by phone at 307-777-7656.
    High-risk groups such as young children, seniors, people with other health problems and those who come in close contact with high-risk individuals are recommended to receive the flu vaccine, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Both the Gov. Dave and First Lady Nancy Freudenthal received their annual flu shots Friday and encouraged Wyoming residents to do the same. "The seasonal flu can be more than an annoyance," the governor said after visiting the City/County Health Department in Cheyenne. "I want to encourage Wyoming residents to take it seriously. Get vaccinated this year. It's definitely not too late, and it's the single best thing you can do to protect yourself."
    People can contact their local health care providers at the Johnson County Health Center and JC Public Health office for more information and to receive the flu vaccine.

Greatest Christmas Gift Ever - Local Handmade Sheep wagon Returned after SIX Years
December 27, 2006
Buffalo, WYO --  Over six years after having his priceless family heirloom stolen from his Buffalo restaurant (The Sundance Grill was a part of the White Buffalo several years ago), Kent Waugh found a very special present under his Christmas tree this year.  In a great big giant box with his name on it and numerous "fragile" stickers, Kent opened up the greatest Christmas gift he could imagine -- it was the stolen model Sheep wagon his grandfather had carved for him so many years ago and so cruelly stolen from his restaurant.
   Kent and his wife, Cathie, had proudly displayed the family heirloom as the centerpiece of their restaurant, until one night in April 2000 after a very long day's work it suddenly disappeared right before locking up.  Letters to local papers outlining the history of the family heirloom, how it was to be handed down from father to son, took over 500 hours to hand build in meticulous detail, and a fervent plea for its return never elicited a response.
   The sheep wagon was never returned and Kent assumed it was gone forever - a priceless piece of his personal heritage.  That was until a few weeks ago when Kent's brother, Tom, received both the wagon back and an anonymous letter from a woman in Sheridan apologizing for what had happened.  She herself had had nothing to do with its theft, but she had seen Kent's letter and recognized the wagon her ex-husband had in his possession as one and the same.  From that day forward she promised herself she would find a way to right the wrong when she could.  Just a few months ago her ex-husband died and she seized the opportunity to claim the wagon and return it to its rightful heir. 
    Kent was incredibly moved by this anonymous woman's gracious Christmas gesture, and he is grateful he will now have the opportunity to pass on this wonderful part of his family history to his oldest son -- a son who was named for his grandfather.  In his own open letter to the anonymous Sheridan woman -- who he hopes will see it -- Kent expressed this gratitude: "If you happen to read this story I want to thank you from myself and all of my family for the return of my Grandpa’s sheep wagon.  But also thank you for being the kind of person who makes all of us still have hope in the human heart..."


Kent Waugh, now of Ft. Collins, CO with his Greatest Christmas Gift Ever - the Sheep wagon his grandfather had made and his father, Carl Waugh, had passed onto him as a priceless family heirloom. After being stolen 6 years ago it was suddenly returned anonymously a few weeks ago.