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Mini MAY Archive:
Wyoming
News ... |
GOVERNOR APPLAUDS APPROVAL OF NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM FUNDING
May 31, 2007
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Governor Dave Freudenthal late last week praised the action of
the Wyoming Community Development Authority in approving funding for a program
to help working people in Wyoming buy affordable homes.
In a meeting of the WCDA’s Board of Directors in Casper on May 23,
the directors voted to approve funding in support of the Sheridan Housing Action
Committee home buyer assistance program. The program will receive $500,000.
Marie Lowe, executive director of the Sheridan Housing Action
Committee told the directors in a letter that at least 27 qualified buyers are
ready to use the assistance program to buy affordable homes in Sheridan. Lowe
added that there are another 30 to 40 applications in the approval process.
The program offers financial assistance to fill in the gap between
the cost of housing and what people can afford to pay, Lowe said.
“Wyoming faces a severe shortage of affordable housing for its
rapidly expanding workforce,” Freudenthal said. “It’s time for aggressive and
creative plans to meet the housing need, and the WCDA has taken a step to ensure
that Wyoming families will be able to buy homes and settle in our state.”
The Sheridan Housing Action Committee is partnering with the City
of Sheridan, Sheridan County, local lenders and the state to encourage
development of moderately-priced homes in Sheridan.
Lowe said housing costs in the Sheridan area are increasing by at
least 12 percent a year and the average sales price of a home is now $224,369.
In Buffalo, City Planner Colin Beltzer said that housing costs in the City
continue to rise. Usually, the cost about $20,000 more than in Sheridan and
Bletzer said it doesn’t look like that will change anytime soon.
Beltzer said Buffalo is not as far along as Sheridan is in securing
affordable housing. Sheridan has resources to hire a full-time professional to
develop their program. He said Buffalo and Johnson County have a taskforce that
has been in place for over eight months, but the all volunteer group is bumping
into some problems in developing a workable plan.
The taskforce has been trying to secure land to build a large
multifamily complex, but to date none of their many efforts have panned out.
“Our first choice is to have the county or city donate land … there are some
options but most of them wont’ work for what our use is … and it seems the
County wants to hang onto their lands, Beltzer said.” For now, Bletzer said it
also looks like both the City and the County would rather not swap land with
private developers.
The reason hasn’t happened yet, as Beltzer sees it, is because the
market is slow to respond. Every time we ( Workforce Housing Taskforce —
including reps from Habitat for Humanity, County Planner, City Planner, Reps
from Banks, etc. ) look at another piece of land it turns out something is not
quite right — it’s either too small, wrong location, wrong zoning, or other
problems that make the location wrong for the project. Moreover, local
developers are indicating they are waiting to see what growth projections are
for this area before embarking on such a large project.
Beltzer says he doesn’t know what the passing of the new directive
from the Governor will mean locally. But he said that the taskforce, with the
help of the Wyoming Business Council, was recently granted funds to hire the
very successful Sheridan SHAC advocate, Marie Lowe. Lowe is being hired as an
expert consultant paid for from Wyoming Business Council funds for the Buffalo
and Johnson County WorkForce Housing group. She will help develop and consult
the volunteer group, providing organization and a game plan in terms of
where to go.
Hopefully, not too far in the future, Buffalo and Johnson
County will have an answer to their own workforce housing problems.
ENZI WORKS TO GET SENATE ON-LINE WITH SALES TAX FAIRNESS BILL
May 25, 2007
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., introduced legislation this
week that would level the playing field for all in-store, catalog and online
retailers so each has the same sales tax responsibilities.
The "Sales Tax Fairness and Simplification Act," would develop a tax system that
creates a level playing field for all – businesses, government and consumers.
The bill would help states efficiently and fairly collect sales and use tax
revenue that is being lost because remote sellers do not have to remit sales and
use taxes on catalog and Internet purchases. Main Street retailers collect sales
taxes, while many online and catalog retailers are exempt from collecting the
same taxes. This is costing states and localities billions in lost revenue.
Enzi’s bill would not increase taxes or allow duplicate taxes by different
states.
Enzi’s bill would encourage tax simplification by requiring states to implement
and maintain measures before they can require any remote
seller to collect and remit sales and use taxes.
"Simply put, if Congress continues to allow remote sales taxes to go uncollected
and electronic commerce continues to grow as predicted, other taxes, such as
income or property taxes, will have to be increased to offset the lost revenue
to state and local governments. I want to avoid that," said Enzi.
The legislation would streamline the country’s more than 7,500 diverse sales tax
jurisdictions by permitting states that become voluntary members of the
Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement to require remote sellers to collect and
remit sales and use taxes. A total of 15 states have permanently changed their
tax laws and implemented the requirements of the Agreement. The Agreement would
help harmonize states sales and use tax rules, bring uniformity to the
definitions of items in the sales tax base, reduce the paperwork burden on
retailers, and incorporate new technology to modernize administrative
procedures.
"The states have acted. It is now time
for Congress to provide states that enact the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax
Agreement with the authority to require remote retailers to collect sales tax
just as Main Street retailers do today," said Enzi.
Small Business Exemption
Enzi’s bill includes a provision that would allow remote sellers who make less
than $5 million nationwide in the year preceding the sale to qualify for an
exemption and not be required to collect the tax.
Tribal Governments
After spending the last year talking with all stake holders Enzi included a
provision to the bill that would allow tribal governments to also participate in
the streamline sales tax system. Tribes would have to meet the same standards
and requirements as a state and would also be allowed a seat on the Governing
Board.
NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY PASSES SENATE FOR 2007
May 24, 2007
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., yesterday announced the Senate
has approved the National Day of the American Cowboy, S. Res. 130, making the
day official for 2007. The resolution recognizes cowboys and cowgirls as an
integral part of American history.
“I’m pleased the Senate has once again recognized the need for a National Day of
the American Cowboy,” Thomas said. “Cowboys and cowgirls hold a special place in
American lore, and they continue to provide an invaluable link in our nation’s
strong agricultural system. It is appropriate that we celebrate their
contributions – particularly in Wyoming and the West.”
A Senate resolution to recognize the third-ever “National Day of
the American Cowboy” slates July 28, 2007 as the day of celebration. The plan is
to seek the fourth Saturday of July to be celebrated as part of the history of
our nation.
Senator Thomas was originally approached about the recognition day
for cowboys by Sheridan-based American Cowboy magazine, which launched a
campaign in 2004 to seek recognition for cowboys and cowgirls.
Senator Thomas drafted legislation in early 2005 to recognize the
first day. An effort was subsequently launched by the National Day of the Cowboy
Organization to build support for the day.
A number of events for the public good, including through education, the arts,
and community activities have been jump-started by the organization.
The organization touts the day as one set aside by the United
States Senate to pay homage to our Cowboy and Western heritage, as well as to
honor working cowboys and cowgirls, rodeo athletes, western musicians, cowboy
poets, western artists, ranchers, and all others who continue to contribute to
the cowboy and western culture in America today.
Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., joined 17 Senators in cosponsoring
Senator Thomas’s resolution.
MINI NOTE: For more information on the National Day of the American Cowboy go
to: http://www.nationaldayofthecowboy.com/ or http://www.cowboyday.com/about.php.
CUBIN HELPS WYOMINGITES GET THEIR PASSPORTS & WARNS OF PASSPORT DELAYS
May 23, 2007
Washington -- U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) this past week reminded
constituents that newly implemented regulations have caused lengthy delays for
U.S. citizens seeking passports necessary for international travel.
“I urge people to apply now for a passport if they anticipate any international
travel in the next several months,” Representative Cubin said. “Summer is right
around the corner, and that means people will be traveling. Nobody wants to get
left behind because their passport didn’t arrive.”
The U.S. Department of State, the agency charged with issuing passports, warns
travelers that passport processing time has increased due to abnormally high
volume. Cubin warns her fellow Wyomingites that it can take months, not merely
weeks, to obtain or renew a passport.
“Throughout the past several months, my office has successfully helped numerous
constituents obtain passports in time to depart on international trips,” Cubin
said. “The State Department is clearly experiencing a concerning holdup in their
efforts to process passports. Even folks who pay extra money for an expedited
passport are experiencing long delays.”
Representative Cubin is urging would-be travelers to contact her if they are
within two to three weeks of a scheduled international departure and have not
yet received a passport. Concerns should be directed to Cubin’s Casper office at
(307) 261-6595.
New regulations require all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air
between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the
Caribbean, and Bermuda to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S.
Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card.
“Stricter passport regulations are a critical part of keeping America’s borders
secure and our communities safe,” Cubin said. “But I don’t want agency backlogs
to prevent our citizens from enjoying international trips. I urge people to
obtain their passports sooner rather than later.”
Previous requirements stipulated that reentering the U.S. required only a
driver's license or another form of state or national ID, but due to security
concerns every person entering the United States must now provide a valid U.S.
passport.
MINI NOTE: For more information about obtaining a new or renewed U.S. passport,
contact the U.S. Department of State at:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
WYOMING’S WOLF STATUTE IS THE STATE’S WOLF PLAN, GOVERNOR SAID
May 22, 2007
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Wyoming’s recently-passed statute governing the management of
the gray wolf is the state’s wolf plan and should be accepted as such by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Governor Dave Freudenthal said Friday.
The statute adopted by the Wyoming Legislature during the recent
session offers thorough and specific guidance that responds to each of the
conditions set forth by Fish and Wildlife at a meeting in December 2006,
Freudenthal said in a letter to regional director Mitch King.
“I am very interested in seeing the delisting process move
forward,” he said. “I will accordingly outline for you the contours of the
contingent wolf management plan contained in HB 213.”
Not only is the statute sufficient for Fish and Wildlife to remove
the animals from federal protection in the state, but it’s better than the
administratively-adopted plan that the service has requested, he added.
Despite the Fish and Wildlife Service’s request that the state develop a new
wolf management plan in order to be included in its final rule to remove the
animals from the Endangered Species List, Freudenthal said the state’s
legislation does not allow for such a move without the meeting of pre-conditions
included in the legislation.
“Instead, what we offer is a contingent plan in statute adopted by
the Wyoming Legislature and signed by the Governor,” he said. “You have
continually dismissed the statutory plan. I would respectfully suggest that the
contingent plan adopted by the Legislature is actually a more permanent and
clear statement of Wyoming’s intention than a document adopted by an
administrative agency.”
Although pre-conditions exist before the law can become effective,
the fulfillment of those pre-conditions is largely within the power of the
federal government, Freudenthal added.
“I would hope that you would reconsider your demand that we have an
administratively adopted gray wolf management plan and recognize the detailed
plan in our statutes,” he said.
Despite the Fish and Wildlife Service’s request that the
state develop a new wolf management plan in order to be included in its final
rule to remove the animals from the Endangered Species List, Freudenthal said
the state’s legislation does not allow for such a move without the meeting of
pre-conditions included in the legislation.
“Instead, what we offer is a contingent plan in statute adopted by
the Wyoming Legislature and signed by the Governor,” he said. “You have
continually dismissed the statutory plan. I would respectfully suggest that the
contingent plan adopted by the Legislature is actually a more permanent and
clear statement of Wyoming’s intention than a document adopted by an
administrative agency.”
Although pre-conditions exist before the law can become
effective, the fulfillment of those pre-conditions is largely within the power
of the federal government, Freudenthal added.
“I would hope that you would reconsider your demand that we have an
administratively adopted gray wolf management plan and recognize the detailed
plan in our statutes,” he said.
GOVERNOR SIGNS “INNOVATION AMERICA WEEK IN WYOMING” PROCLAMATION
May 21, 2007
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Citing innovation as a critical element in Wyoming’s past and
an important key to its future, and joining similar proclamations from other
governors nationwide, Governor Dave Freudenthal yesterday declared May 14 to 18
as "Innovation America Week in Wyoming."
“This is the first step in what will be a growing focus on innovation in
Wyoming,” Freudenthal said. “We all know that Wyoming led the nation in voting
rights, but many residents don’t realize just how many innovative people,
businesses and practices we have in the state today.”
The effort to champion innovation has been spearheaded by Arizona Governor Janet
Napolitano, chair of the National Governors’ Association. In addition to
American global competitiveness, U.S. governors often name innovation as pivotal
in improving education and access to health care.
“Talking about innovation can be inspirational but vague,” Freudenthal added.
“On-the-ground examples are more effective. Throughout the next year I’ll be
spotlighting excellence around the state and building toward a Wyoming
Innovation Conference in the summer of 2008.”
By midsummer this year, Freudenthal will launch a “Wyoming Innovators” section
on his Web site where residents will be invited to read stories and share
examples of innovation happening around Wyoming.
WYOMING BUSINESS COUNCIL NAMES BOB JENSEN AS NEW CEO
May 18, 2007
CHEYENNE - The Wyoming Business Council's Board of Directors yesterday announced
their selection of Bob Jensen as the group’s new chief executive officer.
During the past four months, the board conducted an extensive
nationwide search for a chief executive officer. The process involved reviewing
more than 60 resumes, conducting a series of interviews and performing
background checks and psychological profiles on a number of candidates. Of the
applicants, the board interviewed three from Wyoming and four from outside the
state.
“I have known Bob Jensen for many years,” said Gov. Dave
Freudenthal. “Not only is he a successful businessman, but he’s a leader with
vision who thinks outside the box. Bob has an excellent work ethic, and is in
tune with my desire to diversify Wyoming’s economy and help our cities and
counties create the infrastructure they need to attract businesses.”
“Through every step of our process, Bob Jensen stood out as the
right candidate for the job,” said Karla Fiebelkorn, co-chair of the board. “His
demonstrated leadership skills, combined with more than 30 years of business
experience, will guide the Business Council in strengthening and diversifying
the state's economy.”
Jensen will start as chief executive officer on June 15, 2007 with
a salary of $134,110. “I am honored to be selected and look forward to working
with the Governor, Legislature, Board and staff to continue to diversify
Wyoming's economy,” Jensen said.
Prior to accepting this position, Jensen served for the past three
years as chief operating officer (COO) for the Business Council. As COO, Jensen
was responsible for the day-to-day operation of staff functions and played a key
role in the negotiations with the National Center for Atmospheric Research and
other important business development efforts.
Jensen has significant experience in both the private sector and in
economic development. He served as the general manager of the historic Plains
Hotel in Cheyenne during its restoration from 2001 to 2003. Prior to that,
Jensen owned his own marketing and economic development consulting firm. Early
in Jensen’s career, he worked for Fleischli Oil for 27 years, and served as the
company president from 1993 to 2000.
Jensen has served as chairman of the Cheyenne Downtown Development
Authority and chairman of the Cheyenne, Laramie County Economic Development
Joint Powers Board. He has played a key role in many other local organizations.
He also serves on the University of Wyoming's College of Business Advisory Board
and the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Community Development Advisory Board.
Jensen, a Cheyenne native, is a graduate of the University of
Wyoming. Jensen and his wife Jill live in Cheyenne and have a daughter who is a
student at UW.
The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the
economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, visit the Web site at
www.wyomingbusiness.org.
Jensen has significant experience in both the private sector and in economic
development. He served as the general manager of the historic Plains Hotel in
Cheyenne during its restoration from 2001 to 2003. Prior to that, Jensen owned
his own marketing and economic development consulting firm. Early in Jensen’s
career, he worked for Fleischli Oil for 27 years, and served as the company
president from 1993 to 2000.
Jensen has served as chairman of the Cheyenne Downtown Development
Authority and chairman of the Cheyenne, Laramie County Economic Development
Joint Powers Board. He has played a key role in many other local organizations.
He also serves on the University of Wyoming's College of Business Advisory Board
and the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Community Development Advisory Board.
Jensen, a Cheyenne native, is a graduate of the University of
Wyoming. Jensen and his wife Jill live in Cheyenne and have a daughter who is a
student at UW.
THOMAS, ENZI: LIVESTOCK PRICE REPORTING NEEDS TO HAPPEN NOW
May 15, 2007
Washington, D.C. – Senators Craig Thomas and Mike Enzi, both R-Wyo., are urging
the Secretary of Agriculture to speed up the process for implementing a law that
is critical for transparency in livestock markets.
Thomas, Enzi and seven other senators sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture
Mike Johanns today asking that rules to implement the Livestock Mandatory
Reporting Act, signed into law on Oct. 5, 2006, be sped up to help level the
playing field in the access to information for livestock producers. This
reauthorization reinstated requirements enacted in 1999 with certain changes.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is writing a rule, but as yet this
process is still incomplete.
“Under the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act, packers, processors and importers
are required to report critical market data to USDA, which is then calculated,
published and made available to the industry. The reported prices and other
information have become an integral part of setting prices paid for livestock in
the United States , both under contracts and in the open market,” the senators
wrote. “…until an interim final rule or final rule is published, the mandatory
reporting system will remain a voluntary program. We ask that you expedite this
process and publish an interim final rule without delay.”
SENATE ENERGY COMMITTEE DEFEATS COAL-TO-LIQUIDS AMENDMENT
May 11, 2007
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., and Jim Bunning, R-Ky., last week
were unsuccessful at including a coal-derived fuels provision on a bill aimed at
increasing our nation’s energy security while implementing an aggressive
environmental performance standard, at a Senate Energy Committee business
meeting. The Thomas-Bunning coal-to-liquids amendment was defeated in the
committee 12-11 along political party lines.
“If the goal is to increase our nation’s energy security through
greater domestic fuel use, there’s no better way to do that than through
coal-to-liquids technology. Consumers across the country want clean, affordable
fuel for their cars and trucks. I believe fuel derived from coal will be the
most useful, flexible fuel source for our country over the next 20 years,”
Thomas said. “Coal-to-Liquid technology can provide our nation with a sound way
to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”
Sen. Jim Bunning said, “Our dependence on foreign oil threatens our
national security and will cost families across the country who rely on their
car to get to work and on electricity and gas to heat and cool their homes.
Coal-to-Liquid technology will help meet a growing energy demand with a secure,
cleaner, domestic fuel. We rely on our coal reserves to provide electricity to
the country and we could rely on coal to power our vehicles and planes as well.
I am disappointed the committee rejected our amendment.” Thomas and Bunning saw
another bill based solely on ethanol as the most problematic piece of
legislation. The bill mandates a massive increase in the consumption of ethanol.
The senators believe that picking a single feedstock for fuel that raises food
prices, does not have sufficient infrastructure, and will not meet our nation’s
long-term fuel needs, is a misguided approach for an energy bill. The
Thomas-Bunning amendment would set a blending requirement for coal-derived fuels
at 21 billion gallons by the year 2022.
Although the senators believe coal-to-liquids could easily meet or
exceed the amount of ethanol produced over that timeframe, the standard mirrors
the current advanced biofuels standard in the bill.
SENATE SET TO DEBATE KEY DRUG SAFETY BILL TO PROTECT PUBLIC
May 07, 2007
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator
Mike Enzi, R-WY, Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and
Pensions Committee (HELP Committee), this week said that the Senate has an
opportunity to approve a bill to make the FDA better. “The Food and Drug
Administration Revitalization Act, which we will be discussing this week on the
Senate floor, is a comprehensive bill to enhance drug safety, provide key
resources to review new drugs and medical devices, and ensure that drugs and
devices for children are safe and effective,” Enzi said
“Imagine a system that gives the FDA, through sound science and
remarkable innovation, the tools to get drugs to the market quickly and
efficiently, especially when lives are on the line and people need new drugs and
therapies,” Enzi said. “Imagine also a system that gives the FDA new authority
to take swift, appropriate, and decisive action to ensure patient safety and
protect consumers when new information comes to light to expose unexpected
risks. We can make this a reality.”
“We have the opportunity this week to renew key FDA programs, and to ensure that
the FDA continues to operate with new tools to ensure that safety is forefront
of every decision during the life of a drug.”
The bill being brought to the floor this week by Enzi and others
represents over a year of bipartisan discussions and cooperation following the
Vioxx incident. It establishes a system of active surveillance for drugs already
on the market, and explicitly gives the FDA new authority through Risk
Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) to respond quickly and appropriately
when previously unknown risks arise. This has become a crucial medical issue of
late.
“Many people are asking, ‘Why REMS? Why now?’” Enzi said. “The
answer is easy. Right now, the FDA has its hands tied behind its back when it
tries to manage the risks of drugs already on the market. This bill will give
FDA new tools to act when the agency’s post
DELEGATION TO PARK SERVICE: LEAVE THE GATE OPEN
May 4, 2007
Washington, D.C. - U.S.
Senators Craig Thomas, Mike Enzi and Representative Barbara Cubin, all R-Wyo.,
last week continued their efforts to keep Yellowstone’s East Gate open during
winter months, sending a strongly worded formal letter to the National Park
Service regarding the National Park Service Draft Environmental Impact
Statements (EIS) for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
"The preferred alternative closes the East Entrance of Yellowstone
National Park to motorized snowmobile and snowcoach access.
This decision is unacceptable to us and to our constituents, and we strongly
urge the NPS to reconsider closure of the East Entrance as the Draft EIS moves
toward a Record of Decision," the delegation wrote in a May 2 letter to the
Winter Use Planning Team. "It is our belief that it is possible to keep
reasonable access available to Yellowstone through the East Entrance. While we
acknowledge that the safety of Park Service employees is a valid concern, we
believe that the safety record in Sylvan Pass speaks for itself."
The National Park Service
released the Draft EIS for public review and comment on March 27. The draft
environmental impact statement is part of a new long-term plan to guide the
winter use management of the parks.
MINI NOTE: If you want to put your two cents in there is still time
to send comments to be included in the review. Here are a couple of ways to get
your views heard:
- A public comment meeting will take place in Cody from 6-9 p.m. on
Wednesday, May 16, at the Cody Auditorium located at 1240 Beck Avenue.
Electronic comment forms can be submitted at the National Park Service’s
Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov.
by picking Yellowstone NP in the pull down menu, then clicking on the ‘*Open for
Comment’ link in the top middle of the page.
Comments may also be submitted by mail to Winter Use planning Team,
P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. 82190, or in person. Comments will
not be accepted over the phone, by fax, or e-mail.
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| Mini MAY Archive: Local
News ... |
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES PLANNED FOR THIS WEEKEND
May 27, 2007
BUFFALO, WYO — Memorial Day Services for the City of Buffalo will start with a
Parade of Veterans of All Wars. The parade well start at 9 am and proceed to the
bridge on Main St where the Navy Mother’s Ceremony. From there folks will make
there way to the Willow Grove Cemetery for the rest of the days memorial
ceremonies.
Around 9:20 am at the Cemetery fountain a column will form and march in honor of
the Civil War and Spanish-American War veterans. Wreaths will be placed on their
graves, and then the column will move onto the American Legion plot for the rest
of the day’s ceremonies.
If there is bad weather, wreaths will be laid at the All Veterans
Plot followed by three volleys from the firing squad and the playing of Taps.
MINI NOTE: Folks interested in participating in the parade should gather at the
corner of Fort and Adams at 9 am.
GRADUATION CEREMONIES THIS WEEKEND FOR BUFFALO AND CLEARMONT HIGH SCHOOLS
May 26, 07
JOHNSON COUNTY, WYO — This is a weekend filled with celebration and remembrance.
Memorial Day will be celebrated on Monday and all who have served this county
and died while doing so will be honored (see following story), but before then
two local high schools will celebrate the graduation of their seniors and send
them off into the world. Commencement ceremonies for Clearmont / Arvada High
School will start Saturday, May 26th at 2 pm in the Gym. For Buffalo seniors,
Commencement will be on Sunday, May 27th in the Buffalo High School Gym with
Baccalaureate at 3 pm and Graduation at 4 pm. Congratulations to all the grads
as you commence with your new life! … and Happy Trails !
BUILDING BLOCKS FOR SUCCESS: WYO YOUTH INVITED TO ENTER WYOMING'S FIRST
LEGO INVENTOR’S CONTEST
May 9, 2007
Washington, D.C. – Are you a young kid and have you ever wanted to build a
robot? Are you interested in how and why things work the way they do? If this
describes you or some other young person you know, there’s a contest coming to
Wyoming that could discover the next great inventor or your generation!
U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., is encouraging all Wyoming youth
between the ages of 9 and 14 who enjoy building, exploring machines and taking
them apart, to enter the FIRST LEGO League robotics tournament to be held
December 1, 2007 in Casper.
As ranking member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Committee and member of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Enzi
has spent a large part of his congressional service supporting vocation and
education enrichment opportunities like the Wyoming FIRST LEGO contest. The
Senator also sponsors his own annual inventors’ conference and has met with
FIRST founder, Dean Kamen, to discuss ways to get students interested in math
and science. This is the answer to that question.
"The FIRST LEGO League tournament is a great opportunity for kids
to work together and apply their creativity and imagination. An experience like
this could be an early stepping stone in the making of future Wyoming
scientists, engineers and inventors,” said Enzi. "Promoting ingenuity and
knowledge is vital to filling the high skill, high-paying jobs of the 21st
century."
To help get these young inventors going and kick start the program,
there will be a coaching clinic (that’s FOR COACHES) on June 11th at Casper
College. On June 12th there will be another teaching clinic about NXT robotics
training (see below for schedules).
The inaugural Wyoming FIRST LEGO League tournament was held last
year on December 2, 2006. The event hosted 21 teams from Natrona County totaling
nearly two hundred 9-14 year old students. Enzi is encouraging statewide
participation this year.
Winners from each Championship Tournament receive an invitation to
compete at the FIRST Championships held in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA ,
each spring. The FIRST World Festival hosts more than 10,000 students from 23
countries to compete in the culminating world event for all three of FIRST's
robotics programs; FIRST LEGO League World Festival, FIRST Robotics Competition
Championship, and FIRST VEX Challenge World Championship
MINI NOTE: For more information on Wyoming’s FIRST LEGO League
tournament or to learn how to start a team visit http://www.usfirst.org or
http://wyomingfll.blogspot.com or contact Jeff Brewster, the Wyoming event
coordinator at 307-233-2290 or
jeffbrewster@ncsd.k12.wy.us.
Training Clinics:
- Wyoming FIRST LEGO League Coaching Clinic 2007, Casper College: June 11, 2007
(1 pm - 4 pm)
- New Coaches Training
June 12, 2007 (8 am - 4 pm) - LEGO Mindstorm NXT robotics training
LAST BHS JAZZ CONCERT OF THE YEAR
May 08, 2007
Buffalo, WYO — Tuesday night, May 8th, marks the last BHS concert of the year.
The performance by the Buffalo High School Jazz Band and Balladeers’ will offer
a Spring Music Concert at 7 pm.
This last concert of the year by the jazz group follows their
recent tour to the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Festival in Greeley.
More than 4000 student musicians attend the festival from colleges, high schools
and middle schools around the USA and the world. Tuesday’s concert will be held
in the BHS Auditorium and admission is free.
Buffalo Arbor Day to Celebrate 20th
Anniversary this Week
May 7, 2007
Buffalo, WYO — This Wednesday marks the 20th Anniversary of the City of
Buffalo’s participation in the Tree City USA program. In honor of the
anniversary and Buffalo Arbor Day, the City of Buffalo Tree Board and several
local sponsors and the Clear Creek Middle School students will host a
celebration in Crazy Woman Square at 11 am on Wednesday. There will be tree
planting and free food and refreshments in the park. Everyone is welcome to
attend the celebration.
CITY OF BUFFALO INAUGURATES
BUFFALO SPRING CLEAN UP DAYS
May 10, 2007
Buffalo, WYO — The City of Buffalo has been inspired, according to Chris
Spencer, Buffalo’s Building Inspector and Project Coordinator. Buffalo is
inaugurating a City wide Spring Clean Up Days in order to promote a cleaner and
even more beautiful city.
Spencer said he was listening to the radio one day and on came an
announcement from the Sheridan DJ about Sheridan’s Free Land Fill Day, and he
thought to himself — “why can’t we do that?”. He put the question to Councilman
Skip Hancock who immediately agreed it was a great idea.
The two of them got the ball rolling and now Buffalo Citizens will
have a Spring Clean Up Day on Friday and Saturday, May 11th and May 12th and,
again, on May 18th and 19th. This gives residents four FREE days at the JC
Landfill to get rid of old junk, paints, motors, doors, old windows, lumber,
etc. The list of things Buffalo residents can get rid of is a long one! There
are some exceptions and folks should check with the official City announcement
(published in The Mini Monday and Tuesday this week and next week).
Spencer said the idea originally started last spring when he was
trying to “encourage” folks to clean up. His approach with folks who had had
complaints filed against them was to do this or else I will have to write you
up. He didn’t like that approach as it was neither positive nor effective.
“The same yards I inspected last year are just about in the same bad condition
this year,” said Spencer. So he decided he needed a different approach. Spencer
said that “This was a case of how can we work together on this? The City
residents want a nice looking city — some place they can be proud of and be safe
for kids, animals and fire codes.”
He said he knew from some of his own cleanup work and projects how
expensive it can be to go to the Landfill. The Spring Clean Up Days campaign is
an attempt to help out with that expense. He sees it as a tool to help people
and in the process have a more beautiful Buffalo.
Spencer is hoping this new approach will garner more participation
and cooperation. He realizes there may be some abuse of the program, but trusts
he has put enough safety measures in place to guard against the worst of these.
Chris Spencer is working on more new ideas that will help make
Buffalo a better place and easier for residents to stay in contact with the City
employees and the council members. He is responsible for the new City web site
that has a host of easy access information (www.buffaloz.com) on people, plans
and codes. Now he has already come up with a new idea for next year — Trees for
Trash. Chris wants to start a tree for trash program where you bring in your
trash and exchange it for a tree to plant ! Chris envisions such a program as a
truly appropriate for Buffalo as a TREE City USA member … and for Buffalo Arbor
Day !
THOMAS ACCEPTING FALL 2007 INTERN APPLICATIONS
May 8, 2007
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Craig
Thomas (R-Wyo.) is currently accepting applications for his Washington, DC
internship program for fall 2007.
“My internship program will provide our state’s youth with a unique perspective
on the inner workings of the U.S. government,” Thomas said. “I believe that the
knowledge and training that our interns receive, during their four-month stay in
my office, are important for the development of future Wyoming leaders.”
Interns have a wide range of responsibilities, including helping respond to
constituent requests, attending legislative hearings, giving U.S. Capitol tours,
and shadowing the Senator to observe his job on a day-to-day basis. In addition
to their work, interns are also encouraged to take advantage of the many sights
and activities that our nation’s capitol has to offer.
Interns receive a monthly salary and are responsible for their round-trip
airfare and living expenses while in DC. Senator Thomas offers three different
Congressional Intern sessions each year. In addition to the fall session, there
are two four-month sessions held during the spring and summer semesters. The
dates for the fall session are September 4 – December 21.
Applicants are typically residents of Wyoming, in college, and are 21 years of
age or older. For those students who attend the University of Wyoming, 15 credit
hours may be earned after successful completion of the university’s
requirements. More information is available on the University’s website, by
clicking here.
MINI NOTE: Candidates should apply on-line. The application can be found on
Senator Thomas’ website by choosing the "Students" tab on the left and then
clicking on "Intern Program.” For more information, contact Senator Thomas’
office at 202.224.6441. The cut-off date for applications will be June 29, 2007.
SENATE SET TO DEBATE KEY DRUG SAFETY BILL TO PROTECT PUBLIC
May 07, 2007
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-WY, Ranking Member of the Senate
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP Committee), this week said
that the Senate has an opportunity to approve a bill to make the FDA better.
“The Food and Drug Administration Revitalization Act, which we will be
discussing this week on the Senate floor, is a comprehensive bill to enhance
drug safety, provide key resources to review new drugs and medical devices, and
ensure that drugs and devices for children are safe and effective,” Enzi said
“Imagine a system that gives the FDA, through sound science and
remarkable innovation, the tools to get drugs to the market quickly and
efficiently, especially when lives are on the line and people need new drugs and
therapies,” Enzi said. “Imagine also a system that gives the FDA new authority
to take swift, appropriate, and decisive action to ensure patient safety and
protect consumers when new information comes to light to expose unexpected
risks. We can make this a reality.”
“We have the opportunity this week to renew key FDA programs, and to ensure that
the FDA continues to operate with new tools to ensure that safety is forefront
of every decision during the life of a drug.”
The bill being brought to the floor this week by Enzi and others
represents over a year of bipartisan discussions and cooperation following the
Vioxx incident. It establishes a system of active surveillance for drugs already
on the market, and explicitly gives the FDA new authority through Risk
Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) to respond quickly and appropriately
when previously unknown risks arise. This has become a crucial medical issue of
late.
“Many people are asking, ‘Why REMS? Why now?’” Enzi said. “The
answer is easy. Right now, the FDA has its hands tied behind its back when it
tries to manage the risks of drugs already on the market. This bill will give
FDA new tools to act when the agency’s post
DELEGATION TO PARK SERVICE: LEAVE THE GATE OPEN
May 4, 2007
Washington, D.C. - U.S.
Senators Craig Thomas, Mike Enzi and Representative Barbara Cubin, all R-Wyo.,
last week continued their efforts to keep Yellowstone’s East Gate open during
winter months, sending a strongly worded formal letter to the National Park
Service regarding the National Park Service Draft Environmental Impact
Statements (EIS) for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
"The preferred alternative closes the East Entrance of Yellowstone
National Park to motorized snowmobile and snowcoach access.
This decision is unacceptable to us and to our constituents, and we strongly
urge the NPS to reconsider closure of the East Entrance as the Draft EIS moves
toward a Record of Decision," the delegation wrote in a May 2 letter to the
Winter Use Planning Team. "It is our belief that it is possible to keep
reasonable access available to Yellowstone through the East Entrance. While we
acknowledge that the safety of Park Service employees is a valid concern, we
believe that the safety record in Sylvan Pass speaks for itself."
The National Park Service
released the Draft EIS for public review and comment on March 27. The draft
environmental impact statement is part of a new long-term plan to guide the
winter use management of the parks.
MINI NOTE: If you want to put your two cents in there is still time
to send comments to be included in the review. Here are a couple of ways to get
your views heard:
- A public comment meeting will take place in Cody from 6-9 p.m. on
Wednesday, May 16, at the Cody Auditorium located at 1240 Beck Avenue.
Electronic comment forms can be submitted at the National Park Service’s
Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov.
by picking Yellowstone NP in the pull down menu, then clicking on the ‘*Open for
Comment’ link in the top middle of the page.
Comments may also be submitted by mail to Winter Use planning Team,
P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. 82190, or in person. Comments will
not be accepted over the phone, by fax, or e-mail.
DELEGATION UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF WYO AIRPORTS
May 14, 2007
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Craig Thomas, Mike Enzi, and Representative Barbara
Cubin, all R-WY, late last week announced that the Department of Transportation
(DOT) has awarded five Wyoming airports with more than $6.7 million in grants to
update existing facilities and assist in their continuing development. The five
airports receiving the grants are in Sheridan, Worland, Jackson, Rock Springs
and Douglas.
“Our state’s airports are a critical link in our growing economy,” Thomas said.
“These grants will go a long way in improving safety and preparing for future
growth. This is a great day for the more than 109,000 people served by the
airports in these five cities.”
Senator Enzi said, “These grants provide not only an investment in Wyoming
infrastructure, but represent an investment in our quality of life. Improvements
to our local airports mean better regional air service throughout Wyoming, which
is essential for tourism, other industries as well as for Wyoming residents as a
whole.”
Representative Cubin said, “Air service between our rural communities is a
crucial part of economic development in Wyoming. These grants will enhance the
safety, quality and convenience of Wyoming's airports and help ensure the
continued viability of air service in Wyoming.”
According to the Aeronautics Division of the Wyoming Department of
Transportation, state airports have directly and indirectly created more than
14,000 jobs, and last year, more than 450,000 passengers passed through the
state’s 10 commercial airports.
Below are descriptions of the airport grant awards:
· Sheridan County Airport
-- $2,606,794 for the rehabilitation of the taxiway and improve runway safety;
· Worland Municipal Airport
-- $1,645,000 for runway construction and hangar relocation;
· Converse County Airport, Douglas
-- $1,320,000 to improve runways and extend the useful life of the pavement;
Rock Springs -- Sweetwater County Airport
-- $700,000 for parking lot rehabilitation, runway maintenance, and acquisition
of snow removal equipment; and,
· Jackson Hole Airport
-- $500,000 to install noise monitoring equipment.
Johnson County is also in the process of updating and renovating the county
airport. Just recently at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on April
17th, Smokey Wildeman moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Agency
Agreement for Federal Aid Project No. 3-56-0003-12 and State Project No. BYG-04A
for design work and runway rehabilitation as part of the Airport Capital
Improvement Plan. Commissioner Eitel seconded the motion and the motion was
passed.
The improvements are pending the approval of these grants.
MOTHER’S DAY BY THE NUMBERS
May 13, 2007
BIGresearch RSS, Los Angeles, CA — Mom may be priceless, but her gifts are not.
Shoppers will shell out e her this Mother's Day, according to the National
Retail Federation. Lucky moms!
That's nearly 10% more than shoppers extracted from their wallets
in 2006.
Americans have been celebrating mom for nearly a century--Anna
Jarvis's letter-writing campaign paid off when Congress declared Mother's Day an
official holiday in 1914--but this year the average consumer intends to spend
$104.63, up from $98.64 last year, according to the NRF's Mother's Day Consumer
Intentions and Actions Survey.
Part of the increase is attributed to the expanding categories, explains Scott
Krugman, vice president of the NRF. "It used to be candy and flowers, but now
those are just companion gifts." Today, he says, consumers are purchasing
electronics, spa visits and special lunches for their mothers.
"The other part of it is that it's not just for someone's mother," he says.
"People are purchasing for stepmoms, daughters, grandmothers and friends."
"And there are more mothers to buy for today," adds Phil Rist, vice
president of strategy at BIGresearch. "With the aging of our population and the
baby boomers in the age group that they're in, it's very possible to have
mothers, spouses and children who are mothers to shop for."
There are 82.5 million mothers to be exact, according to the U.S.
Census. And regardless of economic challenges--be it rising gas prices or
interest rates--an overwhelming majority of these moms will be celebrated come
Mother's Day.
Both the need and desire to celebrate our matrons make Mother's Day the
third-largest spending holiday of the year, behind the winter holidays and
Valentine's Day. But Moms' counterparts, dads, are not nearly as feted. Father's
Day ranks fifth on the holiday spending scale, falling just behind Easter.
And it's not just the gifts. Moms' phones ring more frequently than dads'.
According to a Verizon spokesman, Mother's Day is the busiest Sunday on the
Verizon phone network. The network expects 1.2 billion calls this Mother's
Day--20% more than a typical Sunday. Father's Day, on the other hand, is no
different than any other Sunday on Verizon's network.
Regardless of the amount spent or the number of calls made … or
even the semi-heroic attempts at cook for Mom, it’s the thought that counts on
this Day. Happy Mother’s Day Mom !$11.43 billion to tell mom they love
her.
GOVERNOR EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY CHILDCARE
May 3, 2007
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Quality child care programs help children build a solid
foundation for future success in school and in their careers, and Gov. Dave
Freudenthal this week will comment on the state’s work to enhance the quality
and availability of child care in Wyoming.
The dedication and special skills of those who care for and educate
Wyoming’s youngest citizens is the focus of a proclamation that Gov. Dave
Freudenthal will sign today in Laramie.
At a ceremony at Basic Beginnings Child Care Center, 1474 N 19th Street, at 4
p.m., Freudenthal will declare May 11 to be “Child Care Provider Appreciation
Day” in Wyoming.
“This proclamation is important, but even more important is the
opportunity it provides to keep the discussion of quality child care in Wyoming
at the forefront,” Freudenthal said. “We have made significant progress, but
there is still a lot of work left to do.”
In today’s economy where most families need two incomes to meet
their ordinary living expenses, childcare providers have become a critical
source for quality care for children. Almost 24,000 children in the state are
being cared for by a licensed family child care provider or in a licensed child
care center where caring providers offer environments that respect, nurture and
challenge children.
Although the state has more than 760 licensed providers, the availability of
child care services continues to be a serious problem, Freudenthal said.
“I want to call attention to the importance of high-quality child care services
and our need to enhance the quality and increase the availability of these
services,” Freudenthal said. “Quality child care helps build a foundation for
the success of our children.”
The newly-launched Wyoming Quality Child Care program will provide training
opportunities for providers and staff so that they can give Wyoming’s children
the best education based on nationally-accepted practices. The program also
offers suggestions and tools for centers and family providers so that they can
enhance the quality of their services. It will offer programs to families and
other groups in local communities to teach childhood development and family
strengthening skills.
Another part of the recent legislation provides financial support to families
with the lowest incomes to assist them in paying for child care services.
“For every $1 invested in early childhood services, we can prevent more than $7
in future spending on issues like substance abuse treatment, justice system
costs, and high school drop out rates,” Freudenthal said. “We have made a
considerable investment in our K-12 education system and in the Hathaway
Scholarship program - we must protect those investments by making sure we
provide a similar investment in early child care either in family home settings
or child care centers.”
GOVERNOR FEARS ‘DOMINO EFFECT’ OF DRILLING IN THE WYOMING RANGE
May 2, 2007
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Expressing his concern that an initial exploratory drilling
project in the Wyoming Range could be the “first domino” toward
industrialization of the national forest, yesterday Gov. Dave Freudenthal again
relayed his opposition to full-scale natural gas development in the western
Wyoming mountain range.
In a letter to Big Piney District Ranger Greg Clark on the Plains
Exploratory Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), Freudenthal asked the
Forest Service to consider delaying the proposal because of its importance to
the future of the Wyoming Range.
“Beyond the significant impacts that might follow from the
full-field development of Plains’ proposed Project Area, my greater fear is that
history will view this project as the first domino that fell towards the
industrialization of over 150,000 acres of oil and gas leases within the Wyoming
Range,” he said. “I will actively oppose any development scheme that will result
in such an outcome.”
Freudenthal, citing his lack of influence in affecting federal policy in the
area, noted that Congressional action might be a possibility.
“Opposition by a Governor to federal action can be dismissed
because I cannot change federal law or budgets,” Freudenthal said. “However,
Wyoming’s Senior Senator has also expressed his opposition to extensive
development of the Wyoming Range.”
In its public comment process on the DEIS, the Forest Service did
not work hard enough to accommodate the groundswell of public opposition to the
drilling project, he added.
“It is clear that many people in Wyoming are not in favor of this
development. It is unfortunate that the Forest Service was not more
accommodating to public concerns when it decided to turn down numerous requests,
including one from my office, for an extension of the comment period on this
DEIS,” he said.
Although the Plains Exploratory Co. presented the exploratory
project as a “wildcat” operation to investigate the area’s potential,
Freudenthal said he doubts the veracity of this characterization.
“Irrespective of the documented scope of the DEIS, it is clear that
the supposed “wildcat” must be viewed as setting the start of significant
additional development within the proposed Project Area,” he said. “To view it
any other way betrays the reality of a situation where a publicly traded company
would endure overwhelming public opposition, draft a full-blown EIS (on only a
portion of their planned development) and spend a significant amount of money to
drill three wildcat wells after having filed SEC statements that suggest that
this project is functionally a ‘Jonah in the trees.’” Governor Freudenthal
continues to work to balance business development with preserving Wyoming’s
wildlife.
ENZI: AMERICA’S SCHOOLS MUST BE DESIGNED TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE 21ST
CENTURY
May 1, 2007
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., ranking member of the Senate
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, last week expressed
concern that more must be done to prepare America’s high school students to
enter post-secondary education and the workplace with the knowledge and skills
they need to succeed.
"Simply graduating students is not sufficient, because a high
school diploma today is no guarantee that a student has learned the basics,"
Enzi said. "Nearly half of all college students are required to take remedial
courses on subjects they should have learned in high school before they can
begin college level coursework. This contributes to the rising costs of college,
prevents students from graduating on time, and deters many students,
particularly low-income and minority students, from ever earning a degree."
At today’s HELP Committee hearing titled, "No Child Left
Behind Reauthorization: Modernizing Middle and High Schools for the 21st
Century," Enzi said that Congress must address the alarming dropout rates across
the country. Every day, 7,000 students drop out of school, and unless high
schools are able to graduate their students at higher rates than the 68 to 70 %
they currently do, more than 12 million students will drop out during the next
decade.
"To remain competitive in a global economy, we must ensure that all
Americans have the education and training they need to be successful," Enzi
said. "We need a plan. We need to ensure opportunities are available to all
Americans, because our future depends on widely available and extensive
knowledge and training and a commitment to excellence."
"The decisions we make about education and workforce development
will have a dramatic effect on the economy and our society for a long time to
come," Enzi said. "For America to retain its competitive edge in the global
economy, we need to find ways to encourage high school students to stay in
school and prepare for and enter high-skill fields, like math, science,
engineering, health, technology, and foreign languages."
"In the HELP Committee, we are working to strengthen America’s
education and training pipeline. Through the reauthorization of the Head Start
Act, the No Child Left Behind Act, the Higher Education Act, and the Workforce
Investment Act, we can make sure that every individual has access to a lifetime
of education and training opportunities that provide the knowledge and skills
they need to be successful and that our employers need to remain competitive."
CUBIN DEMANDS ATTENTION TO DRUG-RESISTANCE
May 11 2007
Washington -- U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin last week called for increased
research for drug-resistant infections as the Centers for Disease Control
announced they had isolated a U.S. citizen confirmed to be suffering from
extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB).
"This patient is proof that the threat of drug-resistant infection
is all too alive and present in America," Representative Cubin said.
"The frightening reality behind this case is that anti-microbial
resistance is an ever-growing threat to public health, and our currently
available drugs no longer sufficiently treat diseases like XDR TB. Recognizing
this threat, I have introduced legislation to spur the development of new drugs
by providing a diverse set of incentives for companies of all size to invest in
the research and development of new antibiotics, antivirals and vaccines to
fight infectious diseases. The time is now to pass this legislation."
Cubin’s bill, The Beating Bird-Flu In Research and Development
(BIRD) Act provides a robust package of incentives to encourage and reward the
research and development (R&D) of new drugs to combat newly emerging resistant
diseases, including drug-resistant staph infections, life-threatening gram
negative bacteria such as E.coli, influenza and XDR TB.
"Infectious diseases such as XDR TB have the ability to kill
hundreds of thousands of people, yet there aren’t enough incentives for
companies to invest in research and development of vaccines or treatments,"
Cubin said. "Congress can address this lack of market incentive by passing the
bill I’ve introduced."
The incentives listed in the BIRD Act include tax credits for
product research and development, tax credits for manufacturing, patent
extensions, and expedited approval by the Food and Drug Administration.
"My own family has survived a scare with drug-resistant staph, and
I have been approached by multiple medical experts who routinely battle this and
other drug-resistant infections daily," Representative Cubin said. "We tend to
falsely believe that pandemics and untreatable infections are relics of the
past, and if we allow that thinking to persist, humanity will pay the ultimate
cost. Congress has a responsibility to address these threats by stimulating new
R&D."
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