Senator Mike Enzi - March Newsletter

Statement

A Message from Senator Enzi

Last weekend I was able to catch one of my favorite Wyoming events - the State Basketball Tournament in Casper. I enjoyed seeing many friends and cheering on my favorite teams. Congratulations to all the teams who participated and played their best!

Diana and I want to remind you that March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. We encourage Wyoming residents to learn more about the disease, get screened and be aware. A simple screening, as well as carefully listening to your body, could save your life.

I recently launched a Facebook Page where I will begin posting floor statement videos as well as keeping my supporters informed on some of my daily activities.

In this newsletter, my staff and I have summarized the most important issues I've been working on for Wyoming. Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. More information is available on my Web site. I look forward to hearing from you if you have any questions or comments.

Headlines & Highlights

AML Payments

Senator Enzi expressed his disapproval over an item in President Obama's budget request that would eliminate all future payments to the state from the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) fund. Enzi pointed out that the President's budget is not definite and is merely a suggestion and starting point for Congress, with the final numbers to be decided by the House and Senate. Senator Enzi, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, said he will work with his colleagues to see if he can maintain the careful compromise that released the stolen funds before.

Omnibus Bill

The Senate passed the $410 billion omnibus spending bill on March 11. Senator Enzi had objections to the bill's price tag, the process it went through and the earmarks that were not voted on separately. Senator Enzi voted for several amendments to strip the bill of all earmarks, decrease spending and hold government agencies at last year's funding levels. When those attempts failed, he voted against the omnibus bill itself. The omnibus package also included a provision to overturn funding formulas that the Senate and House carefully negotiated in the reauthorization of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act of 2006 to fund treatment of patients who have HIV/AIDS. Enzi worked on those funding formulas to ensure all states were treated fairly, especially rural areas and the South, where the disease is spreading most rapidly. The senator said this change in the omnibus bill does not allow money to follow the patient; it allows money to follow those who are in power.

On the Horizon

Inventors Conference

Senator Enzi will host his annual Inventors Conference next month. All Wyoming residents have potential to come up with the next big idea. This conference offers the opportunity to learn how to turn entrepreneurial dreams into a reality and pursue a business venture. The conference will take place at Casper College on April 25.

Enzi will be in attendance, as well as other guest leaders and inventors who will share their knowledge and expertise about how to protect ideas, set up small businesses and market inventions. For more information or to register, contact Robin Bailey in Enzi's Gillette Office at (307) 682-6268 or e-mail robin_bailey@enzi.senate.gov.

Legislative Items
The Senate is likely to debate a national service bill, a budget resolution and a bill to set a renewable electricity standard.

Wyoming Office Hours

Wyoming residents who want to meet on an individual basis with one of Senator Enzi's state representatives to discuss issues, questions or concerns about the federal government, can do so at the following scheduled office hours:

Albin - Wednesday, March 25 - Community Center Cafeteria - 12:30-1 p.m.
Burns - Wednesday, March 25 - Senior Center - 3-3:30 p.m.
Dayton - Monday, March 30 - Town Hall - 3-4 p.m.
Gillette - Tuesday, March 24 - Library Wyoming Room - 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Guernsey - Friday, March 20 - First State Bank - 2-2:30 p.m.
Hartville - Friday, March 20 - Town Hall - 12-12:30 p.m.
Laramie - Friday, March 27 - Albany County Public Library - 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Newcastle - Thursday, March 19 - Library - 1-2 p.m.
Pine Bluffs - Wednesday, March 25 - Town Hall - 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Sheridan - Monday, March 30 - YMCA - 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Upton - Thursday, March 19 - Community Center - 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Wheatland - Friday, March 20 - Town Hall - 3-4 p.m.
Wright - Tuesday, March 24 - Town Hall - 2-3 p.m.

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