Email from Rep. Dan Newhouse This week, I visited with locals across the North part of the 4th District. Meeting with Douglas County Commissioners On Tuesday, I joined the Douglas County Commissioners for a visit to new residential and commercial developments coming to the area and the Wenatchi Landing site. We discussed economic development and ways we can continue to bring businesses and families to Douglas County.  Ribbon Cutting for the Family Health Center Dental Expansion I was proud to speak at the ribbon cutting for the Family Health Center in Omak's dental expansion project! When folks have to drive over an hour just to find a practitioner in the area, it can be easy for dental health to fall to the wayside. This project was one I was able to secure funding for and is a great example of the expansion of rural healthcare that we need to see more of. The expanded dental clinic will enable the Family Health Center to deliver much-needed care options for Okanogan County, and I am proud of all of the hard work that has brought us this far, and all that is to come. Fighting Retail Crime I toured Walmart in Omak to discuss the challenges they and others in the region are facing with retail crime. With crime across the country at new highs, even rural areas like Okanogan County are affected. As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I remain a staunch advocate for our law enforcement and the resources needed to combat the rise in petty and violent crime. I thank Walmart for the incredible insight into this issue. Discussing Drug Overdoses with Local Law Enforcement On Wednesday, I sat down with the Okanogan County Sheriff's Department, local prosecutors, and border patrol to hear the challenges they are facing with drug overdosed in the area. Washington State has one of the highest overdose rates in the country, and death from overdoses have rapidly increased in rural areas over the last few years. I thank these folks for working around the clock to keep our communities safe, and for their continued dedication to keeping these fatal substances out of our communities. Touring Okanogan County Jail I was able to visit Okanogan County Jail to hear about facility improvements and future projects they hope to start. Solid infrastructure at these facilities is critical to public safety, and I thank all of the employees for their hard work in running the facility. Talking Rural Healthcare Access with Local Professionals I was fortunate to speak with the Okanogan Healthcare Planning Group in Twisp to hear their thoughts on ways to improve access to rural healthcare. We discussed challenges with Critical Access Hospitals, concerns in Rural Public District Hospitals, and ways to cut costs while delivering new and necessary services to Okanogan County. An Update from Local Orchardists I sat down with local orchardists in Tonasket to discuss the issues they are facing as we head into the winter months. We discussed labor challenges, tariffs, and the plan to bring grizzly bears to the North Cascades As an advocate for increased global market access for tree fruit and specialty crops, we are working to ensure our producers maintain an edge in the increasingly competitive world market. Crime Roundtable in Omak I heard from Omak, Brewster, and Tribal law enforcement about the vast array of issues they are dealing with in the region. What is clear is that police departments need all the help they can get when it comes to keeping our communities safe. From officer employment retention to access to new programs and training, I am committed to delivering real resources to our departments that help them do the job. Childcare and Behavioral Health at Mid Valley Hospital I toured Mid Valley Hospital and met with hospital administrators about rural healthcare, specifically childcare and behavioral health. Cases of negative mental health and behavioral issues among children have been on the rise, and it cannot go unaddressed. I will work with my colleagues on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education to make sure rural healthcare facilities have resources available to address these cases. Talking All Things Ag with Brewster FFA It was an absolute pleasure to visit with Brewster High School's FFA class! We discussed the many challenges currently before the ag industry and they had phenomenal questions about the work being done in Congress to support our producers. As a third-generation farmer and former FFA member, I am proud to have visited with these future farmers that will go on to feed our nation and the world! Touring Coulee Medical Center I was glad to tour Coulee Medical Center and discuss hospital operations with their incredible team of employees and medical professionals. We discussed challenges that stem from a very small tax base contributing to the facility and ways we can help improve rural access as the demand continues to increase. Thank you for having me, and for all of the hard work you do! Federal Water Management Issues in Moses Lake This morning, I visited with Stevens Hay Exports to hear about the federal water management issues they and others in the region are facing. Red tape continues to hinder producers' ability to access irrigation water, and as a farmer I understand that without that water, our farms in the area could not exist. We need expand groundwater operations and make it easier for farmers to get the resources they need for a successful operation. Celebrating Affordable and Reliable Energy at SILA This afternoon I visited with SILA Nanotechnologies in Moses Lake where we covered all things energy. In a town hall with company employees, we discussed everything from hydropower to critical minerals and talked about the importance of workforce development to the region as more companies come to call it home. Services My Office Provides Having trouble navigating the bureaucratic red-tape of a federal agency? Need assistance with VA benefits? Looking to book a tour of our nation's capital? Visit my website to see all the services my office provides. Don't Forget: Sign Up for the App Challenge Today The App Challenge is open to all middle and high school students who reside in or attend a school in Washington’s 4th Congressional District. Students may participate individually or in a team of students up to four. The competition will run until October 24, 2024, and applicants are welcome to submit their application any time during this period. Visit My Website to Apply   It is an honor and a privilege to serve you in Congress. To stay up to date on how I am working to represent Central Washington, I encourage you to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also find regular updates on my website. Sincerely, Dan Newhouse Contact Me     Rep. Dan Newhouse | 504 Cannon House Office Bldg. | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice