Happy Labor Day! Established in 1894, Labor Day is a day to honor and recognize the American workers. We are fortunate to live in a prosperous nation today because of the generations of Americans before us who helped build our country and economy.

Please join me in remembering the hardworking people who made the United States a beacon of freedom and opportunity. I pray that we follow in their footsteps, passing on an even greater nation for our children and grandchildren. As your representative, I will continue fighting to preserve America's foundation and prosperity for future generations in Congress.

Since last January, my staff and I have talked with, written to, and helped thousands of Kansans, and we are here to serve you, too. Please call my Manhattan or Dodge City offices if you need assistance with federal agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you would like to share comments or concerns regarding a piece of legislation, or are visiting Washington D.C. and would like a tour of the Capitol, please contact my Washington D.C. office.

In the District

Roundtable with Kansas Hospital Leaders

I enjoyed meeting with hospital leaders from across the Big First in Hays. We discussed the state of health care in Kansas, issues facing providers, staff shortages, and increasing prescription drug prices.

The Big First has more critical access hospitals than any other district in the country, and I am committed to working toward possible solutions to these problems. That is why I support legislation like H.R. 4390, the Protect 340B Act, H.R. 7744, the Building America’s Health Care Workforce Act, and H.R. 8565, the Rural HELP Act.

As the representative for the Big First District, I will continue to support legislation that ensures Kansans have access and choices to the care that they need.

Tour of Hess Services, Inc.

Thank you to Hess Services for showing me around their facility. Hess Services designs, manufactures, repairs, and installs oilfields and other industrial equipment. 

To date, Hess Services utilizes over 529,000 square feet of assembly and fabrication area on their plant in Hays.

Vulgamore Family Farms

It was a pleasure visiting Brian and Paula Vulgamore and learning more about their family farming operation, Vulgamore Family Farms.

Vulgamore farms is a fifth-generation crop and livestock operation headquartered in Scott City. Their farming operation strives to use innovative management and technology that produces high-quality crops and helps modern-day farmers care for their land efficiently. Thanks for letting me stop by!

High Plains Mental Health Center

During my time in Hays this week, I met with Walt Hill, the Executive Director of the High Plains Mental Health Center, and learned about the services that their facilities offer. High Plains has 6 full-time offices and 15 additional service locations that serve 20 counties across northwest Kansas.

The facilities offer a range of mental health resources, from counseling, therapy, and substance use disorder treatment to community-based support services and psychiatric services. Currently, High Plains serves over 6,000 patients and employs150 staff members.

If you are needing help, the caring staff at High Plains Mental Health Center are here for you. Their crisis line is open 24/7 if you need someone to talk to: (800) 432-0333

ICYMI: The Mann Minute

Just like many Kansans, I'm concerned about the drought facing our farmers and ranchers. On top of the weather that cannot be controlled, Kansans and agricultural producers alike are sharing their frustrations regarding skyrocketing inflation and, more recently, President Biden's student debt forgiveness program, which will only exacerbate the inflation crisis.

I am looking forward to continuing these meaningful conversations with Kansans about issues that are important to them. Listen to my full thoughts in this Mann Minute from on the road.