• Hageman introduces accountability act, Lummis explains value added program
U.S. Senator John Barrasso
U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) was officially sworn into the United States Senate to continue serving Wyoming in the 119th Congress. He also began his new leadership role as Senate Majority Whip, the second most senior position in the Senate Republican leadership. He released the following statement:
“It’s my honor to continue representing the people of Wyoming in the United States Senate. Their priorities are at the top of my mind as I take on the position of Majority Whip. Americans voted boldly this year to lower costs, secure our border, and unleash American energy. Senate Republicans heard them loud and clear.
“We are ready to deliver a new direction for our country with President Trump. I look forward to serving the American people and securing more wins for Wyoming.”
In addition to his role as Senate Majority Whip, Barrasso serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources, Finance, and Foreign Relations committees.
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman
Congresswoman Harriet Hageman Introduces First Amendment Accountability Act: On the opening day of the 119th Congress, Rep. Hageman introduced her first bill of the new session, the First Amendment Accountability Act, the next step in her fight against the weaponization of the federal government against the American people. This bill would empower Americans to sue federal employees who violate their First Amendment rights.
Rep. Hageman stated: “As a member of the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government in the 118th Congress, I helped uncover the Censorship Industrial Complex, the FBI’s spying on Catholics, the DOJ’s classifying of concerned parents as domestic terrorists, FEMA employees not helping Trump supporters in disaster zones, and much more. Current law allows Americans to sue their state officials for violations of their rights, but no equal right exists at the federal level. I developed this bill to further secure the First Amendment against the growing disdain for liberty by Washington. Since upholding the Constitution and the natural liberties secured in it is my top priority for my constituents and all Americans, I introduced this as my first bill of the 119th Congress.”
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis
Lummis offers reminder on value added program: On December USDA Rural Development Wyoming announced the Value-Added Producer Grant,
(VAPG) program update for 2025. The VAPG program helps agricultural producers who wish to expand their customer base enter into value-added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products. Who may apply for this program? Agricultural producers (includes harvesters and steering committees), agricultural producer groups, farmer- or rancher-cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures, as defined in the program regulation.
How may funds be used? Grant funds may be used for planning activities or working capital expenses related to post-harvest processing and marketing the value-added agricultural products.
A Zoom Conference was held January 7, 2025. Planning grant awards may be used for hiring a qualified consultant to conduct and develop a: Feasibility study; Business plan or Marketing plan.
Qualifying working capital expenses may include: Costs of processing the post-harvest raw commodity into the value-added product; Product packaging and labeling; Marketing and Advertising; Post-processing distribution.
On December USDA Rural Development Wyoming announced the Value-Added Producer Grant, (VAPG) program update for 2025. The VAPG program helps agricultural producers who wish to expand their customer base enter into value-added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products.
Who may apply for this program? Agricultural producers (includes harvesters and steering committees), agricultural producer groups, farmer- or rancher-cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures, as defined in the program regulation.
How may funds be used? Grant funds may be used for planning activities or working capital expenses related to post-harvest processing and marketing the value-added agricultural products.
Applicants should be aware that 100% matching funds are required for the grant.
Planning grant awards may be used for hiring a qualified consultant to conduct and develop a: Feasibility study; Business plan or Marketing plan.
Qualifying working capital expenses may include: Costs of processing the post-harvest raw commodity into the value-added product; Product packaging and labeling; Marketing and Advertising; Post-processing distribution.
Wyoming VAPG contacts are:
Lynelle Barber, Business Program Specialist, (307) 233-6721
James Robinson, Business Program Specialist, (307) 233-6723
Cynthia Dettloff, Business Program Director, (307) 233-6716
