Representative Ron Estes

.Dear Friend,

Recently, I chaired a Social Security Subcommittee joint hearing with the Work and Welfare Subcommittee. We heard from Commissioner Frank Bisignano about the state of the Social Security Administration.

Since I took the gavel as Chairman of this subcommittee, my team and I have worked with local personnel and Commissioner Bisignano to improve the customer experience for my constituents and Americans across the country. I’m happy to report that wait times at the Wichita Field Office are down 60% compared to two years ago. While there is still work to do to improve the Social Security Administration, this reduction in wait times is a step in the right direction.

You can watch my opening statement and questioning of Commissioner Bisignano here or by clicking on the image below.

Sincerely,

Member of Congress

.Congressional Republicans created the Rural Health Transformation Program last summer, increasing funding for rural healthcare by $50 billion. I’m happy that Kansas was awarded nearly $222 million this year through this program.

Kansas was awarded the sixth highest amount among all states, and it was actually given $22 million more than requested. I’m glad that our state will be able to support rural communities and hospitals through the funds received from this program.

.I enjoyed meeting with Kansas FFA students who were in the nation’s capital for their Washington Leadership Conference. I grew up on my family’s farm in Kansas, so I always enjoy meeting with young Kansans who are interested in agriculture.

KS FFA

.Recently, I spent some time in Derby at the 15th annual Smoke on the Plains Derby BBQ and Music Fest. This special Derby tradition brings together families, friends, neighbors and BBQ masters. I presented remarks I submitted to the Congressional Record about the 15th anniversary and was pleased to announce the people’s choice awards.

Smoke on the Plains BBQ

I visited the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum in Ark City to celebrate Flag Day, which is the anniversary of the Second Continental Congress declaring Old Glory to be the official flag of the United States of America. The museum was also celebrating three more important milestones: 60 years of the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum, 165 years of Kansas statehood and America’s 250th birthday.

On display at the museum was a copy of the Declaration of Independence from the late 1700s or early 1800s that was commissioned by one of its original signers – it was really great to see! I enjoyed spending time in Ark City and talking about our nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial on July 4.

Flag Day

.Did you know that Mushroom Rock State Park is the smallest state park in Kansas? Located about 20 miles southwest of Salina, Mushroom Rock State Park is only five acres in size. It is named after its unique rock formations that resemble mushrooms. Mushroom Rock State Park is situated on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway which also features Kanopolis State Park, the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, the McPherson Opera House and other Kansas attractions.