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Every August, Congress breaks for a month long recess, giving members the chance to catch up with what is going on in their individual districts. I am very fortunate to represent Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District that includes 16 counties, from the heart of the state down town to the Texas border. The Fourth Congressional District is rich in cultural, agriculture, military history and economic diversity. Another great asset of Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District is the kindheartedness of the people that live there. District work periods give me the chance to travel through our great state and meet the many faces that make up the Fourth Congressional District.
Town Hall Meetings are an important part of a district work period. They are the perfect opportunity to listen to concerns from people across many communities. This August, I was able to schedule town hall meetings in Ada, Midwest City, Mustang, Lawton, Sulphur, Newcastle, Purcell and Waurika. Although I wasn't able to make a stop in every area, we will be scheduling additional meetings in communities later this year. I appreciate those that came out to the meetings and encourage others to attend any time there is a meeting in your area. During a Town Hall Meeting I am able to update you on what is happening in Washington and get your input on the issues that we are debating in Congress. During the past few meetings, we discussed topics such as gas prices, the war in Iraq, Social Security and immigration. These are all important issues that I believe we will be addressing when Congress reconvenes.
Because healthcare and education will continue to be important issues to our state and to our nation for many years to come, I have formed a Higher Education Task Force and a Rural Health Steering Committee to advise me on topics that are affecting Oklahoma. I will be meeting with both of the groups this week. The Higher Education Task Force is composed of university administrators across the state. Congress is currently debating Higher Education Reauthorization legislation and it is vital to have this groups input. As a former educator, I think it is vital for every student to have the chance to go to college. I believe it is vital that we equip our students with the skills they need to compete in a global marketplace.
The Rural Health Steering Committee is composed of hospital administrators across the state. Quality healthcare and easy access to health providers is a concern of many rural communities across the Fourth Congressional District. As we continue to debate changes to our current health care structure in Congress, the opinions of those who work and those who use rural and suburban health care facilities are particularly important. All Oklahomans should have access to quality, affordable care, the best specialists and up-to-date technology.
It is an honor to represent Oklahoma's Fourth District in Congress. Hopefully I will be able to visit your community soon, but please remember, if you have any concerns with issues being debated in Congress or have a problem with a federal agency please contact me. You can reach me by email at tom.cole@mail.house.gov or call one of our offices: Norman, 405-329-6500; Ada, 580-436-5375; Lawton, 580-357-2131; or Washington, D.C. 202-225-6165.
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