Laursen and Banks keynote speakers at chamber luncheon

Sen. Dan Laursen and Rep. Dalton Banks were the featured speakers at the Lovell Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon held in Lovell on April 15. The pair commented about the most recent session of the Wyoming Legislature and fielded questions from a group of local business leaders and community members.
Banks commented that his first term in office was like “drinking out of fire hose,” but noted the most recent session already seemed a bit easier to manage.
“I think I could be a more effective voice this session because the knowledge of the process is there,” Banks said. “I think we did some good work this session.”
Laursen mentioned that he served in the house for eight years and has been in the senate for two years.
Both legislators expressed that they were grateful when their constituents reach out either through email or text message, especially during session. The somewhat informal discussion touched on newly enacted property tax breaks, reducing the amount of money the state spends and frustration with how the system functions.
    Laursen said he thought it was a tough budget session, and though the budget bill ended with a substantial reduction from what was originally proposed, he didn’t feel it was enough and voted against it. Banks said, though he didn’t agree with the final budget, he supported it in the end.
“Nobody gets everything they want,” Banks said.
Banks encouraged citizens to be actively engaged in what is important to them as individuals.
Other speakers at the event included Lacie Workman, who spoke about her recently opened lapidary business, Alchemist of Stones. University of Wyoming Extension representative Melissa Cook spoke about upcoming classes that will be held in the area, including a master class in canning and several different gardening related courses.