Dear editor
It's time to set the record straight on Rep. Ken Clouston's vote on House Bill 44. It's important that Gillette voters know the truth before casting their ballot this August
Rep. Clouston made the right vote.
House Bill 44 would have repealed two independent sections of existing Wyoming law that are important to the health and safety of our state, particularly our most vulnerable.
One of the laws that HB44 would have removed came in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11. Our state like so many others across the country, realized that our public health statues would fall short in the event of a terrorist attack in the Mountain West. So a group of legislatures worked the entirety of the 2002 interim, before the 2003 session to give Wyoming the protection it needs.
Children were a key focus of these efforts after the country witnessed so many young Americans orphans on that fateful day in September 2001. W.S. 35-4-113 allows the state health officer to render medical treatment or administer a vaccine if it is determined to be necessary to spare the child from disease, death, disability or suffering. Consent is ONLY waved if parents are not to be located.
The other portion permits patients over 12 to seek treatment if they find themselves addicted to tobacco and want to quit, something the American Cancer Society and doctors everywhere see an an important tool.
We are thankful we have Rep. Clouston representing us and making the right decisions. Don't be fooled by anyone twisting the truth and trying to convince you otherwise.
Thank you, Representative Clouston, for your service and for protecting Wyoming's Children.
Sincerely,
David R. Fall, MD
Julie S. Fall, MD
