The Bost Bulletin Dear Friend,
I truly believe that to be an effective Member of Congress, you have to meet your constituents where they’re at and learn from their experiences on the ground. That’s why the summer district work period is so important. As we head back to Washington this week, I can tell you I logged many miles on my truck traveling the backroads and highways across every part of Southern Illinois. I appreciate all who shared their thoughts with me along the way, because hearing from you makes me a better representative.
Visiting Vienna's Tri-State Food Bank & Arrowleaf Food Pantry I visited with Southern Illinoisans last week who give so much of their time to help neighbors in need. First, I visited the Tri-State Food Bank’s distribution center in Vienna and met with the hardworking team that helps distribute fresh produce across 16 counties in our district. Then, I headed next door to the Arrowleaf Food Pantry, which is an amazing asset for folks from Alexander, Johnson, and Pulaski counties. Thank you for all you do to strengthen our communities. 
Witnessing Cairo on the Rise A little over a year ago, I visited what would soon become the Rise Community Market in Cairo. Last week I was back, getting a tour of a market that has drastically improved access to healthy, nutritious food for residents who hadn’t had access to a local grocery store since 2015. It was great to see how the facility has thrived since opening back in July. I also got to see the Pilot Food Donation Garden and hear how residents are giving their time, coming together, and helping those in need. 
Stopping By South Gate Nursing & Rehab in Metropolis Sam Thompson gave me a tour today of Metropolis’ Southgate Nursing and Rehab, a facility that has been operating in Southern Illinois for more than 60 years. It was great to meet the team and hear about the great work they’re doing to serve the local community. 
Taking a Tour of the Wabash General Hospital I stopped by the Wabash General Hospital for a tour with President and CEO, Karissa Turner. I had a pleasure meeting their team of committed and hardworking rural healthcare specialists, and we had some constructive conversations about how we can work together to increase standards of care across Southern Illinois. 
Walking Down the Campus of Wabash Valley College Then I was off to Wabash Valley College, where President Matt Fowler gave me a tour of campus soon after. It was great to hear about all the college offers to students in the area. It was an illustration of the fact that young people can access a quality, affordable education right here in Southern Illinois. President Fowler pointed out their POW-MIA Chair of Honor, which I particularly enjoyed seeing on proud display. 
Attending a Mt. Carmel City Hall Meeting Over in Mt. Carmel, I attended a City Hall meeting with the Area Economic Development Board, city officials, and local small business owners. We discussed how we can WORK together to get our rural economy back on track. I also got to hold the key to the city! 
Meeting with the Board of First National Bank Mt. Carmel I met with President Don Price and members of the board of the First National Bank of Mt. Carmel as well. Founded in 1906, the bank remains locally owned and is the largest financial institution headquartered in Wabash County. We had some great discussions about the bank’s history and the importance of local banking. 
Keeping in the Loop with the U of I's Dixon Springs Agricultural Center It was great to get an update on the research going on at the University of Illinois’ Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in Simpson. Agriculture forms the backbone of our economy, and the ag center’s research in livestock is vital for making sure new generations of family farmers have the best resources available to grow their operations. 
Touring B&G Machine, Talking T&I Mt. Carmel mayor Joe Judge joined me for a tour of B&G Machine with the company’s owner, Greg Odom. It was great to learn more about their technologies for the automotive industry and discuss my role on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. 
World Suicide Prevention Day Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. As chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, this is an issue we’re working on a lot. According to the latest National Veteran Suicide Prevention report, 17 veterans commit suicide every day. Whether you’re a veteran or not, help is out there. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 or visit 998lifeline.org for 24/7 free and confidential support. 
To stay updated on the work I am doing, make sure you follow me on Facebook or . And if you would like to receive these email updates, make sure you sign up for my newsletter . - Mike | 
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