Julie McCallister For WYHD47

Both of my parents attended the University of Wyoming, but had to seek work outside the state. I was raised outside of Milwaukee WI. I spent almost every summer and vacation from school growing up in Riverton and Dubois with family where my grandmother and grandfather Charles and Maydean Jones of Riverton, and my Uncle John Story of Dubois ensured I learned all about the wilds of Wyoming.

I was raised by my mother, who spent 17 years teaching, and also ran a small remodeling/ construction business until her retirement, and returned to Wyoming several years ago. My mom always wanted to raise her children in Wyoming, but the availability of jobs complicated that dream.

Graduating with degrees in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration, I then, through work, continued my studies, but did not get an opportunity to finish my degree in Chemical Engineering. I have worked for a number of different companies, including the Forest Service, and the University of Wyoming for almost 7 years in Oil and Gas research.

My background in Oil and Gas gives me a unique perspective on Wyoming’s energy industry. I not only understand Oil and Gas from a research and chemical point of view, but also from a business and financial basis. We need to support our Oil and Gas jobs in our state, in order to do so we need people in Legislature that know the industry, and its needs.

I am a very strong supporter of our second amendment rights. This is a constitutional right that is at the heart of who we are as a country that should not be infringed upon.

I greatly enjoy hunting, and generally plan my entire schedule around it. As my Uncle and Grandfather ensured, I fell in love with the wilds of Wyoming as a child, and enjoy nothing more than the quality time with my loved ones afield.

I have been a full time caregiver since 2012, which makes rural healthcare, and disability and elderly rights something near and dear to my heart. The problem is extremely simple. We have dedicated our lives to living, working, and raising our families in Wyoming. As needs grow medically, every possible support should be given so we can remain in our own homes. Often Medicare and Medicaid will “force” a person into a nursing home, long before their needs call for that level of care. There is a great deal of research, and even common sense, calls for knowing that a person’s health will be better if kept in their own home as long as possible.