Rep. Vicky Hartzler visits California

From left, Rep. Vicky Hartzler, and Burgers' Smokehouse President Steven Burger and Vice President Philip Burger discuss small-business concerns during a visit to the ham-curing operation south of California.
From left, Rep. Vicky Hartzler, and Burgers' Smokehouse President Steven Burger and Vice President Philip Burger discuss small-business concerns during a visit to the ham-curing operation south of California.

Fourth District Rep. Vicky Hartzler made three stops Friday, July 7, at California locations.

At Burgers' Smokehouse, the Republican congresswoman met with President Steven Burger, Vice President Philip Burger and several managers, and listened to concerns about some recent regulatory interpretations, which involve small businesses with multiple food product lines.

Much of the discussion involved the fact that food safety is the goal of both Burgers' Smokehouse and the United States Department of Agriculture. They usually work well together. Hartzler and the Burgers' management agreed that it may cause confusion, when long-standing regulations are subject to new interpretation. The congresswoman said she would inquire of the USDA about the concerns of small businesses with some of the changes and re-interpretations.

Earlier, Hartzler stopped by the Community Health Center on Gerhart Road in California to meet the staff and talk about services offered. Following the visit to Burgers,' she stopped by Burgher Haus in the Village Green Shopping Center for lunch and to meet local residents.