The Washington County Republican Party held their July 2023 meeting at the Blair Public Library. Speakers included Lauren Gage with “Keep Kids First” that seeks to stop the teacher’s union’s petition to reverse the Opportunity Scholarships Act (LB753) that made Nebraska the 49th state to enact a school choice program. Senator Ben Hansen spoke about the Pink Card program and upcoming budgets being set by school boards and county boards. Blair School Board member Courtney Tabor emphasized how important it was for the public to attend and speak at the upcoming Blair School Board budget meeting on August 14, 2023. EPIC (Eliminate-Propery-Income-Corporate taxes) speakers Rob Rohrbaugh and Randy Stahmer gave a presentation on the EPIC option and had a good Q&A along with petitions to sign. Fortyseven (47) people attended. Elected officials in attendance were Senator Ben Hansen, Blair School Board member Courtney Tabor, Ft Calhoun Mayor Mitch Robinson and Blair City Councilman Kevin Willis.