WY Legislature Moves to Update & Modernize Oil and Gas Regulations

NEWS RELEASE

 
January 30, 2019
 
Contact: Representative Mike Greear
Chair, House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee
mike.greear@wyoleg.gov
307.388-3399
 

WY Legislature Moves to Update & Modernize Oil and Gas Regulations
Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee Announces Plans for Interim Study Aimed at Updating State’s Oil & Gas Laws to Keep Pace with Industry

 
Cheyenne, Wyo. – Working with private and public sector partners and Governor Mark Gordon, leadership of the House and Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee announced plans for an interim study of Wyoming’s oil and gas regulations with the intention of modernizing the state’s laws to better align with current industry practices.
 
“The oil and gas industry has changed markedly over the past several years, with advances in technology, changes in public policy and global factors impacting production and sales,” said Representative Mike Greear, Chair of the House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee.
 
Rep. Greear continued, “However, Wyoming’s regulations have not always kept pace with the changing industry. It’s critical the Wyoming Legislature work in tandem with private and public sector partners on a comprehensive approach that modernizes our laws while protecting private property rights and encourages development.”
 
“Wyoming’s oil and gas producers are critical partners in our state and local economies,” said Senator Jim Anderson, Chair of the Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee. “The oil and gas industry employs over 7,000 people and generates more than $900 million annually for local and state government. We owe it to the industry, private landowners and Wyoming citizens to ensure we have smart, effective regulations in place.”
 
"As the oil and gas industry has evolved, so must Wyoming regulations," Governor Mark Gordon said. "We are already underway examining potential solutions and are looking forward to working with the legislature on developing a comprehensive approach."
 
The Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee plans to address a number of important issues impacting oil and gas production in Wyoming during the upcoming interim, including bonding, the acquisition of oil and gas leases, drilling practices and a host of other critical topics. Working with Governor Mark Gordon, industry and the Wyoming Oil & Gas Commission, the Committee will compile a list of key subjects to address and release them during meetings held in the spring. 
 
“We are committed to a comprehensive approach to getting Wyoming’s regulatory framework up to speed,” said Representative Greear. “This means encouraging oil and gas development while protecting private property rights.
 
“To ensure that Wyoming’s oil and gas industry remains a vital part of our state’s economy requires a legal and regulatory framework that is efficient, effective, and responsive,” said President of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming Pete Obermueller. “We are eager to work with the legislature, Governor Gordon, the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, landowners, and any other interested party that shares the goal of a vibrant and prosperous Wyoming.”
 
The House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee heard a number of bills this session related to oil and gas production. During the interim, the Committee will build upon these efforts.  
 

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Amendment Introduced to Correct Budget Bill

NEWS RELEASE

Majority of the Wyoming Legislature

 
January 29, 2019
 
Contact: Representative Albert Sommers
Albert.Sommers@wyoleg.gov
(307) 360-7060

**MEDIA ADVISORY**
Amendment Introduced to Correct Budget Bill  
Error in Budget Bill Passed Out of Committee Includes Steps for Medicaid Expansion Instead of Intended Study 
 

Cheyenne, Wyo. – An amendment was introduced in the Wyoming House of Representatives today, correcting an error that was made in the general Budget bill passed out of committee last week. The bill included general language moving forward with Medicaid Expansion. However, this was an error and never the intent of the Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC) and the amendment introduced today would fix this mistake, authorizing a study of Medicaid expansion instead.

“The Joint Appropriations Committee has been clear in our intent to move forward with a study of Medicaid Expansion – nothing more,” said JAC Co-Chair Eli Bebout. “This is simply an error the House and Senate will work swiftly to remedy.”

House Bill 1, General Government Appropriations, was passed by JAC on Friday. The bill was to include a study of Medicaid expansion. However, due to a communications error, incorrect language moving Medicaid expansion forward in the state was included. Upon passage, the concurrent amendments will remove the incorrect language and replace with plans for a study.

“The members of JAC, and our incredible staff have worked day in and day out over the past several weeks to prepare a Budget bill reflective of the priorities of the people of Wyoming,” said JAC Co-Chair Bob Nicholas. “But mistakes do happen and we look forward to correcting the bill to reflect our true intentions on the House and Senate floors.”
 

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Sen. Anderson Introduces Bill to Level the Playing Field in Government Contracting

NEWS RELEASE

January 21, 2019
 
Contact: Senator Jim Anderson
Jim. Anderson@wyoleg.gov
(307) 267-5775
 

Sen. Anderson Introduces Bill to Level the Playing Field in Government Contracting
Senate File 53 equalizes bidding access for union and non-union companies

Cheyenne, Wyo. – Natrona County Senator Jim Anderson (SD-28) has proposed legislation to level the playing field for union and non-union companies bidding government construction contracts in Wyoming.

Senate File 53 would prohibit a government entity from including language about labor organization agreements in construction contracts. According to the bill, this will “provide for more economical, nondiscriminatory, neutral and efficient procurement of construction related services by governmental entities.”

“To protect taxpayers and ensure equal opportunities for all Wyoming businesses, government construction bids need to be open to all interested companies,” said Senator Anderson. “In no way does this bill forbid a government entity from selecting a company using organized labor nor does it impact private building projects. Rather, this gives all companies equal access to bid on government contracts while improving transparency and lowering costs.”

“We owe it to the people of Wyoming to spend taxpayer money wisely and honor the spirit of Wyoming’s right to work status,” continued Senator Anderson. “Senate File 53 will make sure the government process delivers contracts to the most suitable companies. Period. If a union shop can provide the best product at a lower price great, but we should not artificially restrict competition.”
 SF 53 passed the Senate Committee of the Whole on January 18, 2019 and is awaiting further consideration by the Senate. Sponsors of the bill include Senator Anderson, Senator Brian Boner, Senator Ogden Driskill and Senator Dave Kinskey; along with Representative Aaron Clausen, Representative Tyler Lindholm, Representative Bill Pownall, and Representative Tom Walters.
 

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‘Unborn Victims of Violence Act’ Ensures Justice for the Unborn

NEWS RELEASE

 
January 23, 2019
 
Contact: Senator Lynn Hutchings
Lynn.Hutchings@wyoleg.gov
(307) 316-0858
 

‘Unborn Victims of Violence Act’ Ensures Justice for the Unborn
Legislation would make criminal offenses killing an unborn child a crime

 
Cheyenne, Wyo. – Laramie County Senator Lynn Hutchings (SD-05) introduced SF0128, Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which would make criminal offenses which resulted in the killing of an unborn child, a crime.
 
“This bill is about providing justice to mothers, fathers and other family members who are devastated by the loss of an unborn child during the commission of a crime,” said Senator Hutchings. “My aim is to be proactive in reforming our criminal justice statutes, instead of being reactive when a crime such as this happens again in Wyoming.
 
In response to concerns about this bill limiting abortion, Senator Hutchings stated, “I want to create a ‘wall of separation’ between these two issues by identifying the mother who wants to bring her pregnancy to term, but loses the child during a crime, and those women who do not want to bring their pregnancy to term.
 
A study which appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association and data from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene listed murder as the number one cause of death for pregnant women in the United States and Maryland, respectively. Currently, 39 states have some form of coverage in statute for unborn victims of violence.  The federal Unborn Victims of Violence Act passed in 2004 applies in cases of federal or military crimes. SF0128 would include Wyoming among the majority of states that have this law in their statutes.
 

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National Retail Fairness Act Introduced to Keep WY Tax Dollars in WY

NEWS RELEASE

Majority of the Wyoming Legislature


January 23, 2019
 
Contact: Representative Albert Sommers
Albert.Sommers@wyoleg.gov
(307) 360-7060

National Retail Fairness Act Introduced to Keep WY Tax Dollars in WY
Bill Has Potential to Generate $45 million Annually for Education from Funds Currently Going Out of State

Cheyenne, Wyo. – With the goal of keeping more Wyoming tax dollars in Wyoming, House Bill 220, the National Retail Fairness Act was introduced in the Wyoming House of Representatives today. The legislation aims to impose a levy on the net income of large, out-of-state corporations, ultimately re-directing taxes currently being sent out of state back to Wyoming.

“Right now, 27 states tax the income businesses make in Wyoming,” said Senate President Drew Perkins. “That means the hard-earned money of Wyoming families is being used to pave roads and pay teachers across the nation. All this bill does is keep that money right here in Wyoming.”

“Large national retailers include their state income tax burden, which averages approximately seven percent, in the price of goods which is spread evenly throughout their customer base, including Wyoming customers,” said Representative Jerry Obermueller. “That means Wyoming residents are already paying a share of these taxes, despite the state not capturing a dime. HB 220 would make sure Wyoming benefits by claiming our portion of the tax.”

House Bill 220 would impose a seven percent tax, slightly below the national average rate of 7.12%, on the income of corporate retail, food services and accommodation vendors. The bill, modeled after similar laws in Alaska and North Dakota, would apply to large box chains and national companies that have more than 100 shareholders.

“This bill is about fairness and protecting Wyoming taxpayers, plain and simple,” said House Speaker Steve Harshman. “Taxes generated by Wyoming people ought to stay in Wyoming. House Bill 220 helps modernize Wyoming’s revenue stream without raising taxes on Wyoming people or small businesses. It’s all about solving problems.”

Speaker Harshman continued, “in Wyoming, the state government service most dependent on the price of energy is K-12 education. This bill smooths out that volatility by diversifying the sources of funding for education.”

According to the fiscal note prepared by the Legislative Service Office, HB 220 would generate $45 million per year starting in FY 2021 from large national retailers. Funding generated would be used to support education throughout Wyoming.

HB 220, spearheaded by Representative Jerry Obermueller, has garnered 21 cosponsors from both the House and Senate including nearly all of the Majority and Minority leadership from both chambers. Sponsors include Senate President Drew Perkins, House Speaker Steve Harshman, Senate Vice President Ogden Driskill, House Majority Floor Leader Eric Barlow, Speaker Pro Tempore Albert Sommers, House Majority Whip Tyler Lindholm. Chairmen of the House and Senate Revenue Committees, Representative Dan Zwonitzer and Senator Cale Case, respectively, Chairmen of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, Representative Bob Nicholas and Senator Eli Bebout, respectively, and Senate Minority Leader Chris Rothfuss and House Minority Leader Cathy Connolly are also bill sponsors.

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This release has been updated to reflect new information about other states. 1/28/19

Legislation Introduced to Provide Property Tax Relief to WY Senior Citizens

NEWS RELEASE

 
January 18, 2019

Contact: Representative Art Washut
Art.Washut@wyoleg.gov
(307) 251-4725
 

Legislation Introduced to Provide Property Tax Relief to WY Senior Citizens
HB 128 enables people 65 or older to lock in assessed value of primary residence

 
Cheyenne, Wyo. – Legislation introduced in the House this week provides for property tax relief to Wyoming senior citizens. HB 128, the Senior Property Tax Exemption bill, allows qualified residents to lock in the assessed value of their primary residence in the first year they apply for an exemption and continue to pay property tax on that base value for as long as they, or their qualifying spouse, continue to own and reside in the home.
 
“Similar to the exemption already in state statute to provide relief to Wyoming veterans, HB 128 will provide property tax relief to many of those who need it most – our senior citizens,” said Representative Richard Tass (HD-40). “Allowing those over the age of 65 to receive a property tax exemption will have a negligible impact on state budgets while providing a great deal of relief to our residents.”
 
 “We cannot solve our budget woes on the backs of Wyoming’s senior citizens,” added Representative Art Washut (HD-36). “HB 128 will provide some stability to residents, many of whom live on a fixed income, by freezing the assessed valuation of their homes.”
 
Sponsors of HB 128 include Representative Richard Tass, Representative Art Washut, Representative Chuck Gray, Representative Mark Jennings, Representative David Miller, Representative Charles Pelkey, and Representative Tim Salazar, along with Senator Lynn Hutchings, Senator Wendy Schuler, and Senator Cheri Steinmetz. The bill passed the House Revenue Committee on Friday, January 18, 2019 and will be placed in the General File to be considered by the full House.
 

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Legislation Introduced to Boost In-State Education Opportunities

NEWS RELEASE

January 18, 2019
 
Contact: Representative Bill Henderson
Bill.Henderson@wyoleg.gov
(307) 201-9898

Legislation Introduced to Boost In-State Education Opportunities
HB 34 presents an opportunity to make long-term fiscal changes that could benefit our Wyoming residents

Cheyenne, Wyo. – Representative Bill Henderson (R-Cheyenne) introduced legislation this week to increase opportunity and encourage more Wyoming residents to attend the University of Wyoming and our community colleges. By requiring a minimum 20 percent difference in out-of-state tuition and tuition for in-state students at the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges, this recognizes a priority for Wyoming residents to attend.

House Bill 34, the Nonresident tuition and fee rates bill, will set a difference in tuition rates and fees for out-of-state and in-state students by a minimum of 20 percent. Other sponsors include Bill Haley (R-Centennial), Jerry Paxton (R-Encampment), and Senator Brian Boner (R-Douglas). According to the fiscal note provided by the Legislative Service Office, the bill will not have a fiscal impact on the University or community colleges and offers the potential opportunity to raise additional fee revenue if a nonresident fee schedule is considered.

“At a time when the need exists for responsibly broadening sources of revenue the bill is about making sure Wyoming students are our top priority,” said Representative Henderson. “Should the University of Wyoming or our community colleges decide to lower out-of-state tuition, this bill would make sure Wyoming students are not burdened with any potential offset.”

Representative Henderson noted the tremendous education Wyoming’s flagship university and community colleges offer and the importance of protecting opportunities for students across the country and around the globe. However, he stated that “Providing affordable and accessible higher education for our Wyoming students comes first. It’s essential to grow our economy, train our workforce and encourage more of our young people living and work in Wyoming.”

HB0034 is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. “I look forward to listening to public discussion on the important topic of tuition and fees for our Wyoming residents.”

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House Passes Statewide Lodging Tax

NEWS RELEASE

Majority of the Wyoming Legislature

January 17, 2019

Contact: Representative Albert Sommers

Albert.Sommers@wyoleg.gov

(307) 360-7060

House Passes Statewide Lodging Tax

Bill Shifts WY Office of Tourism Budget from General Fund to Revenue Stream Funded by Visitors

Cheyenne, Wyo. – The Wyoming House of Representatives passed a Statewide Lodging Tax, delivering on one of the Majority’s promises to modernize the tax structure without increasing taxes on Wyoming families. Introduced by the Joint Revenue Interim Committee, HB0066 removes funding of the Wyoming Office of Tourism from the General Fund and creates a reliable, steady source of revenue, 80% of which is paid for by visitors to the state.

“With 80% of lodging tax collections paid for by out of state visitors and the support of industry we can dedicate that money to funding the Wyoming Office of Tourism,” said Speaker Steve Harshman. “By creating a self-sustaining funding model for tourism, we can ensure a reliable source of revenue for the industry not paid for by hard-working Wyoming families.”

“This is just another move to create consistent revenue streams for many of our state agencies,” said House Speaker Pro Tempore Albert Sommers. “Similar to what has been done with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Wyoming Department of Transportation, this bill will give the Office of Tourism more stability in its funding.”

“Having spent the majority of my career in the hotels and hospitality industry, I know the importance of a vibrant Office of Tourism,” stated Representative Pat Sweeney. “Wyoming residents are paying much higher lodging tax rates every time they travel outside Wyoming. We might as well be recouping these costs from millions of tourists visiting Wyoming every year. This bill will level out the uncertainty we have seen in past years surrounding tourism budgets and support Wyoming’s second largest industry.”

House Bill 66 would institute a 5% statewide lodging tax with 3% being diverted to a Wyoming Tourism Account and the remaining 2% going back to local communities as a replacement for a portion of the local option lodging taxes in each county or municipality. Based on the fiscal note provided by the Legislative Service Office, visitors to the state alone would generate nearly $16.6 Million for the Office of Tourism, while reducing the maximum rate local governments can levy from 4% to 2%.

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This release has been updated to correct the percentage paid by out of state visitors which was incorrectly stated during committee testimony. 1/28/19

Wyoming Tackles Rape Kit Reporting

NEWS RELEASE

 
January 16, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                
Contact: Senator Affie Ellis
Affie.Ellis@wyoleg.gov
 

Wyoming Tackles Rape Kit Reporting
 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Cheyenne Republican Senator Affie Ellis and Sundance Republican Representative Tyler Lindholm introduced Senate File 72 dealing with sexual assault biological evidence kits, commonly referred to as “rape kits.”

Senate File 72 defines “sexual assault biological evidence” to include DNA samples and other evidence gathered during a medical examination of the victim.  The legislation would accomplish three objectives.  First, the bill would require law enforcement agencies to report the number of rape kits held in their possession and the status of laboratory analysis.  Currently, Wyoming does not require such reporting.  Second, the bill would prevent the destruction of such evidence without a court order.  Retention policies vary between counties.  Finally, the bill would require the State, rather than local law enforcement agencies, to cover the costs of the medical exam.  Currently, the State can only cover those costs if the victim decides not to report the crime; otherwise, the cost is covered by the investigating law enforcement agency.

“Nationally, estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of rape kits have been untested prompting states to address their backlogs.  Although we likely do not have a backlog in Wyoming, we simply do not know.  Senate File 72 will give us that information and take action down the road, if needed,” Ellis stated.

In addition to reporting requirements, Senate File 72 would ensure that sexual assault biological evidence is not destroyed.  Lindholm cited a recent case where a convicted rapist from Wyoming faced trial for sexual assaults that occurred in the 1970s.  The evidence needed to connect the defendant to other crimes had not been tested until 2015.  “There is tremendous value in preserving sexual assault biological evidence,” urged Lindholm.

Erin Rumsey, a sexual assault nurse examiner at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie agreed.  “Advances in technology, such as DNA analysis, can link crimes together, holding serial offenders accountable.”

“Senate File 72 requires the State to cover the costs of the medical exams, regardless of whether the victim decides to report the crime” explained Tara Muir, Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.  “Having one funding source removes obstacles for victims that some communities have faced,”

Byron Oedekoven, Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, added, “Law enforcement agencies are committed to enforcing Wyoming’s laws on sexual assault and we are proud of the work we do, often on tight budgets.  Shifting the costs of the medical exams to the State is a step in the right direction.”
 

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Legislation Introduced to Repeal the Death Penalty

NEWS RELEASE

January 14, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               
 
Contact: Representative Jared Olsen
Jared.Olsen@wyoleg.gov
307-509-0242

Legislation Introduced to Repeal the Death Penalty
Representative Olsen and Senator Boner Work Together to Repeal Ineffective and Costly Death Penalty

Cheyenne, Wyo. – Laramie County Representative Jared Olsen (HD-11) and Converse County Senator Brian Boner (SD-02) teamed up this week to introduce legislation that repeals the death penalty in Wyoming.

“While we must continue to be tough on crime and keep victims at the forefront of our minds, the death penalty has been found to be ineffective and expensive,” said Representative Olsen. “Having the death penalty on the table is a costly endeavor. The Wyoming Public Defender spends approximately $750,000 every year in taxpayer money to staff and fund capital cases.”

“Wyoming has not carried out an execution in 27 years and does not have a single inmate on death row, yet we continue to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars every year to maintain the death penalty,” said Senator Boner. “I believe the availability of a life without parole sentence adequately balances the need to protect public safety while recognizing the need to reduce the strain on taxpayer resources.”

House Bill 145, Death Penalty Repeal-2, was introduced in the Wyoming State Legislature this week by Representative Olsen and Senator Boner. Speaker Steve Harshman, House Majority Leader Eric Barlow, and House Majority Whip Tyler Lindholm have all signed on as cosponsors. Additional bill sponsors include Senator Liisa Anselmi-Dalton, Senator Bill Landen, Senator Stephan Pappas, and Senator Chris Rothfuss along with Representative Landon Brown, Representative Donald Burkhart, Jr., Representative Cathy Connolly, Representative JoAnn Dayton-Selman, Representative Jamie Flitner, Representative David Miller, Representative Charles Pelkey, Representative Andy Schwartz and Representative Sue Wilson.

The legislation would repeal the death penalty in Wyoming, making life without parole the most severe sentence available. The fiscal note on the bill, completed by the nonpartisan Legislative Service Office, estimates the elimination of the death penalty would save the State of Wyoming approximately $750,000 in expenditures in FY2020 alone.

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Legislation Introduced to Establish Protocol for Return of Human Remains

NEWS RELEASE

January 11, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               
 
Contact: Senator Brian Boner
Brian.Boner@wyoleg.gov
307-359-0707
 

Legislation Introduced to Establish Protocol for Return of Human Remains
Senator Boner and Rep. Clifford Team Up to Ensure Respectful Process for Repatriation and Reburial of Remains Found on State and Private Lands

Cheyenne, Wyo. – Converse County Senator Brian Boner (SD-02), Laramie County Senator Affie Ellis (SD-08) and Fremont County Representative Andi Clifford (HD-33) introduced Senate File 78, Archaeological human burial sites to create a formal  process to reinter human remains inadvertently discovered on state and private lands.

“The discovery of human remains carries great religious, cultural and personal implications,” said Senator Boner. “This legislation establishes a clear process to ensure that such remains are treated with dignity while respecting property rights.”

The legislation would require a person who discovers human remains and funerary object to notify law enforcement and the county coroner. For archaeological remains, the bill clarifies how exhumation and reinternment of human remains should occur, including the consideration of present day descendants. For remains that are of American Indian descent, the bill would require the State Archaeologist to develop and utilize a protocol for the consultation, repatriation and reinternment of native human remains.

“During the 2018 interim, we worked in close consultation with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes to craft this bill, recognizing that Wyoming was once home to a number of tribes,” states Senator Ellis. “The protocol will ensure the consultation of these culturally affiliated tribes so that discovered remains are respected and rightfully returned.”

The legislation was prompted, in part, by the uncovering and consequent handling of the historic remains of an Eastern Shoshone woman known commonly today as the ‘Horse Creek Girl.’ Wyoming is one of the few western states without a process in place for the repatriation of human remains uncovered on state or private lands.

“Due to the increase in oil and gas development across the state of Wyoming, the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone THPOs recognized the need for legislation to address inadvertent discoveries during ground disturbing activities. Both tribes, along with numerous other tribes, include the state of Wyoming as part of their ancestral migration territory. Wyoming contains sacred sites and burials across the state which include areas ideal for oil and gas exploration and development. This bill would allow THPOs, state and federal agencies and proponents to collaborate in an efficient manner to avoid, minimize and mitigate sacred sites of burials in areas of potential effect. This bill is a proactive measure towards the high probability of inadvertent discoveries and provides assurance that our ancestors are treated with reverence and put back into Mother Earth as soon as possible,” said Rep. Clifford.

Senator Boner noted that non-Indian archaeological remains may also be discovered, particularly along historic trails. “This bill also respects the western emigrants who made their way across Wyoming,” he explained. “Technology exists that allows us to find and contact modern day descendants to determine how to best reinter those remains according to a family’s wishes.”

During the 2018 Interim, the Select Committee on Tribal Relations, co-chaired by Senator Cale Case (R-Fremont) and Representative Lloyd Larsen (R-Fremont).  Both chairmen co-sponsored the bill.  Additional bill sponsors include Senator Liisa Anselmi-Dalton (D-Sweetwater), Senator Larry Hicks (R-Carbon), Representative Stan Blake (D-Sweetwater), Representative Aaron Clausen (R-Converse), and Representative Tyler Lindholm (R-Crook).
 

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Wyoming Majority Enters 2019 General Session Optimistic About Future

Wyoming Majority Enters 2019 General Session Optimistic About Future
House and Senate Leaders Share Priorities for Session

Cheyenne, Wyo. – House and Senate majority leaders expressed optimism about the future of Wyoming while outlining their priorities on the second day of the 2019 General Session. Upon receiving Governor Mark Gordon’s first State of the State address, leaders of the Majority also pledged their willingness to work with the new administration in executing a shared vision for the state.

Leaders of the Republican Majority committed to serving the people of Wyoming through several priorities, including:

• Modernizing Wyoming’s tax structure and the state’s fiscal position
• Delivering a more responsive and efficient government
• Diversifying Wyoming’s economy for future generations
• Increasing access for Wyoming families to quality education and affordable healthcare

“We have an exciting opportunity to work with newly sworn-in Governor Gordon, and the other elected officials, on crafting solutions to Wyoming’s greatest challenges,” said Senate President Drew Perkins. “Closing the budget deficit by broadening the tax base while lowering the overall tax rate is an important discussion we need to have. It is about changing the tax structure, not increasing the burden on Wyoming residents.”

“We must also look towards economic development as an integral part of solving our budget issues – supporting our legacy industries of energy, tourism and agriculture, while also setting our focus on the future,” continued President Perkins. “I want to thank the members of ENDOW Council for their hard work and am committed to giving their recommendations just consideration.”

“It is with a mixture of gratitude and humility I serve as Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives. It is an honor to serve with the hardest working legislature in America – striving towards one common goal, the betterment of Wyoming,” stated House Speaker Steve Harshman. “While we have challenges, I see this general session as an opportunity to take a look at long-term solutions to our budget deficit and education funding models.”

Speaker Harshman also addressed the topic of education. “Education is a major focus of this session. Modernizing our approach to funding public education will create a stable model that better serves students, teachers and parents.”

“The people of Wyoming are asking for a government that is more responsive, more efficient and more transparent across all agencies. We owe it to the people of Wyoming to continue the work of the Government Efficiency Study; investing in technology, improved processes and most importantly our people to make government more efficient and cost-effective,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Dan Dockstader. “Working with the executive and judicial branches, we can achieve a system of government services with value and transparency at the forefront.”

“Key to this will be the continued expansion and enhancement of broadband across the state. Taking our cues from the Broadband Enhancement Plan, the legislature will work with our private and public partners to meet these goals,” continued Senator Dockstader.

“Tackling Wyoming’s healthcare challenges will require a uniquely ‘Wyoming Solution’ that helps lower costs, improve quality and expand access for our citizens,” said House Majority Floor Leader Eric Barlow. “Healthcare will continue to impact all facets of the Wyoming economy and the pressing issues we face this legislative session including economic development, education, workforce development and closing the budget deficit. Controlling healthcare costs, increasing access and addressing the pressing shortage of providers all deserve due diligence during this session.”

President Perkins reiterated the statement from his first speech “The hallmarks of our session and of the 65^th Legislature should be, civil, rigorous and open debate, transparent and open processes in the legislative process, and proactive and innovative approaches to the problems the problems to Wyoming and her people. More information, not less; more debate and discussion, not less; better legislation, not more should be our touchstone.”

To follow the work of the 65^th Wyoming State Legislature, visit https://www.wyoleg.gov.

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