• Gordon addressed the media, sharing his insights and concerns about the outcomes

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon addressed the media Thursday following the conclusion of the recent legislative session, sharing his insights and concerns about the outcomes.

“One of the great things out of this session is, I think a lot of legislators learned the process,” Gordon said, emphasizing the importance of experience in governance. He recounted a specific incident involving a new legislator who, after attending a meeting about the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan, realized the weight of the responsibilities lawmakers carry. “That legislator came and apologized to me and said he did not realize how big of a deal it was,” he added.

Gordon began the session with four key priorities, notably addressing the aftermath of last year’s devastating fires. He expressed disappointment that discussions veered toward loan programs rather than focusing on recovery efforts. “It took a while of the session to get it figured out,” he noted.

The governor also highlighted issues surrounding obstetric services in Evanston, where he sought ways to make wages more competitive. He pointed out that a majority of childbirths in the state occur through Medicaid, stating, “I think the legislation kinda missed that one too.”

In addressing environmental concerns, Gordon requested tools to protect Wyoming’s water and critical industries. While he acknowledged some progress was made towards the end of the session, he expressed frustration that other issues took precedence. “Protecting Wyoming’s interests on the Colorado River should be a priority,” he said, mentioning the successful approval of the Laprel Dam project.

Gordon criticized the passage of measures that shift property tax decisions from local governments to the state, asserting that “it becomes a problem over time.” He reiterated his belief in local governance, saying, “I am a Republican; I believe government is best when it’s closest to the people and when it governs least.”

On education, Gordon considered the management of the pre-kindergarten program a positive step, recalling his own experiences as a single father. “It was a good opportunity to have them interact with other kids in pre-k,” he said.

He voiced concern over the influence of national agendas on local issues, suggesting that out-of-state absolutism hindered positive outcomes for Wyoming residents. “We spent a lot of time undermining those industries, which is incredibly unfortunate,” he remarked, referencing the state’s coal industry, which faces challenges despite being a vital resource.

Gordon expressed disappointment that a capital construction bill did not pass, limiting the ability to address various community needs. “Out of all the needs that we had, there were some that didn’t even require state money,” he pointed out.

Looking ahead, Gordon expressed hope for improvement in future sessions. “A lot of legislators learned this year, so hopefully they come with a little bit of a better understanding of what the job requires as they move forward,” he concluded.