Independent Notes: Funding our towns and counties and working with our D.C. delegation
As Wyoming’s budget is worked over every two years in the Legislature, it includes funding from the state to local governments, called Direct Distribution. Putting this together is a two year process and the funding is divided accordingly. This…
Vote called for a special session
By Hannah Shields Wyoming Tribune Eagle Via- Wyoming News Exchange CHEYENNE — A “straw poll” vote conducted this week on whether the Wyoming Legislature should hold a special session met the necessary 35% threshold to trigger a formal vote, but…
Governor vetoes two bills, signs 16 more into law
By Hannah Shields Wyoming Tribune Eagle Via- Wyoming News Exchange CHEYENNE — A week after the last day of the 2025-26 biennial budget session, Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed two bills and signed several others into law on Friday. The…
Legislature manages to pass state budget in session’s last hours
By Carrie Haderlie Wyoming Tribune Eagle Via- Wyoming News Exchange CHEYENNE — Hours before the end of the session, and days after a failed first round of negotiation, the Wyoming Legislature passed a budget for the 2025-26 biennium…
Gun-free zones repeal passes the Senate, heads to governor
By Carrie Haderlie Wyoming Tribune Eagle Via- Wyoming News Exchange CHEYENNE — The Senate voted on third reading to repeal Wyoming’s gun-free zones, approving a version of legislation that, in its final form, remained very similar to what was introduced…
State budget deal reached, days away from governor’s desk
By Hannah Shields Wyoming Tribune Eagle Via- Wyoming News Exchange CHEYENNE — With just four days left of the session, 10 Wyoming lawmakers on a second joint conference committee voted to pass a budget for the 2025-26 biennium late…
Property Tax Solutions? – From the Desk of Sen. Dan Dockstader
Bills are starting to go to the Governor’s desk for signature as the Legislature enters its final week. However, an agreement on property taxes remains in question as both the House and Senate have narrowed down proposals under consideration. Several…
Clock ticks on budget as House awaits Senate counteroffer
• Senate negotiators appointed for their conservatism have yet to respond to a House proposal made Thursday. Lawmakers are already out of time to respond to potential gubernatorial vetoes. By Maggie Mullen and Maya Shimizu Harris, WyoFile.com CHEYENNE—Five…
House fights for Senate-axed school construction funds in budget negotiations
• Rock Springs and Jackson, accused of jumping the priorities line, desperately need improved facilities, district leaders say. By Katie Klingsporn, WyoFile.com In the Rock Springs High School’s woodshop, a large crack crawls up a brick wall, evidence…
Independent Notes: The view from my position as a member of Labor and Health in the Wyoming Senate.
In my column, Independent Notes, I often write about energy related matters. There’s a simple reason — so much of what we have in Wyoming is related to energy. We develop our infrastructure in our communities, build our schools and…