Time to get down to work

When the Wyoming Legislature convenes its 68th session on Tuesday, lawmakers will face a daunting agenda that demands focus, pragmatism and a commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the state. With nearly 30 new legislators, over 200 draft bills already in the queue and a supplemental budget to finalize, the session promises to be a whirlwind of activity. The question remains: Will legislators rise to the occasion or succumb to distractions?

In the run-up to the 2024 elections, nearly every candidate emphasized the need for property tax relief -- an issue that has struck a chord with residents across Wyoming. Property taxes have surged, creating significant hardships, particularly for seniors and those on fixed incomes. Gov. Mark Gordon has recognized this reality, allocating an additional $10.5 million in his supplemental budget to expand the state’s Property Tax Refund Program. Lawmakers should seize the opportunity to build on this proposal, considering other potential solutions such as the Joint Interim Revenue Committee’s draft bill, which offers a homeowners exemption for 25% of a home’s Fair Market Value.

Budget priorities extend far beyond property tax relief. The supplemental budget also includes $50 million for firefighting, $130 million for restoration following historic wildfires and $69 million for the much-needed renovation of the Veterans’ Home of Wyoming. Additionally, $2.4 million has been earmarked to bolster Medicaid reimbursement rates, addressing a critical gap in the state’s healthcare system. These are tangible, impactful initiatives that align with Wyoming’s values and address the state’s  immediate needs.

However, time is of the essence. The legislative session spans just 40 days, leaving little time for distractions or divisive debates over social issues that hold minimal relevance to the state’s immediate concerns. Wyoming’s leaders must resist the temptation to grandstand on ideological battles that do little to improve the lives of their constituents. Instead, they must remain laser-focused on addressing urgent issues such as school funding, mental health resources and a growing housing shortage.

The people of Wyoming deserve a legislature that prioritizes solutions over spectacle focusing on policy not soundbytes. With so much at stake, legislators cannot afford to waste time on red meat social agenda items that distract from the hard work ahead. By concentrating on the issues that truly matter, the 68th session can be fruitful for the state and its residents—one that delivers meaningful progress and upholds the trust of its citizens.