Update from Cheyenne

SF 69: Homeowner Property Tax Exemption

This bill proposes a 50% property tax exemption for homeowners on their primary residences. Notably, in its original form from the Senate it did not include provisions for backfill to local governments for the resulting loss in revenue. My position today is the same as it has been…the proposed 50% property tax cut is an unwise policy change for Wyoming, and for small town Wyoming in particular.  We all understand that property tax relief is needed, but this policy gives that relief at the expense of our essential services.  A vote for a 50% property tax cut is a vote to defund county services such as sheriff’s offices, road and bridge, rural hospitals, and senior centers.  In the past, the left has talked about defunding the police but the 68th Legislature just might get it done. It doesn’t have to be this way, and it’s not too late to do the right thing.  Our current system is not broken and since we passed the Constitutional amendment regarding residential property tax, the legislature now has the liberty to lower the level of assessments and therefore lower the effective tax rate for Wyoming residents. This loss of revenue for our small towns is why I can’t support any bill that would not include backfill.  That being said, backfill is not sustainable and backfill is a bandaid that won’t quite cover a very serious self inflicted property tax wound.  Backfill is the reason the Governor vetoed a somewhat similar bill last year, as he is not willing to shift tax burden from residential to the mineral industry.  We have very effectively painted ourselves into a corner with SF 69.  Third reading this week.

HB 117: Omnibus Water Bill—Construction

This comprehensive bill addresses water infrastructure projects across Wyoming. It outlines how projects are funded for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of water facilities, including dams, pipelines, and irrigation systems. The goal is to enhance water resource management and support agricultural and municipal water needs.  Goshen Irrigation District was my primary concern in this bill and it passed out of the house with those dollars intact.

HB 289: Certificate of Need Repeal-3

This legislation seeks to repeal the Certificate of Need (CON) requirements in Wyoming. Currently, healthcare providers must obtain a CON before establishing or expanding certain facilities and services. The repeal aims to reduce regulatory barriers, potentially fostering increased competition and access within the healthcare sector. This repeal is very much needed, which is why I supported it.

HB 136: Volunteer First Responder Health Insurance Revision

This bill proposes revisions to health insurance provisions for volunteer first responders. It aims to improve access to health coverage for all those folks who serve in volunteer firefighting, emergency medical services, and other first responder roles, recognizing their critical contributions to our overall safety and protection of our livelihoods.  This legislation was passed last year but needed a little cleanup to make it more user friendly.  I support first responders and therefore supported this bill.

HB 192: Public Utilities—Wildfire Mitigation and Liability Limits

This legislation focuses on public utilities and requires them to establish a plan to fight fires started by them. It establishes all of the requirements for utilities in developing and implementing wildfire mitigation plans to reduce the risk of fires associated with utility infrastructure. Additionally, the bill seeks to define and potentially limit the liability of utilities in cases where their equipment is implicated in wildfire incidents, balancing risk management with accountability.  Rural electric cooperatives are often one lawsuit away from bankruptcy and this legislation will help keep consumer rates down.  This bill was absolutely necessary so that rural cooperatives could continue to get reasonable insurance.  It passed out of the house with strong support.

My meetings this weekend illustrated a difference in opinion that I hadn’t thought about a lot in the past.  There was reference to “grassroot” organizations that are convinced that they speak for the people.  These organizations are a bit offended when your perspective doesn’t align with their positions as they take themselves very seriously.  I understand their point of view, but I am confident that I have a better handle on what “the People” are saying than these groups do.  When I go home each weekend, I talk a little and I listen a lot.  When you come to my meetings you aren’t repeating some political talking point you heard on the news.  You are talking about our schools, our small towns, and our rural counties.  You aren’t concerned with Party politics, or caucus politics, you are talking about local issues and being a good neighbor.  When you come to my meetings you aren’t wringing your hands about what a political group recommends, you are speaking directly to me as your representative how proposed policy effects your livelihood, your families, and your communities.  You are the ones who elected me and you continue to support me by faithfully giving me local community perspective.  I was not elected by a party or a caucus, I was elected by you, the people.  Political groups work best when they serve the people and represent the people.  When political groups try to rule the people they risk becoming irrelevant.  jd.williams@wyoleg.gov   307.340.6006