Wyoming Governor: Legislature Chose ”Political Talking Points”

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon says the 2025 Wyoming Senate chose political talking points over dealing with emergencies when it chose not to approve a supplemental budget this session.

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This marks the first time in recent memory that the General Session of the Wyoming Legislature has not signed off on a supplemental budget for the state. Wyoming lawmakers meet in budget sessions in even-numbered years to approve spending for a two-year period. But the legislature traditionally has passed a supplemental budget during General Sessions to deal with spending needs that arise in between budget sessions.

Senate: Now Is Not The Time To Increase Spending

That apparently won't be the case in 2025. Wyoming Senate leadership on Wednesday night released a statement saying "now is not the time to increase spending needlessly."

.It's worth noting that the legislature has been wrangling with proposed cuts to property taxes that could reduce revenues from those taxes by as much as 50 percent, although what they will actually end up doing in that regard remains to be seen.

Gordon Blames A "No Compromise" Environment

Governor Gordon apparently is not happy about the decision to forego a supplemental budget. He released  the following statement on Thursday morning:

“Since taking office I have submitted balanced budgets to the legislature that are carefully analyzed, well-vetted and reflect what I consider a common sense view of what’s best for the people of Wyoming. I opened this session by explaining that this supplemental budget was focused on emergencies and unanticipated expenses.

Unfortunately, this legislature has overlooked emergencies and ignored unanticipated expenses in a quest for political talking points. This is what occurs in a “no compromise” environment.

I would hope that our legislators have their constituents' best interests in mind, and I remain optimistic that they will refocus their attention to address the most important issues facing Wyoming at this time. These would certainly include fire suppression and recovery; funding the property tax relief program; and addressing inflation in school funding. It is hard to raise a calf or drill a well on rhetoric alone.”

You can read the proposed 2025 Supplemental Budget Here.