Dear editor:
I am writing to express serious concern regarding proposed budget cuts that, while framed as fiscally responsible, risk undermining Wyoming’s workforce, economy, and long-term stability.
I urge the Committee to reconsider cuts affecting state employee compensation, the University of Wyoming, and the Wyoming Business Council—three pillars essential to Wyoming’s future.
First, Wyoming must address the persistent pay lag and wage stagnation facing state employees.
State leadership has acknowledged that salaries have fallen years behind market rates, resulting in high vacancy and turnover rates across agencies.
Anyone involved in business understands that turnover and vacancies are far more costly than retaining experienced staff.
Even with proposed adjustments, state employees would still remain approximately two years behind comparable positions in other states.
These workers provide critical services—public education, healthcare, infrastructure maintenance, and public safety—that directly support community well-being and economic stability. Further cuts will only deepen existing challenges.
The consequences are already clear.
In 2022, 39% of state employees held second jobs to make ends meet, and 3% relied on federal assistance.
While Phase III of the compensation plan in July 2023 moved many employees to 90% of 2022 market rates and established a $15.50 hourly minimum for some pay grades, these steps slowed the problem rather than solved it.
Failing to sustain wage increases will worsen recruitment and retention issues, increase training costs, and erode institutional knowledge.
Second, Wyoming continues to experience one of the highest youth outmigration rates in the nation, with roughly 60% of residents aged 18 to 24 leaving each year.
The primary driver is a lack of diverse job opportunities, and there is little evidence of a meaningful “boomerang effect.”
Restoring funding to the University of Wyoming is critical. UW is not only the state’s flagship educational institution, but a driver of workforce development, research, and innovation.
It also houses Wyoming Public Media, which reaches over 90% of the state—particularly rural areas—through 46 broadcast sites and plays a vital role in public safety during emergencies.
Continued disinvestment signals a lack of commitment to retaining young adults and building a competitive workforce.
Finally, cuts to the Wyoming Business Council should be reconsidered.
As the state’s only dedicated economic development agency, it has a proven record of diversifying the economy, supporting local businesses, and attracting investment. Defunding it undermines efforts to create jobs and stabilize long-term revenues.
Short-sighted budget cuts may yield temporary savings, but they carry lasting costs.
I respectfully urge the Legislature to restore funding for state employee wage increases, the University of Wyoming, Wyoming Public Media, and the Wyoming Business Council, and to view these investments as necessities for Wyoming’s continued viability.
Sincerely,
Michele Tilley, Centennial
