In a recent column, Rep. Steve Johnson claimed the Freedom Caucus “slowed the growth of government spending” during Wyoming’s budget session.
That sounds good until you look at the facts.
What Wyoming people deserve isn’t a slogan. They deserve the truth about what was actually proposed, what was at risk, and who stood up to protect this state’s future.
Because the reality is this: the Freedom Caucus didn’t just try to “slow growth.” They pushed policies that would have undermined Wyoming’s long-term strength.
They backed efforts that would have eliminated nearly 160 teaching positions at the University of Wyoming, that’s not trimming excess that’s weakening the very institution responsible for educating our workforce and keeping young people in Wyoming.
They targeted the Wyoming Business Council, our state’s primary economic development organization jeopardizing efforts to diversify our economy and create jobs beyond the boom-and-bust cycles we know too well.
And they attempted to strip funding tied to federal dollars already appropriated by Congress for rate rebasing support that helps providers care for our elderly and disabled in their homes.
That policy isn’t just compassionate, it’s fiscally responsible. Without it, more people are forced into long-term care facilities costing the state thousands more per person every single month.
That’s not conservative governance. That’s creating bigger bills for the future.
And here’s the part that shouldn’t be ignored:
Rep. Johnson and his allies voted for the final budget.
So, let’s be honest with the people of Wyoming if they truly believed the budget was irresponsible, why did they vote for it?
You don’t get to claim the mantle of “most conservative” while supporting a budget you say you oppose. That’s not leadership, that’s politics.
Because real conservatism isn’t about slogans or scoring points.
Real conservatism is about stewardship.
It’s about making sure Wyoming remains a place where:
• Young people can build a life
• Families can afford to stay
• Seniors are treated with dignity
• And taxpayers aren’t left holding the bag for short sighted decision
It means investing wisely, not recklessly cutting where it does long-term damage.
It means recognizing that if we fail to meet our constitutional responsibilities today, we will pay for it tomorrow often with higher costs and fewer options. Kicking the can down the road doesn’t save money. It guarantees bigger government later.
That doesn’t sound very conservative to me.
I came into this session with a simple goal: fight to keep Wyoming great, not just for today, but for the generations who will inherit what we leave behind.
That meant standing up against proposals that would:
• Weaken our university
• Undercut economic growth
• And shift higher costs onto our seniors and most vulnerable
That’s what I believe a true conservative does protects the foundation of the state while planning for its future.
Wyoming has never been about short-term thinking. We’ve always prided ourselves on doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy.
So, I’ll ask again:
Rep. Johnson, if you truly believed you were stopping irresponsible growth in government, why did you vote to pass a budget you didn’t believe in?
Wyoming deserves more than talking points.
It deserves honesty and leadership that’s willing to stand behind both words and votes.
Lee Filer represents House District 44 in Cheyenne
