The following is partner content from: Brent Bien
Brent Bien created the “People’s Initiative to Limit Property Tax in Wyoming through a Homeowner’s Property Exemption.” It is commonly referred to as the 50% Homeowner Property Tax Exemption Initiative.
It is a significant first step toward Brent’s goal of eliminating residential property taxes and giving homeowners meaningful relief from rising property-tax burdens. It exempts 50% of the assessed value of an owner's primary residence from property tax. The measure was certified in accordance with statute and it will be the first citizen initiative to appear on Wyoming's statewide ballot in 30 years.
Over 170,000 people, 140,000 on fixed incomes, and 16,000 disabled that cannot afford property tax will see relief along with many others that qualify.
Lower property taxes reduce the ongoing cost of owning a home, making it easier for young Wyoming families to put down roots, raise their children here and stay in the communities they grew up in. At the same time, meaningful relief can help seniors on fixed incomes, people with disabilities, and longtime homeowners who are struggling with property-tax bills that continue to rise even though their incomes may not.
Wyoming’s people should benefit from the billions generated by our oil, coal, and natural gas. Wyoming doesn’t have a revenue problem—it has a spending problem. With approximately 70,000 government workers and state reserves earning $1.87 billion annually, we have the resources to provide meaningful property-tax relief without burdening Wyoming families.
Brent Bien is explicit: “I will never cut emergency services. I will guarantee all are funded and have the necessary resources to accomplish their job. Protective services are the first Constitutional Priority of the government.” Keeping people in their homes is the practical expression of the principle of happiness. Not one dollar of tax money should sit in any level of government reserve account while a tax lien exists on an occupied residence. When the petition circulated, Wyoming had 3,500 such liens.
The Department of Revenue estimates the initiative’s annual impact at $137 million; BCR estimates $325 million. Meanwhile, residential property taxes rose 74% from 2019–2025 and state spending increased more than 60%. Wyoming has roughly $40 billion in reserves—far beyond typical operating reserve levels.
My Opponents Political Silence and Status-Quo
Megan Degenfelder, Superintendent of Public Instruction, never publicly supported tax reform or the 50% Ballot Initiative before now. Her signature is absent from all petitions. Her public statements have not focused on any tax reform. There is no evidence Senator Eric Barlow publicly supported or promoted the initiative before 2026. He never signed a petition and remained silent on cutting property tax.
The Measure Itself
The aim is to reduce the cost of living, keep people in their homes, and end the practice of taxing primary residences into insolvency while the government accumulates multi-year billions in cash reserves.
