Government & Politics
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Cowboy State Daily Provides Most Comprehensive Legislative Coverage In History of Wyoming
Not only is Cowboy State Daily providing the most comprehensive legislative coverage of 2023, we will surpass any efforts in Wyoming history.
Jimmy OrrJanuary 16, 2023
Trump Says Barrasso Is McConnell’s ‘Flunky’ And Takes More Shots At Gordon In Radio Interview
During a Sheridan radio appearance on Saturday, former President Trump called Sen. John Barrasso a "flunky" of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and said Gov. Mark Gordon was "very liberal."
Leo WolfsonJanuary 15, 2023
Bill Would Make Drone ‘Trespassing’ In Wyoming A Crime, But Some Say It’s Too Lenient
Trespassing by drones in a growing problem in Wyoming, say proponents of a bill that would criminalize it. But some say legislation before the Senate Judiciary Committee is far too lenient and difficult to enforce.
Mark HeinzJanuary 14, 2023
Daddy Day Care From The Floor Of The Wyoming Senate
State Sen. Brian Boner, R-Douglas, was a champion multitasking at the Wyoming Capitol on Friday. Parenting duties unexpectedly came to him so he worked through the day with his 18-month-old son Martin.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 14, 2023
Deacon Says Extending Medicaid Not ‘Fiery Pit Of Socialism’ As Bill Moves Forward
Legislation extending Medicaid coverage for new mothers from 60 days to 12 months passed out of a state House committee by a 5-4 vote on Friday, but not without some passionate debate on both sides.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 13, 2023
Bill Would Give Schools In Wyoming’s Richest Counties More Money For Teachers
The bills proponents said Teton County and some surrounding areas are in desperate need of extra money to retain teachers and other staff as the cost of living has skyrocketed in the region.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 13, 2023
Bill Would Ban New Foreign Ownership Of Any Agricultural Land In Wyoming
A bill being considered in the Wyoming Legislature would limit foreign ownership of Cowboy State agriculture land. The bills sponsor, Rep. Dalton Banks is joining others like S.D. Gov. Kristi Noem in a growing concern about Chinese influence over Americas agriculture real estate.
January 13, 2023
No More Spanking In Wyoming Schools? Legislation Moves Forward To Crack Down On It
With only three school districts in Wyoming still allowing corporal punishment, Senate File 47 would allow civil or criminal action against any teachers and administrators who do use it.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 13, 2023
Bill Would Clarify Grazing Management On State Leased Lands
A pair of bills forwarded by the Wyoming House Agriculture Committee would make it easier for ranchers to make improvements on state land grazing leases without getting prior state approval.
Mark HeinzJanuary 13, 2023
Bill Would Establish $46 Million Trust For Wyoming Suicide Call Centers
Emotional testimony helped Wyoming lawmakers advance House Bill 65, which would provide a permanent steam of money to operate the states 24/7 suicide hotline call centers.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 13, 2023
New Effort Introduced To Strip Chuck Gray Of Election Oversight
State Rep. Ken Chestek has introduced legislation to take away all election oversight from Secretary of State Chuck Gray. Gray said the effort is "petty" and "unconstitutional"
Leo WolfsonJanuary 13, 2023
Convicted Murderer Suing Dept Of Corrections Because They Took Away His PlayStation
Convicted murderer John Hereford is suing Wyomings prisons system saying the confiscation of his PlayStation console following the discovery of mature-rated games is a punishment that does not fit the crime.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 13, 2023
Bill Protects Site Near Ghost Town Of Sunrise Connected to Wyoming’s Ancient Red Ocher Mine
A bill moving through the Wyoming Legislature would give the go-ahead to spend nearly $200,000 to secure and protect the Sutton site near the Powars II red ocher mine near the ghost town of Sunrise, which, at about 13,000 years old, is among the worlds oldest such mine.
Renée JeanJanuary 12, 2023
There Are Useful Career Training Programs For Wyoming Students – But No One Knows About Them
A bill that would ensure all public schools and students across the state are on the same page about potentially life-changing apprenticeship programs has advanced from committee. Advocates told lawmakers apprenticeships are hit-or-miss for students, depending on what school district they attend.
Renée JeanJanuary 12, 2023
Now That State Collects Mineral Taxes Monthly, Lawmakers Work To Streamline Payout Process
Gillette College, now in its own community college district, had an independent budget ready to go, only to find the mineral tax revenue it was expecting wasnt coming in as expected. Sen. Eric Barlow, R-Gillette, is sponsoring a bill to address the problem.
January 12, 2023
In Reversal, Gordon Supports Medicaid Expansion For Postpartum Care
Is Gov Gordon weakening on Medicaid expansion? The head of Health and Human Services in Wyoming said the governor supports a House bill that would extend postpartum coverage offered through Medicaid to mothers for a 12-month period.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 12, 2023
Bill Would Raise Community College Construction Without Approval Threshold To $500,000
Wyoming legislators are considering allowing Wyoming community colleges to launch their own state-funded construction projects costing $500,000 or less without a state commissions approval.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 12, 2023
Senate Passes Bill Tightening Rules About How Much Landowners Have To Pay For Others’ Fences
The Wyoming Senate on Wednesday gave a green light for Senate File 73, which would make subdividers more responsible for fences adjacent to agricultural land.
Mark HeinzJanuary 12, 2023
Chuck Gray Scores Victory With Defeat Of Bill That Would Have Prevented Ballot Inspections
Sec of State Chuck Gray scored a victory on Wednesday as a bill that would have prevented ballot inspections was defeated in a House committee. He lobbied members of the committee to vote against it.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 12, 2023
Unused For 15 Years, Wyoming Legislators Move To Kill Apprenticeship Program
When the state Legislature passed it in 2007, a law aimed to boost employment training opportunities in Wyoming by allowing contractors to use apprentice programs on public works projects seemed a good idea. In the 15 years since, nobody has used it.
Renée JeanJanuary 11, 2023
Wyoming Legislators Wonder If $100,000 Carcass Disposal Program Is Dead
A program to help communities deal with dead animal waste has $100,000 in funding, but some members of the Wyoming Legislature question if its being used enough to justify the cost.
January 11, 2023
Gordon Slams Biden, Urges Legislators To Be Fiscally Conservative With $2 Billion Surplus
In addition to slamming President Biden for his energy and economic policies, Gov Mark Gordon, in his State of the State address, urged legislators to be cautious with the $2 billion surplus Wyoming has.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 11, 2023
Bill To Address Sexually Graphic Books In School Libraries Likely Unconstitutional, Says Top Free-Speech Lawyer
Rep. Jeanette Ward says she drafted the bill to keep child-sexualizing books out of Wyoming schools, but the state's preeminent First Amendment attorney says the proposed law likely wouldnt hold up to a legal challenge
Clair McFarlandJanuary 11, 2023
Bill Would Set State Policies For School Expulsions, Suspensions In Wyoming
Wyoming legislators on Wednesday advanced a proposed law change requiring the state Superintendent of Public Instruction set statewide guidelines for public-school suspension and expulsion policies.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 11, 2023