Government & Politics
News
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
Trump Says He Wanted Bo Biteman To Run For Governor Against Gordon
In a Tuesday interview with Sheridan radio host Jeff Wallack, former President Donald Trump said he would have endorsed Bo Biteman had he run for governor against Mark Gordon. He also said Biteman should run for the job in 2026.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 11, 2023
Changing Terms Of Federal Act Could Mean More Money For Wyoming Schools
The Wyoming Senate Appropriations Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to urge Congress to tweak a regulation that caps some grazing leases at 10 years.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 11, 2023
Don’t Have A Cow: State Vet Urges Lawmakers To Clarify Cattle Disease Policy
Clarifying Wyomings law regarding brucellosis containment should make things easier for livestock producers, while easing the fears of neighboring states over the disease, which causes cattle to abort their calves.
Mark HeinzJanuary 11, 2023
Ninth Time’s A Charm – Medicaid Expansion Again On Docket For Wyoming Lawmakers
Wyoming is the only state in the West that hasnt approved federal Medicaid expansion, something a small but vocal group rallied to change on the steps of the Capitol on Tuesday.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 11, 2023
Former Legislator Tyler Lindholm To Launch Americans For Prosperity Chapter in Wyoming
Tyler Lindholm, former Majority Whip of the Wyoming House of Representatives, is launching a chapter of Americans For Prosperity in Wyoming later this month.
Jimmy OrrJanuary 11, 2023
Wyoming Farmer Says She’s Sick Of Having To Pay For Neighbor’s Fences
A Goshen County farmer said she had to pay $10,000 to neighbors last year for their fences. She urged Wyoming legislators Tuesday to move forward a bill that would make landowners responsible for no more than half the cost of fences around new subdivisions.
Mark HeinzJanuary 11, 2023
Driskill Expects ‘Utmost Decorum And Respect’ During Legislative Session
In his first address as Wyoming Senate President, Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower, said the Legislature is effective because of its diversity of views, and he vowed to conduct the senate with the utmost decorum and respect.
January 11, 2023
Wyoming Lawmakers To Consider $1.3 Million For Upton To Build Landfill Transfer Station
A bill sets priorities for Wyoming communities to receive support from the state for the closure of landfills or building of transfer stations. Upton has priority for $1.3 million in state funds.
January 11, 2023
No Last Minute Surprise Coup From Jennings As Albert Sommers Named Speaker Of The House
Although there were rumors that Rep. Mark Jennings would launch a surprise last-minute attempt to lead the Wyoming House, it didn't happen. Albert Sommers was unanimously named Speaker of the House on Tuesday.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 10, 2023
Legislative Preview: Gov. Gordon To Give State Of The State To More Conservative Legislature
Although the formal swearing in of legislators and procedural activities happened Tuesday, the bulk of meaningful action wont start until 10 a.m. Wednesday when Gov. Mark Gordon will give his State of the State speech
Leo WolfsonJanuary 10, 2023
Platte County Jail Inmate Demands $2 Million, Says Deputy Touched Him In ‘Sexual’ Way
Claiming a deputy touched his chest in a sexual manner, a male Wyoming jail inmate on Jan. 1 sued Platte County Detention staffers and demanded $2 million in taxpayer funds.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 09, 2023