Government & Politics
News
Ban On Ballot Drop Boxes In Wyoming Slowly Moving Forward In Legislature
Although they didn’t take a vote on it on Friday, multiple members of a Wyoming Senate committee told Cowboy State Daily they plan to support a ban on ballot drop boxes in Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 14, 2025
Converse County Commissioner Lobbies Congress For Relief From Federal Road Regs
Converse County Commission Chair James Willox lobbied a congressional subcommittee Wednesday, asking for “flexible” transportation laws. He said rural Western counties especially need relief from burdensome federal regulations.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 14, 2025
Wyoming Delegation Applauds Elon Musk’s DOGE Downsizing Government
Wyoming’s congressional delegation is fully behind Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, applauding its dramatic downsizing of the federal government. It’s “too big and spends too much,” says Sen. John Barrasso.
Sean BarryFebruary 14, 2025
Freedom Caucus Texting People To Pressure Senators To Pass “Five and Dime” Bills
The campaign arm of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus has been sending out text messages urging people to pressure their state senators to pass the group’s “Five and Dime” slate of bills.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 14, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 23
Day 23 of the Wyoming legislative session Thursday featured important conversations about property tax relief and school choice bills. Also, a group of hunters and anglers rallied at the Capitol against what they call “bad bills.”
Leo WolfsonFebruary 14, 2025
Sportsmen Rally Against “Bad Bills” They Say Would Ruin Wyoming’s Outdoor Paradise
With what they call “bad bills” being considered by the Wyoming Legislature, a group of hunters and anglers rallied outside the Capitol on Thursday. They say average people need more political clout to keep Wyoming an outdoor paradise.
Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2025
With Repeal Of Wyoming’s Gun-Free Zones Likely, Opponents Ask For Exceptions
Even some opponents of a bill to repeal Wyoming’s gun-free zones seemed resigned to it likely passing during testimony before legislators Thursday. Now they’re asking for exceptions.
Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2025
Landmark Property Tax Bill Now Calls For 50% Cut Based On COVID-Era Valuations
A bill that started the day as a straight 50% property tax cut was dramatically changed on Thursday. The 50% cut is now based on a property’s COVID-era assessed value from 2019-2024.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 13, 2025
Hageman’s Postal Service Investigations Find Denver Mail Being Processed In Cheyenne
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman has been investigating the U.S. Postal Service and found that Denver mail is being processed in Cheyenne. The Denver centers are so overwhelmed, they can’t keep up, yet plans are to transfer Wyoming mail there.
Renée JeanFebruary 13, 2025
Wyoming Would Buy $10 Million In Gold Under Plan Approved By Committee
Gold commodities have been skyrocketing, a trend that’s only continued since the election of President Donald Trump. Now the Wyoming Legislature is looking to get in on the action, proposing to buy $10 million worth of gold.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 13, 2025
Wyoming’s Oil And Gas Industry Excited Over Trump's Pick To Head BLM
Leaders in Wyoming’s oil and gas sector are excited about Kathleen Sgamma, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management.
Zakary SonntagFebruary 13, 2025
Wyoming Firefighters, Law Officers Fill The Capitol To Protest Proposed Tax Cut
A group of Wyoming firefighters and law enforcement officers filled the state Capitol in Cheyenne on Wednesday to protest a proposed 50% property tax cut. They say it could gut the budgets of their local departments.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 13, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 22
Debate over a 50% property tax cut went into the late hours of the Legislature on Wednesday night after firefighters and law enforcement officers rallied against it at the Capitol earlier in the day.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 13, 2025
Montana Legislature Requires Public Bathroom Use Determined By Birth Sex
A law requiring bathroom use to correspond with a person’s sex organs at birth passed the Montana Legislature on Monday. Supporters say it will protect women and girls, while detractors worry it will only cause confusion.
David MadisonFebruary 13, 2025
Wyoming School Board Races A Step Closer To Becoming Partisan
A legislative committee easily passed a bill to the House floor Wednesday that would change local school board elections in Wyoming. Now nonpartisan, if Senate File 98 passes candidates will have to declare their political affiliations.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 12, 2025
Lander Mayor Monte Richardson Dies Unexpectedly
Lander Mayor Monte Richardson died unexpectedly Wednesday. He had served as mayor since 2019. The City Council will meet Tuesday to appoint an interim mayor.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 12, 2025
Bill To Give Parents More School Choice, $7K Per Kid Vouchers Advances — Barely
The Senate Education Committee advanced a school choice bill Wednesday that would give parents $7,000 per child vouchers, but just barely. The 3-2 vote means the Senate will debate allowing parents to have public money to seek private education.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 12, 2025
Wyoming’s Influence In Trump’s Energy Plan Grows With Lummis As Western Caucus Chair
A GOP-controlled Congress and Trump administration is paving the way for expanded fossil fuel and energy production. It also paves the way for Wyoming’s influence to grow with U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis chairing the Senate Western Caucus.
Sean BarryFebruary 12, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 21
The 21st day of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session featured animated discussions on making significant changes to the state’s elections and important decisions regarding the supplemental budget.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 12, 2025
Bill Would Create Runoff Elections In Wyoming, Including For Governor
The Wyoming House passed a bill on second reading Tuesday that would create separate runoff elections for the state’s highest elected officials, including governor. A runoff would be triggered if no candidate gets 50% or more of the vote in a primary.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 12, 2025
Legislators: If State’s Paying $90M For New La Prele Dam, Public Needs Access
If $90 million of Wyoming taxpayer money is going toward rebuilding the LaPrele Dam near Douglas, the public should have recreational access to the reservoir, legislators say.
Mark HeinzFebruary 11, 2025
Gordon Says “Never Say Never” About Political Future After Second Term
During an interview with Cowboy State Daily on Monday, Gov. Mark Gordon said he’d “never say never” about what his political future may hold after finishing his second term in 2026.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 11, 2025
Lifting Protection For Otters Expanded To Other Species By Senate Committee
A bill that would lift the protected status of Wyoming otters was expanded and advanced Tuesday by a state Senate committee. The new proposal would remove protections for other species, like the black-footed ferret and wolverines.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 11, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap: Day 20
Monday was the deadline for bills to get their first reading in the Legislature, which paved the way for some lengthy and colorful floor discussions.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 11, 2025