CHEYENNE — Several Cheyenne lawmakers say legislation this session will address issues mentioned by Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon during his State of the State address on Wednesday.
In his speech to a joint session of the 68th Wyoming Legislature, Gordon said the state government is “lean and effective,” calling out election-season rhetoric about how big and expensive state government has become. He noted that there are 300 fewer Wyoming state employees than when he took office, and his supplemental budget recommends only “essential, ongoing or unexpected expenses mostly driven by inflation.”
Highlighting a marked increase in parental and community involvement in education since the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor said Wyoming’s school systems have experienced meaningful change.
“The fact is, across Wyoming, educators, parents and students are reimagining what’s possible,” Gordon said.
The state’s goal was to help educational institutions become more responsive to the emerging needs of Wyoming industries, communities and workforce, and to increase participation, Gordon said.
“That’s why we foster school choice. We have supported new charters, and we have done more, by empowering all schools to innovate, compete, adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive educational landscape,” he said.
Rep. Daniel Singh, R-Cheyenne, said he was proud of the work lawmakers did in 2024 to create the Wyoming Education Savings Account Act, under which eligible students can receive $6,000 a year for educational expenses like private school tuition. The first phase of the Wyoming Education Savings Account family application went live on Jan. 1, according to the Wyoming Department of Education.
Rep. Daniel Singh on House floor
Rep. Daniel Singh, R-Cheyenne, smiles and applauds during the opening of the 68th Wyoming Legislature on Tuesday in the House chamber.
Singh said he is a strong advocate for school choice.
“I really do appreciate being able to work closely with the executive branch, be it the governor or state superintendent, on creating these sorts of options for parents,” Singh said. “I believe the money should follow the students. The educational system exists for the benefit of the students, and not every student is going to thrive in the same type of environment.”
PROPERTY TAX CUTS
Educational revenue, however, could be affected by the November passage of Constitutional Amendment A. The amendment will allow lawmakers the option to create a fourth, residential tier in the state’s property tax structure, which could be assessed at a different rate than commercial properties. After the November election, Gordon said he was “particularly happy” the amendment passed, but on Wednesday, he warned lawmakers that changes could affect educational revenue streams.
“Please remember though, what this body does with property tax will no doubt have implications for schools and local services far into the future,” Gordon cautioned lawmakers.
Singh said that while he supported putting the constitutional amendment on the ballot, he did not vote for it himself, primarily because he was concerned about how it might affect renters. Others cautioned that climbing housing costs may be passed on, if rental properties were grouped outside primary residences and assessed at a higher tax rate.
“I voted against the constitutional amendment, specifically out of fears for how it would affect renters,” Singh said, when asked whether lawmakers should come up with a mechanism to “backfill,” or make up any lost revenue, should the classes be separated.
“When it comes to (backfill) and differentiating the different property tax classes themselves, I would really hope we don’t mess too much with those structures. We already have a lot of legislation coming forward concerning property taxes,” Singh said.
WYOMING’S TAX BURDEN
Gordon also said Wednesday that Wyoming has the third-lowest tax burden in the nation, according to Virtual Capitalist.
“It’s nice to know we are being recognized nationally for having the same spirit we see on these walls and in this room,” Gordon said.
Rep. Lee Filer, R-Cheyenne, said he campaigned on the fact that Wyoming must look at all its taxes, and the full scope of the tax burden on its citizens — not simply at property taxes.
Rep. Lee Filer, R-Cheyenne
Rep. Lee Filer, R-Cheyenne
“This means things that affect people’s lives every day,” said Filer, who is a co-sponsor on House Bill 126, “Sales tax on services-repeal.” That bill would remove sales taxes on services provided by people like mechanics and others in the service industry who don’t sell a tangible product.
“The way I see it, if you are paying taxes on something, it should be tangible, something you actually can touch and feel,” Filer said. “You don’t own your mechanic, you don’t take him home with you. Why are you paying taxes on his labor?”
Filer said a reduction in sales taxes on services may lead to a decrease in funding to local governments, but added that he believes people would spend the money saved within their communities.
“I do think that having that extra money, people would go spend elsewhere to buy something that is tangible,” he said.
SUPPORT FOR VETERANS
Gordon also thanked Wyoming’s veterans in his remarks, acknowledging military service “is hard, and it can leave scars.”
“Injury does not always come from an enemy combatant. Wounds can include long-lasting physical, emotional or psychological impacts,” the governor said. “Far too many of our best struggle to the point of breaking. Sadly, too many veterans and others in Wyoming are grappling with suicidal thoughts.”
Gordon said he is proud that Wyoming continues to incorporate a variety of approaches, from assisting churches and community mental health centers to providing training and motivation to peers, to lift veterans up.
Sen. Stephan Pappas, R-Cheyenne, who serves on the Senate Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee, said a bill sponsored by that committee would address veterans’ mental health. Senate File 30, “Wyoming’s investment in veteran’s mental health,” would establish the Wyoming veteran loan repayment program for veterans who provide mental health services, within the state, to other veterans.
Sen. Stephan Pappas, R-Cheyenne
Sen. Stephan Pappas, R-Cheyenne
“If a veteran gets their education through one of our institutions, like the University of Wyoming, and if they get their degree in counseling or any allied fields that will help other veterans, then the bill allows for their tuition or educational costs to be reimbursed,” Pappas said.
That bill came out of the Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee during the interim, and was recommended by legislative leadership, known as the Management Council, according to Pappas.
“It’s another one of our many bills that try to help our veterans. If we can encourage our veterans to get into these fields — and we are short in that field as it is — then it provides another veteran benefit also,” Pappas said.