Lawmakers agree Wyoming's economy is as 'strong as ever'

CHEYENNE — Several lawmakers agreed with Gov. Mark Gordon’s assessment that Wyoming’s economy is as “strong as ever” following his State of the State address Monday.

Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, said she will support his biennium budget heading into the legislative session.

“I think the governor has been conservative in his budget, but I think it is a budget that is adequate,” Schuler said. “After looking at it under a microscope and watching the (Joint Appropriations Committee), I really believe we will be able to handle the budget he presented.”

Schuler said she especially appreciates the attention given to bringing state employees’ wages up to market level.

“There’s room for improvement in a number of ways, but we’ve made progress with our state employees. We needed to,” Schuler said. “I give a lot of props to (Gordon) and our Legislature for seeing those needs, and visiting with boots on the ground about that.”

In his speech, Gordon said that existing Wyoming businesses are looking to expand, entrepreneurs are starting new enterprises, and that Wyoming’s unemployment numbers are near their lowest in 15 years. Wages, he added, are growing.

“We should celebrate that more people are working in Wyoming today than there were in February of 2020,” Gordon said.

Citing other successes, Gordon said Wyoming has earned national recognition for balancing energy and environmental issues, and has seen expansion in agriculture, business and finance, the manufacturing sector and tourism.

Rep. Sandy Newsome, R-Cody, said she agrees that the state’s economy is strong, and that leadership in the energy sector across the state is key. In her corner of the state, tourism is booming.

“I’m from Park County, so my district includes part of Yellowstone Park. Tourism has been really good for several years, as evidenced by the lodging tax that funds the state budget. We have had good years, several in a row, and I think the economy is strong,” Newsome said.

Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, said that Wyoming’s economy will remain cyclical as long as it’s focused primarily on mineral development.

“It’s strong now because of how well minerals have been doing this past year,” Yin said. “I appreciate the governor’s focus on new businesses and diversifying with things like the Wyoming Innovation Partnership.”

Referencing a separate branch of state government, Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Kate Fox, in her State of the Judiciary speech, highlighted a request for more funding for Wyoming’s court system. She said that request was slashed by the Joint Appropriations Committee.

Yin said he agrees that Wyoming’s judiciary needs more funding.

“I think it is important for everyone to get access to justice, and the only way that happens is by ensuring that (people in the court system) can do their job,” Yin said.

While an overall focus on national issues can be “spotty,” Yin said Wyoming’s economy mirrors the nation as a whole.

“When we talk about the economy, it’s also reflective of how the national economy is doing well,” Yin said.

Ultimately, Gordon gave a “great speech,” Schuler said. “He hit all the right spots. It’s probably the most excited I’ve seen him.”

Three lawmakers — Rep. Bob Ide, R-Casper; Sen. Cheri Steinmetz, R-Lingle; and Sen. Bo Biteman, R-Ranchester — declined requests from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle for comment following the speech.

By Carrie HaderlieWyoming Tribune EagleVia Wyoming News Exchange