Gordon: 'Bear in mind the consequences of our decisions'

CHEYENNE - Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon welcomed members of the 68th Wyoming Legislature on Wednesday and reminded them that their legislative decisions have consequences.

"I congratulate you on your election and wish you Godspeed. We do have a lot to do, and I have no doubt that the people in this room can get it done," Gordon said. "We have serious responsibilities that require us to work together to serve those who have entrusted us with our positions, and we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves."

In his supplemental budget request, Gordon asked for an additional $10.5 million for the state Department of Revenue to fund the property tax relief program, which he said is "oversubscribed."

Property tax revenue funds local school districts and services, including law enforcement and fire departments. Four property tax relief measures were signed into law last year, providing a 4% residential property tax increase cap, a 50% long-term homeowners tax exemption and expanding current property tax relief programs.

A vetoed property tax bill that proposes a broad 25% property tax exemption for qualified Wyoming homeowners is back on the table this legislative session. The Wyoming Freedom Caucus included this bill, Senate File 69, as part of its "Five and Dime Plan," an ambitious strategy to pass five bills within the first 10 days of the session

"Our constituents expect an efficient government that gets value for the dollar, one that allows them to keep as much of their hard-earned money as is reasonably possible. They don't want cheap, shortsighted budgets that look good on paper but may hurt them in their daily lives or cause their kids to have to leave Wyoming." ~ Governor Mark Gordon

The bill currently provides a $125 million state backfill.

However, the long-term homeowners tax exemption currently does not, and lawmakers are deciding whether to lift the two-year sunset date on that program.

Gordon pleaded with lawmakers to keep in mind the real consequences of potential budget cuts

as they consider his supplemental budget request this session.

"Our constituents expect an efficient government that gets value for the dollar, one that allows them to keep as much of their hard-earned money as is reasonably possible," Gordon said. "They don't want cheap, shortsighted budgets that look good on paper but may hurt them in their daily lives or cause their kids to have to leave Wyoming."

In 2020, the state had to make several "difficult" budget cuts due to a significant decline in revenue, frustrating both Democratic and Republican lawmakers alike, he said.

"Times change, and our state is getting back on track. I ask that as we work on the supplemental and then on the '27-'28 budget, we bear in mind the consequences of our decisions," Gordon said. "Budgets always affect neighbors and communities."

He applied this line of thought to education funding.

In his supplemental budget, Gordon requested the full $66.3 million appropriation recommended for a K-12 external cost adjustment. This funding amount, according to a memo from the Legislative Service Office, would put the state back on track to fully funding its K-12 public school system.

He also requested legislative support to complete the third and final phase of the Wyoming Innovative Partnership program. WIP prepares public students for workforce development and secondary education.

"We must approach our education budget with care, applying conservative values and common sense to maintain a balance between quality and sustainability," Gordon said. "We risk undermining the foundation of our future through ill-considered cuts."

In his address, Gordon also highlighted the growth of maternity care deserts in the Cowboy State.

Evanston Regional Hospital recently announced the closure of its OB practice this fall, and mothers are now driving across the border to Utah for delivery services.

"Is there anyone here today who finds this situation acceptable? Is there anyone here today who prefers Wyoming mothers to not have access to quality OB care?" Gordon said. "I certainly hope not."

To aid in keeping medical providers in Wyoming, Gordon recommended an additional $2.3 million to the state Department of Health to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates.

Finally, Gordon turned his attention to Southern California's devastating wildfires over the last week, with more than 35,000 acres burned between the Palisades and Eaton fires alone, and at least 25 recorded deaths. Gordon said the devastation in Los Angeles serves as a reminder to how quickly fire can spread.

Wyoming experienced its own historic wildfire season last summer and fall, with more than 2,000 fires burning more than 810,000 acres. Gordon recommended $130 million be set aside to fight future natural disasters and to begin the restoration process of damaged lands.

"Make no mistake, this will be hard work, and it will take time," Gordon said.