Gordon requests lawmakers focus on property tax relief, mental health and energy

by Jasmine Hall 

Jackson Hole Daily

Via Wyoming News Exchange

CHEYENNE — The halls of the state Capitol building are bustling once again.

Legislators, state executives, military officials, advocates and more attendees made their way into the House Chamber on Monday morning for the 67th Wyoming Legislature’s budget session commencement. They packed in to listen to Gov. Mark Gordon offer a State of the State address, followed by Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Kate Fox.

Not a seat was empty in the gallery overlooking the chamber as state representatives and senators garnered guidance from the governor. From property tax relief to energy leadership, he boasted what the state had accomplished and advised next steps.

“Our economy is growing, our spirits are soaring and the future is ours to craft,” Gordon said. “We have made tremendous progress over the past several years even through adversity.”

He was proud Wyoming had earned recognition as a leader in energy, innovation in business, manufacturing and tourism. He said it showed the state was “open for business,” despite a “we know best” attitude from the federal government that he viewed as openly obstructing important industries.

He said President Biden’s administration and its policies left the nation more vulnerable and put Wyoming’s economy and way of life at risk.

“As governor I cannot be as blunt as my rancher core wants me to be,” Gordon said. “So, in telling you how bad the Biden energy policy is, let me borrow a phrase from Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf and declare to one and all that the Biden energy policy is pure, unadulterated ‘bovine scatology.’ ”

It wasn’t just federal policy on energy he criticized. He expressed frustration with the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan and the approach to securing the country’s southern border. Gordon even approved the use of state corrections officers to provide relief to Texas personnel.

“Illegal immigration is our nation’s greatest threat,” he said. “Last week, I spoke to my friend Greg Abbott, governor of Texas, and told him Wyoming is fully behind him.”

Gordon wanted Wyoming solutions to Wyoming issues, and lawmakers to work together as if they were on the ranch.

“Legislatures are a bit like a branding crew: They come together every year for a few days with specific work to get done,” he said. “Job one this year is to pass a budget. You have a good crew, and though there are lots of opinions, there is also commitment and expertise.”

Gordon’s first priority came down to property tax relief for struggling residents. He requested $20 million in the 2025-26 biennium budget for the expanded property tax refund program after seeing 9,000 households get an average refund of $900 this year. There are more than a dozen bills aimed at property tax relief up for consideration during the budget session, and Gordon reminded lawmakers to be cautious.

“Property tax reform is a complex issue affecting county resources, roads and schools, among other issues, yet it is pressing,” he said. “I have no doubt this Legislature will seek a balance that properly addresses citizens’ concerns about rising assessed valuations without leaving counties or schools high and dry.”

Gordon followed property tax reform with hopes the Legislature would address Wyoming’s workforce challenges, fund his mental health package to “ensure we buttress services,” and capitalize on energy. He said a vote for the budget supports innovations in coal, and defends all fossil industries.

“Wyoming demands the right to develop our resources,” he said. Wyomingites “know our mineral and energy industries build our schools, pay the majority of our taxes, and provide the good-paying quality jobs we all depend on.”

But Gordon wasn’t the only one to ask for funding or attention on certain issues.

Chief Justice Fox talked about unfairness in the pay of judicial branch employees.

 “In fiscal year 2023, circuit courts had 73,589 criminal cases and 17,945 civil cases,” she said. “And in district courts, there were 2,385 criminal cases filed, 8,047 civil cases, 1,163 juvenile cases and 1,791 probate cases. That’s a lot of justice, and it’s an excellent return on your investment. We run this branch with 3.4% of the general fund. I think we should make that at least 4%.”

She wants legislation passed that puts judicial pay raises into statute and gives judges the same housing allowances as other state employees who live in high-cost counties, but that bill was killed.

The Legislature will spend the next month in session and weigh the requests put forward.