Into the Unknown - Time To Talk To Your Legislators

DAVE FREUDENTHAL, Wyoming's Former Governor

Wyoming’s extension of the National Freedom Caucus Network and their supporting cast are the new Republican Majority in our Legislature. The outcome demolished the “established order”. Many of the members are new and most have less than 6 years of experience as legislators. Even fewer have held leadership positions or chaired committees. Whether you are shocked or pleased by this outcome matters not.

What does matter is reaching out to the members of the new majority to let them know about your issues of concern and what is important to you in Wyoming. You cannot afford to wait until the Legislative Session begins in mid-January. The schedule is hectic, time is short, and legislators have much to learn--- leaving little time to devote to the average voters.

It will be fascinating to watch this Session unfold. I do not know these folks but assume they are of good will and want the best for our beloved state. The question is, now that you are driving the bus, “where are we going”?

None of us, probably including them, quite know what this means for the 2025 legislative session.

Based on prior conduct, social issues drawn from other states will be a priority. They are less than fond of our current Governor, even though he has largely accommodated their agenda. Block voting “no” on budgets and other legislative proposals seems to be another touchstone. A general dislike of government—federal, state and local—permeates the rhetoric.

The perennial calls to cut state government will again resonate throughout the building. Echoes
of 30% reductions can be heard.

Persistent calls to reject federal funds are grist for the mill. The past election season was largely
devoid of policy discussions or answering straight forward questions. The winners were largely funded by interests with a national agenda, not a Wyoming agenda. It was an election driven by accusations, the likes of which have been seldom seen in Wyoming.

A few examples of unanswered questions? If across the board property tax reductions based on assessment adjustments occur, will the Legislature “back fill” the revenues lost by cities, towns, counties, fire districts, conservation districts, hospital districts, senior citizen centers, emergency services, school districts, etc. etc.? Remember, state government revenues would not be impacted by this. No state property tax exists in Wyoming. There is likely enough available cash for the legislature to offset these losses in the near term but what about the future?

Will distribution of state dollars to support local governments continue? Slashing those distributions will not lower state legislators’ pay checks but it will cause many local governments to reduce personnel and services.

Does the rejection of all federal funds include federal
highway funds, federal mineral royalty payments, health care dollars, education dollars, Payment in Lieu of Taxes federal dollars, EPA sewer and water funds, etc. etc.

Will reductions in State government spending include the Water Development Commission, the State Engineer’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, snowplow drivers and the Highway Patrol, the five elected officials’ budgets, human services, etc. etc.?

ENOUGH ALREADY!

The point is simple. Talk to your legislators, tell them what is important to you, your family, your business and to the future of our State. Whether you are building a budget, a State or a future for you and
your family---details matter and these decisions matter.

The role of outside groups can only be offset by your
voice, the voice of the people. The modern tendency is for elected officials to listen only to those groups or individuals who helped them get elected.

Hence the “block voting”, we deplore in Washington, D.C. However, the oath of office contains no such limitation. In fact, the hope is that elected officials independently represent and listen to everyone in their district.