Local Wyoming Reporting on Tax, Education, Politics, Criminal Justice

Lawmakers put a bullet in each and every tax bill that came before them.

Wyoming Legislature shoots down “big box” corporate income tax and all other revenue-generating bills — 2019 Legislative recap

March 24, 2019

You got a tax bill? The Legislature has a bullet. Along with the “big box” tax, lawmakers killed proposals to “modernize” Wyoming’s sales tax structure, tax tourism to promote the tourism industry, increase cigarette taxes, and every other tax-related bill this year.

Bebout awoke to news that the tax break he'd tried to give himself and other oil bosses hadn't made it through the night.

Bebout’s tax break for oil companies dies an 11th-hour quiet death

March 1, 2019

On an absurdly late final night of the 2019 session, Bebout went home before the House and Senate could hash out disagreements over his proposed oil tax break. In Bebout’s absence, the bill sputtered and died.

Lawmakers struggle to understand that zero new revenues is the wrong answer.

Lawmakers fail to figure out new revenues for Wyoming public school funding, but avoid further cuts—2019 Legislative recap

April 12, 2019

After three consecutive years of deep cuts to the Wyoming public education budget, the Legislature relented this session. But without stable sources of revenue, more school cuts are likely on the way.

Foster and his zany school bill crew. From rear: Sen. Mike Gierau, former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis, Sen. Eli Bebout, Stephen Friess, Foster Friess

Foster Friess’ Magic School Bill rides into the law books — 2019 Legislative recap

March 15, 2019

Gov. Mark Gordon allowed the bill to become law today without signing it. The debate over what Gordon called “flawed” legislation pitted “school choice” advocates against defenders of local control.

Wyoming lawmakers continue to be stuck in a "reefer madness" state of mind.

Wyoming legislators make no movement toward commonsense cannabis reform—2019 Legislative recap

April 17, 2019

Three proposals, dealing with medical cannabis and sentencing reform, lived short lives this session before dying at the hands of short-sighted lawmakers.

What do business owners, law students, military vets, and other citizen lobbyists have in common? They all want commonsense cannabis reform.

Citizen lobbyists push for commonsense cannabis reform at the Wyoming Legislature

March 6, 2019

A dozen or so people braved the elements one snowy day during the 2019 session to support a hemp bill and educate legislators about the benefits of medical cannabis.

The Wyoming Legislature chose democracy over the demands of the state's ultra-dominant party.

Lawmakers defeat a slew of proposals to limit Wyoming voting rights—2019 Legislative recap

April 19, 2019

High drama, backroom tactics, zombie bills, and thwarted agendas all accompanied failed efforts to chip away at voting rights in Wyoming.

Wyoming lawmakers continue to be stuck in a "reefer madness" state of mind.

Wyoming legislators make no movement toward commonsense cannabis reform—2019 Legislative recap

April 17, 2019

Three proposals, dealing with medical cannabis and sentencing reform, lived short lives this session before dying at the hands of short-sighted lawmakers.

Wyoming lawmakers’ push to seize control over environmental review process on federal lands echoes public land transfer fight

PFLAG's decades-long history of LGBTQ advocacy and support in Wyoming continues

Lawmakers defeat a slew of proposals to limit Wyoming voting rights—2019 Legislative recap

Wyoming legislators make no movement toward commonsense cannabis reform—2019 Legislative recap

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TAX REFORM

Wyoming Legislature shoots down “big box” corporate income tax and all other revenue-generating bills — 2019 Legislative recap

Bebout’s tax break for oil companies dies an 11th-hour quiet death

EDUCATION

Lawmakers fail to figure out new revenues for Wyoming public school funding, but avoid further cuts—2019 Legislative recap

Foster Friess’ Magic School Bill rides into the law books — 2019 Legislative recap

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Wyoming legislators make no movement toward commonsense cannabis reform—2019 Legislative recap

Citizen lobbyists push for commonsense cannabis reform at the Wyoming Legislature

2019 CAPITOL DISPATCHES

Lawmakers defeat a slew of proposals to limit Wyoming voting rights—2019 Legislative recap

Wyoming legislators make no movement toward commonsense cannabis reform—2019 Legislative recap

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