Capitol Dispatches

Session recap: You gotta fight for your right … to marry children

Religious fundamentalists in the Wyoming Freedom Caucus and the Wyoming State GOP fought tooth and nail for the “freedom” to continue marrying children. Fortunately, this was one of many fights that they lost in 2023, as the Legislature passed its first law prohibiting marriage for children under 16.

Session recap: You gotta fight for your right … to marry children Read More »

Wyo Legislature once again looks to restrict primary voting

A Wyoming Senate Committee that has already killed one “crossover voting” ban during the 2023 legislative session is set to hear another—the last one standing. But party purists in years past have gone to great (and shady) lengths to restrict primary voting, so it’s anyone’s guess what will happen.

Wyo Legislature once again looks to restrict primary voting Read More »

Will the Wyo. “Freedom Caucus” kill health coverage for new moms?

A bill to stop the rollback of Wyoming Medicaid coverage for uninsured new moms has broad support. Advocates for HB-4 say it will ensure the health and well-being of both mothers and their babies. But Freedom Caucus member Rep. Chip Neiman, who as House Majority Floor Leader can unilaterally kill any bill he wants, might not let it see the light of day.

Will the Wyo. “Freedom Caucus” kill health coverage for new moms? Read More »

Save the politicians, screw the people: “Redistricting” showed the bald self interest that drives the Wyoming Legislature

Members of the public made clear their wishes for better representation during the Wyoming Legislature’s 2022 “redistricting” process. But in the end, the chaotic ordeal confirmed that most lawmakers’ number one priority is protecting their own political interests.

Save the politicians, screw the people: “Redistricting” showed the bald self interest that drives the Wyoming Legislature Read More »

Wyoming edges toward banning abortion

A bill moving through the Wyoming Legislature would completely ban abortion in the state—even in cases of rape and incest—in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Another would immediately outlaw “abortion pills,” which can be more readily accessible for Wyoming women unable to travel great distances to end a pregnancy.

The progress of these bills demonstrates a radical shift over the past five years in the Legislature’s position on reproductive rights.

Wyoming edges toward banning abortion Read More »