Wyoming Legislature Makes Progress on Key Issues

The dust has finally settled on the general session of the 68th Legislature.  The most significant changes we made enhance personal liberty and bring meaningful reform to our state’s administrative procedures. We made significant progress on important topics including protecting the right to life, reducing personal property taxes and expanding school choice.

Photo Credit: Cinthia Stimson

We had important victories for central Wyoming along the way.  The replacement for LaPrele Dam is now fully funded.  The fact that the old structure lasted over 115 years without a single cent of public support is a testament to the dedication of the shareholders who maintained it over the generations and the technical expertise of those who built it all those years ago.  Now it is important to build a replacement as quickly as possible.  Moving forward, the state will also be looking into public access to the reservoir.   While this could help strengthen our recreation economy in central Wyoming, the priority will always be the productive use of the new structure and protecting the property rights of the shareholders.

I am also glad my Regulations of the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act passed into law. This bill will enhance legislative oversight for rules promulgated by executive branch agencies that impose a significant cost on our economy. With this change, the Wyoming Legislature will be able to understand if too much government influence in the private sector is holding our state back from further economic diversification.  The political class in Cheyenne has long been proud of the fact that the average Wyoming citizen pays so little in taxes yet receives so much in government services in return.  Is it possible this dynamic is holding our state back more than it is helping?

As always, it is an honor to represent you in the Wyoming Senate.  As we change gears and begin to develop policy for our Budget Session next year, I am currently focused on reforms to our water development process and stalking laws.  If you have any additional input, feel free to reach out to me at brian.boner@wyoleg.gov or (307) 359-0707.