Week four, and we have a budget:
Governor Gordon Statement on Passage of the Budget by Both Chambers
“The budget passed today restored almost all budget recommendations for the people of Wyoming.”
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - March 2, 2026 - Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) issued the following statement today regarding the passage in both chambers of The Essentials Budget.
“What a win for Wyoming! And what a win for the citizens across the state who got involved with their government, after the Freedom Caucus-controlled Joint Appropriations Committee members made sweeping cuts to an already lean budget, and came forward letting their voices be heard to their representatives.
I extend my gratitude to the members of the House who courageously opposed the proposed cuts and insisted on asking the tough questions, even late into the night. Questions that focused on transparency as well as, critically, the underlying reasons for making those cuts. These questions struck a chord statewide and were powerfully voiced right here in Cheyenne by citizens from across Wyoming.
I want to also thank the Senate, whose stalwart leadership paved the way to this amazing victory.
The budget passed today restored almost all budget recommendations for the people of Wyoming and, as one Senator said, is only $53M below my overall recommendation. By my back-of-the-napkin calculations, that’s close to 99%.
Wyoming's future is indeed bright. We must continue to invest in our potential, grow our industries, preserve our small-town identity, and stand firm against the hysteria of national groups seeking to undermine our state.”
The Governor would like to personally thank the members of the House who stood for Employee Compensation on third reading: Representatives Brown, L, Byron, Campbell, E., Chestek, Clouston, Connolly, Davis, Erickson, Filer, Fornstrom, Geringer, Harshman, Jarvis, Larsen, L., Larson, JT, Lawley, Lien, Nicholas, Posey, Provenza, Riggins, Sherwood, Singh, Storer, Styvar, Tarver, Thayer, Washut, Williams, Wylie and Yin.
As well, the Governor would like to personally thank the members of the Senate who stood for restoring the Governor’s budget recommendations on second reading: Senators Anderson, Barlow, Brennan, Case, Cooper, Crago, Crum, Dockstader, Driskill, Gierau, Jones, Kolb, Landen, Love, Nethercott, Olsen, Pappas, Rothfuss, Schuler, Scott
For more information:
Amy Edmonds, Communications Director, amy.edmonds@wyo.gov
Janelle Collins, Strategic Communications Director, janelle.collins@wyo.gov
The Freedom Caucus really didn't get its way on this. They seem to have just conceded. Probably the plan is to complain about the left wing RINO, DINO, WINO, radical press monarchist communist libertarians.
Cont:
Governor Gordon Signs First Bills of the 2026 Budget Session
February 27, 2026
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) signed his first bill of the 2026 Budget Session into law today, signifying his strong support of life by signing HEA0001 HB0004, Birthing centers - Medicaid coverage into law.
Amidst growing maternity deserts across rural Wyoming, this bill allows critically needed birthing centers to serve more pregnant mothers. By allowing medicaid coverage at these centers, Wyoming has provided another financial tool to keep these centers open and mothers have another option for their maternity care.
“I am pleased to sign my first bill today. HEA0001 helps our expectant mothers. And supporting life does not end with words, it requires action,” Governor Gordon said. “There are rural areas in Wyoming where accessing maternity care is a real challenge. This bill allows Medicaid coverage at birthing centers and is a common-sense step that strengthens access for mothers across our state. Healthy beginnings matter. When we invest in mothers and babies, we invest in Wyoming’s future.”
The Governor also signed the following enrolled acts into law.
HEA0002 HB0005 Oil and gas bonding pool-investment and earnings
HEA0003 HB0034 Firefighters-retirement plans
HEA0004 HB0035 Firefighters - paid leave and hazard pay
SEA0002 SF0018 Attendance of students in K-12 schools
SEA0003 SF0031 Uniform mortgage modification act.
SEA0004 SF0047 Increase of Hathaway scholarship awards.
SEA0005 SF0030 Elections-voter registration revisions.
SEA0006 SF0024 Lottery tickets-acceptance of debit card payments.
SEA0007 SF0011 Burials of indigent veterans-amendments.
SEA0008 SF0008 Absconding for criminal purposes-criminal offense.
SEA0009 SF0007 Theft amendments.
SEA0010 SF0005 Hospital bankruptcy proceedings.
SEA0012 SF0006 Eligibility for Medicaid-criteria.
SEA0013 SF0009 Fentanyl to minors-enhanced penalty.
SEA0014 SF0017 Good neighbor authority-amendments.
SEA0015 SF0032 911 funding.
SEA0016 SF0052 2026 large project funding.
SEA0017 SF0068 Water districts-funds for maintenance projects.
SEA0018 SF0079 Sales and use tax reorganization.
SEA0019 SF0080 Department of revenue-electronic communication.
SEJR0001 SJ0001 State management-federal mineral leases.
Governor
Gordon Continues Bill Signing for the 2026 Budget Session
CHEYENNE,
Wyo. - March 2, 2026 - The Governor signed the following
enrolled acts into law.
SEA0011
SF0161 Subleasing of state lands-exemptions.
HEJR001
HJ0002 Federal mineral royalties - state share.
March 3, 2026
Governor Gordon Signed the Following Bills
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - March 3, 2026 - The Governor signed the following enrolled acts into law:
SEA0001 SF0002 Legislative Budget
SEA0020 SF0019 Epinephrine delivery methods.
SEA0021 SF0022 Unincorporated nonprofit associations-amendments.
SEA0023 SF0071 Wyoming department of homeland security.
SEA0024 SF0053 Keeping amateurism in high school athletics.
SEA0025 SF0012 Wyoming national guard reenlistment bonus program.
SEA0026 SF0013 Wyoming national guard member referral-amendments.
March 5, 2026
An early legislative post mortem.
Drake posts the thesis that the University of Wyoming proved to be a sleeping beloved bear that the out of state hillbilly freedom caucus poked when they didn't know what they were doing. I agree.
On WFC pet issues, this one bit the dust:
Speaking of the Freedom Caucus:
Being a Republican now days means never having to say you are sorry. We see this nationally and locally. Anyhow:
Allemand ought to resign.
And the legislature demonstrated that socialism by another name is okay if its for things you like:
The committee investigating Check Gate determined that there were no bribes.
This is not a surprise, and it is what we predicated. It'd be our further prediction that the Laramie County Sheriff's Office will determine the same thing.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this story, other than the sheer stupidity of it, is that just as with Rep. Allemand drinking and driving, the populist far right had a pity party here as well, perhaps most particular the check tosser, Bextel, who tried to blame things on Democrats posing as Republicans in the legislature, not realizing that most of the Freedom Caucus is just that, being a bunch of Dixiecrats. The level to which the GOP just refused to be adult is really amazing.
March 6, 2026
Usually they just adjourn and risk it:
But they know that, even though the Confederate Caucus was laragely sidelined, that htey let some dumb ones get by.
Governor Gordon Thanks Legislature for Good Work, Issues Concise Line-Item Vetoes to Protect Constitutional Balance of Powers
March 05, 2026
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today presented a series of concise line-item technical vetoes to The Essentials biennial budget, (SEA0027 SF0001) emphasizing the need to preserve Wyoming’s constitutional separation of powers and prevent the state budget from becoming a vehicle for legislative overreach that micromanages executive branch functions.
The Governor first thanked lawmakers in his veto message for producing a budget aligned with his priorities supporting key investments in Wyoming's future – including her families and communities – despite Joint Appropriations Committee actions in December and January cutting areas of value to the citizens of the Cowboy State.
In the letter to House and Senate leadership, Governor Gordon explained areas in the budget that crossed a constitutional boundary by attempting to direct how the executive branch manages its personnel and administers programs. Many of the vetoes in the 2027-2028 bill were similar to ones he had exercised in past budgets.
“In its simplest form, the Legislature passes legislation and the Executive branch enforces that legislation. Likewise the Legislature appropriates funds for the running of state government,” Governor Gordon said. “The Executive Branch sees that those funds are used expeditiously and efficiently. It is not the role (though it may be an understandable temptation) of the Legislature to attempt to assume the extent of executive functions such as deciding how many positions, the level of individual pay, or the classification of specific employees of the executive branch.”
The Governor noted that creeping legislative overreach language (beginning in 1971) has gradually been appearing in Wyoming budgets over the past few decades, often bypassing the constitutional limits of the Legislature and embedding micromanaging overreach inside appropriations bills. Gordon said his vetoes are intended to reaffirm constitutional boundaries while still respecting the Legislature’s authority over state spending.
“It is my intent that the executive agencies, subject to my approval, will be able to determine the number and duties of their employees within the confines of the amount of funds appropriated by the Legislature,” Governor Gordon said. “The Legislature’s categorical appropriations into series 100 provides sufficient restriction to ensure that the expenditures are limited to personnel costs and that there is no increase in cost to the State.”
Governor Gordon also vetoed provisions affecting programs such as economic development, the University of Wyoming, and reporting requirements that could hinder the ability of agencies to respond quickly to emerging needs.
Despite their differences, the Governor praised the Legislature for supporting key priorities that strengthen Wyoming’s workforce and communities.
“It has been a difficult session at times, and Wyoming should appreciate your hard work this budget session,” Governor Gordon said. “Still, you have kept on task to provide Wyoming with a true biennial, constitutionally sound budget.”
The Governor ended his message with this, “Our founders wisely established well-reasoned separate branches of government so that each could perform its responsibilities effectively while maintaining the proper balance of power. Our Constitutions do not give us rights. Those are given by God. The Constitution keeps government in check so that it does not usurp our rights. Preserving that balance of power ensures Wyoming’s government remains accountable, efficient, and faithful to the Constitution we are sworn to uphold.”
The Governor’s veto message has been transmitted to legislative leadership for consideration.
The Governor also signed the following enrolled acts into law today:
HEA0005 HB0112 Riverton state office task force-sunset.
HEA0006 HB0106 Smokebuster module leaders.
HEA0007 HB0032 English proficiency-commercial motor vehicle drivers.
HEA0008 HB0008 Stalking of minors.
HEA0009 HB0026 Vehicle registration fees-tribal governments.
HEA0010 HB0105 K-12 school facilities appropriations-2.
HEA0011 HB0107 Local government distributions.
HEA0012 HB0009 Grooming of children-offenses and amendments.
HEA0013 HB0028 Sexual exploitation of children-amendments.
HEA0014 HB0025 Wyoming's tomorrow scholarship program amendments.
HEA0015 HB0024 Review of charter school applications.
HEA0016 HB0002 Fast Track Permits Act.
HEA0020 HB0087 Omnibus water bill-planning.
SEA0022 SF0027 Leashed dogs for tracking-black bear.
Last edition:
Labels: 2020s, 2026, 2026 Wyoming Legislature, Abortion, Check Gate, Dixiecrats, Education, Ignorance, Populism, Republican Party, University of Wyoming, Wyoming Freedom Caucus
