2024 Pre Session Letter

 

What to expect this coming session

It’s about that time again, when Legislators from across Wyoming gather in Cheyenne to do the job we’re elected to do. While session takes a ton of effort and energy, doing the peoples work is an amazing privilege and I always tell myself the same thing going into it - “do what you told voters you’d do”. For me, this means following the constitution and working to make Sheridan and all of Wyoming a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It means protecting our 2nd Amendment rights and fighting for life. It means working to create middle class jobs and keep our taxes low.

Right off the bat, I want to tell you what my top priority is - fixing the damn property tax problem. Last year, I supported every piece of legislation aimed at fixing this (you can fact check my record at wyoleg.gov). Unfortunately, some of my colleagues struggled to get on board and we didn’t get comprehensive reform done. Doing nothing is NOT acceptable. This time, I don’t care what mountains I have to move or whose arm I have to twist, this is the number one issue.

Beyond property taxes, I hope to work with my colleagues and achieve a few additional things that many voters in Sheridan have told me is important, including: 

  1. The mental health crisis. As we all know, Wyoming is one of the worst states for suicide, and we need to make progress on this. Last session, we established a 988 suicide hotline number, and it’s proven to be highly effective. Since being established, the center has received thousands of calls. But, we have more work to do, as the center doesn’t have a secure funding source. I intend to work with my colleagues to use revenue from mineral extraction royalties to set up long term, reliable funding for our hotline center.

  2. Parental rights. Without exception, parents have the right to be in charge of their kids' education. As we saw in the incident in Sweetwater county, school administrators did not immediately notify parents when a child indicated they wanted to use different pronouns. To be sure, every child should be protected from bullying and harassment, but parents must be involved from square one. We’re working on legislation requiring schools to immediately notify parents when something like this happens.

  3. Utility Regulations. Across the state, utility companies have been jacking up rates, with nothing but lip service for regulators and the public, this includes MDU, who was approved for a rate increase in 2024. Right now, the public isn’t meaningfully involved in any way until the rate increase is approved by regulators. This is a disservice to the public. We are working on legislation allowing the public to weigh in at the same time a utility files for a rate increase.

  4. School choice. While we have a strong k12 system in Wyoming, parents should have options in which schools their children attend. I intend to support legislation that does just this while ensuring funding for our public schools.

Thank you for taking the time to read my note. PLEASE do not hesitate to call me anytime if you have questions or concerns. My cell number is 307-202-9497.