Rachel Rodriguez-Williams

With week three of the 67th Budget Session of the Wyoming Legislature now complete and starting the fourth and final week, there is a lot of work ahead and not much time to complete it. Our main focus now is the budget, and we have just a few days left on the official schedule to get it across the finish line. 

The budget should reflect who we are as Wyomingites. Our priorities must be focused on limited government, strong conservative values and individual liberties. The Joint Conference Committee of the Wyoming House and Senate approved a biennial budget report Tuesday evening. The budget is expected to be distributed to the House and the Senate on Thursday afternoon. I anticipate the vote to take place Friday. As we consider the road forward, we need to take this opportunity to ensure our fiscal house is in order and that we always remember who we answer to: Wyoming taxpayers. 

On this topic of fiscal responsibility, I remain steadfast in finding meaningful solutions to the property tax crisis folks are facing across the state. At the current rate, Wyoming property taxes are on track to increase more than 80% by 2026 to more than $700 million. In order to address sky-high rates, I count at least 18 property tax bills introduced in the House and Senate. Given the property tax pain people around the state are feeling, I am grateful for the number of ideas that have been brought forward to bring relief to Wyoming families.

One bill in particular, House Bill 203, has received a lot of interest and frustration — and understandably so. This bill, which died on third reading in the House last week has a lot of moving parts. As bold as it is, my view is that it needs a thorough vetting. I was concerned this bill grew government and incentivized local governments to increase taxes without consequences. It also would motivate an influx of out-of-state people to move to Wyoming. Because legislators did not have much time to study exactly how it would work, I welcome the opportunity to analyze this legislation more to ensure the consequences of this bold idea are identified.

It is clear we need to face this issue with both an exemption bill and legislation that caps property tax increases. HB 45 would cap year-to-year property tax increases at 3%. SF 54 would apply to all residences and would eliminate property taxes for homes valued at $200,000 and lower. With so many property tax relief bills being considered, the governor will likely make the final decision on what versions make it into the green books. Wyoming’s families cannot afford to wait any longer.

I am pleased that HB 148 regulation of surgical abortions passed the House and the Senate last week. The bill requires that any surgical abortion facility and the physicians who work there are licensed. It also creates criminal penalties for violations. The House added key amendments to this bill that require a pregnant woman seeking a chemical or surgical abortion to undergo an ultrasound at least 48 hours prior to the procedure. The ultrasound will determine the gestational age, location, and viability of the pregnancy. Additionally, under this bill, the pregnant woman is given the chance to view the ultrasound and hear the fetal heartbeat if audible. 

Finally, a long-time priority of mine allowing for school choice is gaining momentum. HB 166 has been passed by a large margin in the House and is currently working its way through the Senate. It’s important to note that the House was able to pass an amendment making it clear that families will need to opt in if they want to participate. This is a great opportunity for families who do want to make the choice to take their children out of the public school system and do what is best for their students. 

Please email me at Rachel.Rodriguez-Williams@wyoleg.gov with your views, questions, or concerns about bills being debated during this session.

(Rachel Rodriguez-Williams (R-Cody) is a Park County legislator)