Jamie Flitner

Rep. Jamie Flitner, R-Greybull, sees one overarching issue facing the 2021 Wyoming Legislature, which convened in-person for the first time in Cheyenne Monday.

Revenue — and where it will come from — is the elephant in the room in Flitner’s mind.

“Our need for diverse revenue streams and to diversify our tax system are the biggies,” she said. “Whether we get anything done on either front would be a surprise.”

Flitner is in her third term representing House District 26 in Big Horn and Park counties. She is chairman of the House Travel, Recreation and Wildlife Committee — the only committee chair among Park County legislators.

The Legislature met Monday on the 10th day of the 2021 session and will hear the annual message from Gov. Mark Gordon today (Tuesday). January and February bill introductions and committee work were done virtually.

Flitner is sponsoring one piece of legislation in this year’s session, joining with Sen. R.J. Kost, R-Powell, to propose expansion of the state’s Hathaway Scholarship Program to allow advanced students in middle school to begin earning Hathaway credits prior to entering high school. She said the impetus for House Bill 120 was suggested by Zac Opps, a former Powell Middle School instructional facilitator. 

Flitner said overhaul of the state’s gaming laws is perhaps the biggest issue for her TRW Committee. Senate File 56, filed by Sen. Affie Ellis, R-Cheyenne, who chairs the Senate TRW Committee, is an attempt to clarify and codify gaming law in the state.

“I don’t personally believe gaming is the answer to our revenue problems, but many do,” said Flitner. “I think it [legalized gaming] is probably here to stay.”