CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Governor Mark Gordon met with members of the press on Wednesday, March 12, to discuss the major takeaways from the 2025 Wyoming Legislative Session. Gordon addressed a wide range of topics posed from journalists all over the state, including the recent job layoffs, property tax impacts, energy policy, immigration enforcement and concealed carry in schools.
According to the Legislative Service Office, out of the 500 plus bills that were discussed by legislators, only 178 bills were passed. With less than 50% of the bills that went to committee made into law, Gordon said that many bills “didn’t get the hearing that they deserved.” But, he said that it was good to see so many new legislators learn about the process.
Gordon shared his disappointment that legislation didn’t gain traction to support fire recovery, obstetrical services, the supplemental budget and protection of Wyoming’s interests on the Colorado River for critical industries. He also expressed that it was unfortunate that the Legislature did not recognize the use of CO2 to develop new technologies in the energy industry, including oil, gas, coal and uranium.
“We know the best thing for Wyoming is being able to develop our minerals, and get them to market,” Gordon said.
Gordon stressed that the national agenda often undermined local legislation.
“It was sad for me that so much of the national agenda really overwhelmed some of the necessary work of the legislature,” Gordon said. “I think about how some of these issues that were brought from out of state, really had momentum on a national level. I spent a lot of time worrying about those. There was a certain amount of absolutism. I think that maybe got in the way of the best outcomes for Wyoming people.”
Pre-K voucher bill
Gordon shared that the passing of the pre-K voucher bill was a personal highlight for him after experiencing being a single dad when his first wife passed away. HB0199 – Steamboat Legacy Scholarship offers scholarships to cover pre-K costs to income-qualified families who are at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. A controversial part of the bill offers families $7,000 per child annually for K-12 non-public-school costs like tuition or tutoring. WyoFile reported that critics of the legislation say the K-12 measure “will erode the quality of public education in the state.”
Property tax exemption
While referencing the property tax reductions, Gordon urged local legislators to assist their communities with dealing the consequences from the loss of revenue.
Federal employment cuts
Mike Koshmrl from WyoFile asked Gordon if there’s a plan to adapt to the hundreds of jobs lost in Wyoming due to federal agency workforce cuts. Gordon said that there was a need to downsize the federal government, and that Wyoming doesn’t have the budget to rehire workers. He did voice concern for what the layoffs could mean for wildfire mitigation efforts and energy extraction.
“The Biden administration wouldn’t give us any permits to drill oil and gas,” Gordon said. “Now, we’re worried about whether or not we will have the people to fill out those permits. We hope the net result will be more permits to drill in Wyoming.”
Gordon recognized that the layoffs could create disturbance in Wyoming communities, and cause hardship for those involved.
“We haven’t seen the full dimension of this yet,” Gordon said. “We are starting to respond so that we have the resources available and a strategy to deal with those issues when they arrive.”
Gun-free zones repealed
When addressing the passing of HB0172- Repeal gun free zones and preemption amendments, Gordon told Buckrail that individuals should keep in mind that similar laws are in effect in other states, including Utah, and “that incidents haven’t been terribly pronounced.” He added that some people think that “schools will actually be safer.”
“I am not concerned that some huge incident will come from this or that parents will have to assault or referee — there’s always been that potential,” Gordon said. “If anyone thinks that Wyoming isn’t a Second Amendment-friendly state, then they are sorely mistaken. We have always protected our Second Amendment rights. Most people in Wyoming aren’t afraid of guns. They understand the use of guns, they feel they are important for self-protection, but they also use them as tools. It’s also fun to go shoot.”
Gordon urged school districts to lead their own discussion as to what safety policies should be put into place.
Immigration enforcement
The Jackson Hole News&Guide inquired about the state taking on the role of immigration enforcement by directing sheriffs to take on federal agent roles. Gordon responded that it’s helpful for sheriffs to work with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and to know the immigration laws. While Gordon recognized that the legislature was giving mixed information about how to cooperate with ICE agents, he said that the state will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure personnel are well trained.
Gordon thanked the press for its coverage over the past year.
“It’s been an interesting time,” Gordon said. “It’s important to remember that Wyoming is really an amazing state. We are resilient. We are resourceful. We will be able to navigate this complicated time, and I hope come out the other side with Wyoming being recognized as the Wyoming we always had — one that is always willing to meet challenges and solve them.”
