WyoFile’s Legislature 2013 is a special project examining the many critical fiscal and social policy decisions being made in preparation for the upcoming session that begins January 8, 2013. WyoFile reporter Gregory Nickerson and longtime Wyoming journalist Geoff O’Gara have teamed up to bring you weekly feature reports on the run-up to the session as state leaders prepare to cut the budget by 8 percent.

By reporting on and closely examining legislative maneuvering now, we hope that Wyoming citizens can find a seat at the table before the Legislative session begins and make their voices heard. Come to WyoFile each Tuesday between now and January 8 for the most comprehensive reporting and analysis on the Wyoming Legislature, and take part in the ongoing discussions.

If you’d like to weigh in on the legislative debate, see WyoFile’s guide to contacting your legislators for ways to make your voice heard in the 2013 session.

Below is live streaming audio of the House and Senate deliberations while the Legislature is in session.

Featured Thumbnail image for Wyoming: Where independent people rely on federal funds

Wyoming: Where independent people rely on federal funds

May 14, 2013

In the background of Wyoming’s independent Western ethos is the fact that the state gets billions in support from federal funds.

Capitol Beat Thumbnail image for Legislature 2013 in Pictures

Legislature 2013 in Pictures

March 12, 2013

With camera in hand, reporter Gregory Nickerson uses photos to tell the story of the intense and sometimes playful nature of the 2013 Wyoming legislature.

Featured Thumbnail image for Watch: Capitol Beat meets Wyoming Chronicles

Watch: Capitol Beat meets Wyoming Chronicles

March 11, 2013

Capitol reporter Gregory Nickerson recently joined Wyoming Chronicles host Richard Ager and others to discuss Wyoming’s legislative session and what to expect next.

Featured Thumbnail image for Wyo’s distrust of feds permeated ‘weird’ legislative session

Wyo’s distrust of feds permeated ‘weird’ legislative session

March 5, 2013

Wyoming tackled hard issues the legislative session, and spent significant time fighting federal overreach. Distrust of the Fed came with a $737 million price tag.

Featured Thumbnail image for Why is the GOP so willing to throw people out of work?

Why is the GOP so willing to throw people out of work?

March 5, 2013

Sen. John Barrasso says the president is trying to scare Americans about sequester cuts, but it’s the GOP’s plan we should fear.

Featured Thumbnail image for Wyo lawmakers revisit school accountability law after Hill clash

Wyo lawmakers revisit school accountability law after Hill clash

February 26, 2013

Supt. Cindy Hill’s ouster from the Dept. of Education puts into action an accountability law that revamps Wyoming’s school system, but critics question it.

Featured Thumbnail image for Cheyenne’s focus on feds fails to solve reservation’s jurisdiction woes

Cheyenne’s focus on feds fails to solve reservation’s jurisdiction woes

February 19, 2013

Wind River Indian Reservation police struggle to curb drunk driving on the reservation because of lawmakers’ desire to keep the fed. government out of Wyoming.

Featured Thumbnail image for VIDEO: Reporter Greg Nickerson appears on Wyoming PBS

VIDEO: Reporter Greg Nickerson appears on Wyoming PBS

February 12, 2013

Nickerson joined chairs of the Joint Appropriations Committee Sen. Eli Bebout and Rep. Steve Harshman and host Richard Ager to speak about the budget.

Featured Thumbnail image for Lawmakers cut back on wildlife, fire budgets

Lawmakers cut back on wildlife, fire budgets

February 12, 2013

Wyo. lawmakers are setting aside less money for fires than Gov. Mead recommended while also killing proposals to increase funding for the Game and Fish …

Featured Thumbnail image for Gov and legislators clash on savings, agree on spending

Gov and legislators clash on savings, agree on spending

February 5, 2013

The current version of the 2014 budget bill moves the state away from the short-term, liquid savings approach recommended by Gov. Mead.

Featured Thumbnail image for VIDEO: Tom Forslund and Ron Feemster discuss healthcare legislation

VIDEO: Tom Forslund and Ron Feemster discuss healthcare legislation

January 30, 2013

WyoFile reporter Ron Feemster discusses proposed healthcare legislation with Tom Forslund and Rep. Elaine Harvey on “Wyoming Capitol Outlook.” Video inside.

Featured Thumbnail image for When a fiscal conservative is too good to be true

When a fiscal conservative is too good to be true

January 29, 2013

Cheyenne loves Department of Health Director Tom Forslund’s data, but fights to escape his conclusions.

Featured Thumbnail image for Amid national gun reform, Wyoming takes contrarian stance

Amid national gun reform, Wyoming takes contrarian stance

January 29, 2013

Amidst a national effort to curb firearm violence, Wyoming’s lawmakers have introduced measures aimed at protecting and expanding the right to bear arms.

Featured Thumbnail image for Wyoming lags behind Western GOP states on Medicaid expansion

Wyoming lags behind Western GOP states on Medicaid expansion

January 22, 2013

As Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and North Dakota governors embrace Medicaid expansion, Wyoming seeks its own way.

Economy Thumbnail image for $115 million pledged to make UW engineering top tier

$115 million pledged to make UW engineering top tier

January 22, 2013

A group of alumni from the University of Wyoming College of Engineering is working to boost their alma mater to a position of national prominence.

Featured Thumbnail image for Given one more bust, Wyoming may get it right

Given one more bust, Wyoming may get it right

January 15, 2013

Wyoming’s revenue growth has slowed, and Senate Leader Phil Nicholas says if the state doesn’t do something to adjust expectations, there will be trouble.

Featured Thumbnail image for Medicaid Expansion: A difficult choice for skeptical legislators

Medicaid Expansion: A difficult choice for skeptical legislators

January 8, 2013

Wyoming’s top health official says expanding Medicaid would save the state $50M, but some legislators say it’s a risky bet.

Featured Thumbnail image for Gas Tax or Toll? Wyoming’s roads will be paved with new taxation

Gas Tax or Toll? Wyoming’s roads will be paved with new taxation

January 1, 2013

Legislators are considering a gas tax hike proposal from the department to continue road maintenance across the state.

Legislature 2013 Thumbnail image for It’s Your Legislature: Get Its Attention

It’s Your Legislature: Get Its Attention

December 18, 2012

Want the state legislature to hear you out? Here’s an overview of the surprising variety of ways you can make your voice heard.

Featured Thumbnail image for Will social issues heat up Wyoming’s winter session?

Will social issues heat up Wyoming’s winter session?

December 18, 2012

Social issues such as gun rights, same-sex marriage and abortion will shake up the upcoming legislative session.