The lesson not learned

The 68th Wyoming Legislature’s budget session has concluded. As with any session, some beneficial bills were passed while others were not. However, the most significant takeaway from this session is clear: public opinion matters.

At the start of the session, many of us expected a heated ideological debate over the state budget. The Joint Appropriations Committee, led by the Freedom Caucus, introduced a budget proposal that included sweeping cuts. These cuts targeted the University of Wyoming, Wyoming Public Media and Wyoming Public Television, and even proposed the complete defunding of the Wyoming Business Council. Additionally, the budget offered no pay raises for most state employees and included other reductions, all reflecting the Freedom Caucus’s belief that government should be reduced in size, even though state revenues were strong. (Oddly, though, the Freedom Caucus seemed to want a government big enough to control what books Wyoming families could allow their children to read in libraries.)

Once the session began, though, Wyoming citizens made their voices heard. Through emails, phone calls and personal interactions, they told us they want the freedom to choose reading materials for their children. They wanted a strong university that offers high-quality opportunities for all students. They wanted the news and cultural programming provided by Wyoming’s public broadcasting systems. They wanted the state to remain competitive in attracting new companies and jobs — opportunities that help keep young people in Wyoming. They wanted fair wages for state workers, access to affordable housing, and the essential services that a healthy state government provides. Ultimately, almost all of the service cuts proposed by the Freedom Caucus were rejected.

The key lesson for service-oriented policymakers is that Wyoming residents believe the current size of their state government is appropriate. They value the services they receive and are willing to pay for them. This sentiment is supported by a scientific survey conducted by the University of Wyoming several years ago. When asked if they would be willing to give up certain services in exchange for lower taxes or pay higher taxes for new services, citizens overall indicated satisfaction with the current level of services and were not willing to reduce services in exchange for lower taxes.

However, the Freedom Caucus seems to have learned a different lesson. Blinded by their ideology, they concluded that they simply did not push their agenda forcefully enough. Their takeaway appears to be that they need to take control of the Wyoming Senate, rather than to recognize and serve the needs of Wyoming citizens.

The Freedom Caucus does not reflect Wyoming values. From May 14 through May 29, candidates may file nominating papers for elected office in Wyoming. On Aug. 18, 2026, voters will have the opportunity to select party nominees for all offices. When you vote on Aug. 18, and again in the general election on Nov. 3, choose candidates who are committed to serving the needs of Wyomingites, rather than those who just want to advance their own ideological agenda.