State of the State: Gov. Mark Gordon delivers State of the State address
On Jan. 15, the legislature convened at a joint session of the Wyoming Senate and House of Representatives where Gov. Mark Gordon delivered his State of the State address.
Addressing the 68th Wyoming Legislature, the governor reflected on Wyoming’s low tax burden, its commonsense approach to governing and the obligation of elected officials to work together to serve the people of the state.
He also highlighted Wyoming’s leadership and innovation in energy, natural resource management, education and economic development.
“Whenever I come into this chamber, I am drawn to the stirring murals on these walls,” he stated. “They serve as reminders of the singular history forged by those who placed hope in Wyoming and trust in those who serve in this building.”
Gordon went on to recognize the state as a leader and a problem solver and highlighted the amazing work the Wyoming Hunger Initiative has done, along with the success of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus candidates and the state’s great leaders in in energy, natural resource management, finance and digital assets.
He added, “All of these highlight Wyoming’s pioneering, persevering, can-do spirit.”
Recognition
Gordon recognized several individuals including Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray; Wyoming State Auditor Kristi Racines; Wyoming State Treasurer Curtis E. Meier, Jr. and Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder.
He praised them for their outstanding dedication to the state and their exemplary service to the people.
He took a moment to express his gratitude for the honor of serving with Chief Justice Kate Fox, who will be retiring this spring and thanked her for her years of service and for leading the state’s highest court.
“I am privileged to recognize Chairman Wayland Large of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and Chairman Keenan Groesbeck of the Northern Arapaho Tribe. They are friends and fellow citizens of this great state, as well as leaders of their sovereign nations,” Gordon stated. “The Tribes and Wyoming have accomplished a great deal over the past few years through honest and open dialogue.”
During his address, he also thanked the countless individuals who stepped up to help secure the Southern Border, those who have been deployed to protect the country’s freedoms and those who are currently helping California fight devastating wildfires.
Gordon added, “The men and women of our military are exceptional and essential to the country’s security and safety. We thank their families and hold them in our hearts while their loved ones are away.”
A brighter future
“I am proud to report Wyoming remains strong and vibrant. There are always concerns, to be sure, but our future is bright,” the governor remarked. “We have always been able to adapt to breakthroughs, meet challenges and build a future by assuring our government is accountable, efficient and responsible.”
Gordon inspired the legislature by reminding them the people of Wyoming yearn for a sensible government, and it is the strength of their core values that will keep the state’s future strong and vibrant.
“Our constituents expect an efficient government that gets value for the dollar. One which allows them to keep as much of their hard-earned money as reasonably possible,” he said. “They don’t want cheap or short-sighted budgets which look good on paper but may hurt them in their daily lives or cause their kids to leave. Wyoming people want a government who chooses right over wrong and the right thing over the easy thing.” Recently, Gordon had the opportunity to meet with President-Elect Donald Trump. He was pleased to hear Trump express his support for Wyoming and its energy sector, and he emphasized his willingness to assist the state in any way possible.
Gorden stated, “There is more to Wyoming than just energy. We have not slowed our pressing task of diversifying our economy. From advanced manufacturing, to new industries like nuclear energy and financial technology, Wyoming is making impressive strides.”
Tourism and infrastructure
During his address, Gordon noted tourism is increasing in Wyoming, and the industry’s revenue helps cover costs Wyoming citizens would otherwise pay.
“The industry has been a valuable offset in lean times,” he stated. “The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis found outdoor recreation contributed $2.2 billion to Wyoming’s economy in 2023, placing our state fifth nationally in this sector.”
Gordon noted tourism is an invisible economy, providing jobs statewide and diversifing revenue streams.
He discussed the state’s infrastructure, particularly noting the significant landslide which occurred on Teton Pass and addressed the future of LaPrele Dam.
Traditionally, most infrastructure programs have been funded through appropriations from mineral royalties to the State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB).
“SLIB has approached this process with caution and conservatism, collaborating with communities to allocate funds across the state for both significant infrastructure needs and occasional emergencies, in accordance with the law,” he said. “When it comes to infrastructure, we should never compromise on safety. Kicking the can down the road will only hurt our kids and our neighbors.”
Education and healthcare
“A particularly bright spot for our state is what is happening in education. We are well ahead of the game,” Gordon said.
Four years ago, the state reexamined the educational system and set out with a goal to help the state’s educational institutions be more responsive to the emerging needs of the industry and workforce and increase parental participation.
“The Reimagining and Innovating the Delivery of Education (RIDE) initiative took its lead from parents, citizens, industries, educators and others to redesign how education is done here,” he added. “RIDE dovetailed with the good work of the State Board of Education to streamline our academic standards – focusing on what students need to learn, not esoteric national whims.”
During his address, he mentioned schools are just part of what is going right for families in Wyoming, but there are a couple of difficult issues for parents, including childcare and obstetrical (OB) services.
He noted, “Specifically, mothers are finding fewer and fewer places offering experienced OB care, forcing them to travel to neighboring states. I have recommended an increase in ongoing Medicaid funding to providers of OB services, behavioral health and in-home health providers.”
Closing the address
In closing, Gordon recalled the 2024 fire season, how many leaders rose to the challenge and how others tasked with working on a supplemental budget were able to get the state back on track.
“There will always be some differences between the legislative and executive branches. This is natural, it’s our system of checks and balances,” Gordon continued. “Our Founding Fathers spoke eloquently of the temptation of one branch to usurp the other, and their design – our Constitution – relies on competition between them to keep each of the three in their place. We are heirs to their wisdom, and Wyoming expects us to work together.”
He concluded, “To you, the people of Wyoming, I pledge to continue protecting your rights, our core industries and our way of life. I am dedicated to safeguarding the rights and security – both financial and physical – of our families now and for future generations.”
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
