FEBRUARY 27, 2025|
Photo – Governor Mark Gordon – Bigfoot99 file photo
In a surprising, and perhaps unprecedented move, the Wyoming Senate announced Wednesday evening that it would not pass a supplemental budget bill this year. Governor Mark Gordon was not impressed at the lack of due diligence by the upper chamber.
Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn next week.
Senate President Bo Biteman told media outlets yesterday that last year’s 2025-26 budget provides the money Wyoming needs to operate through next year.
Moving forward, Wyoming state agencies will operate with the funding provided by the legislature last year.
In a news release, senate leaders said any supplemental budget is meant “to respond to emergency shortfalls in the biennium budget.”
On Thursday morning, Governor Gordon expressed his disappointment with Wyoming lawmakers ignoring “what’s best for the people of Wyoming.” In a statement, the governor wrote, “I opened this session by explaining that this supplemental budget was focused on emergencies and unanticipated expenses. Unfortunately, this legislature has overlooked emergencies and ignored unanticipated expenses in a quest for political talking points. This is what occurs in a “no compromise” environment.”
Historically, the legislature passes a supplemental budget to cover rising financial emergencies in the state. The current session has focused on various bills related to social reforms, including property tax cuts and election-related legislation.
Governor Gordon took a parting shot at the conservative political tone of this year’s legislative session, noting that “It is hard to raise a calf or drill a well on rhetoric alone.”
