Vol. 2, Issue 5 | March 2026 | Participation Matters | 5 Min Read

My Essentials Budget proposal was lean and conservative. I presented it to the Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC) in December and to the people of Wyoming during a statewide listening tour. The Freedom Caucus-controlled 11-member committee made short work of the proposal, slashing away, in what many referred to as cutting to cut political theater. The budget the JAC presented to the legislature would have done immeasurable damage to our state — it simply lacked the funding necessary to operate. Remarkably, the senate restored most of my proposed budget; thankfully, the members of the house came to their senses. Then both houses passed it. 

Why?

Participation Matters: Passing the Essentials Budget

by Governor Mark Gordon

Torrington Community Forum: Hearing from Eastern Wyoming College Nursing Students

Wyoming’s latest budget cycle showed that citizen involvement and respectful discourse can meaningfully shape state priorities and policy. For this, Wyoming has much to celebrate. My thanks to you and our community leaders for engaging in our democratic process.  At the capitol and during my statewide Essentials Budget Tour— engagement from the caring, thoughtful people of Wyoming to protect the state we cherish helped our legislators press through the budget process. 

What emerged these past weeks is nothing short of remarkable --- a surge of grassroots participation that helped influence our legislators' decision to restore most of the key elements of my original budget proposal; including funding for the University of Wyoming, state employee compensation, wildfire recovery and prevention, Wyoming Public Radio, OB-GYN care, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association grant, to name a few.

"This week I received more communication than ever before. I enjoyed the candid note one of you shared: 'Thank you for taking the hard votes, we didn’t elect you to be a coward and vote NO to everything!'

- Rep. JD Williams, Newsletter Journal

"The Legislature approved about 90 percent of the Governor's funding recommendations. That outcome matters. It signals that after debate and review, Wyoming chose continuity and stability over disruption."

- Rock Springs Mayor Max Mickelson

Investment in expanding maternal healthcare, including resources to establish an OB‑GYN clinic with midwifery services is a big win. Residents in several communities spoke about the growing strain on expectant mothers who must travel long distances—or even leave the state entirely—to receive prenatal care or deliver their babies. The restored funding marks an early but meaningful step toward rebuilding local access to maternal health, reducing dangerous travel burdens, and ensuring that Wyoming families can welcome their children closer to home.

Citizens Became Advocates and Legislators Felt the Pressure and Praise. The most striking outcome of the tour was the momentum of citizen engagement. Residents wrote letters, called their representatives, engaged in respectful and thoughtful discourse on social media. Many who had never contacted a legislator before said they felt compelled to speak up.

Support swelled for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and its museum, which many residents view as a cultural anchor and a living record of Wyoming’s western heritage. Many were stymied that this “no brainer” economically sound opportunity, with funding from lodging tax revenues, was initially on the chopping block.

"This has opened a lot of people’s eyes to the possibility of things coming to Wyoming. And this is the kind of business we want ..." 

- Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO Tom Hirsig

The Essentials Budget Is Ready for Signature

When the legislature completed its work, and delivered its final budget to me, most of my proposed essentials —initially reduced or removed by the JAC—were fully restored, including:

• University of Wyoming funding, stabilizing academic programs, supporting research tied to Wyoming’s economic diversification and our Pokes athletic department.
• Employee compensation adjustments, addressing recruitment and retention challenges across state government departments. 
• Wyoming Public Radio support, preserving statewide news, cultural programming, and emergency communication capacity.
• Wildfire restoration and mitigation efforts: To protect our landscapes, wildlife, agriculture, and tourism.
• Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and its museum, preserving Wyoming’s western heritage, supporting tourism, and cultural education.

These restorations were the results of working together with the legislature, collaboration, and citizen involvement. 

Continuing Conversations: Sharing the Cowboy Culture of Doing Right

Voices were heard. The Essentials Budget community conversations demonstrated the true value of neighbors coming together to do right: speaking up and listening to one another. Together, we shaped policy. 

This is the Wyoming I know. I pray this renewed spirit of citizen engagement continues. When asked during the Cody townhall, “Governor, what is the recourse for holding unresponsive elected officials accountable?” The answer: there is an election in August. 

Thank you. Let's Ride for the Brand.

Mark Gordon was elected Wyoming's 33rd Governor on November 6, 2018. He was sworn into office on January 7, 2019, and re-elected on November 8, 2022, garnering 74% of the vote. He is ranked the second most popular governor in the nation (Morning Consult). As a conservative, Governor Gordon has worked tirelessly to set Wyoming on a sustainable fiscal path and has spearheaded efforts to diversify Wyoming's economy — from technology and finance to agriculture, energy, research, and tourism. 

Learn More about the Governor's Budget Here.

WHO SAID IT?

“If we can do a little bit to help feed some bellies, I don't understand why we are doing this..." 

Regarding the Wyoming House's failure match federal funding for SUN Bucks, a program to help feed hungry kids during the summer months.