CHEYENNE, Wyo. — On Thursday, Congress officially passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a reconciliation bill. Following the act’s passage, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon issued a statement in support of it, though he expressed some reservations about what might happen as a result.
The governor’s statement is as follows:
Today’s passage of the long-awaited reconciliation bill — The One Big Beautiful Bill Act – by the US Congress is good for Wyoming. Throughout the process I worked closely with members of our Congressional delegation to hone provisions of the bill of particular importance to Wyoming citizens and our state’s economy. I applaud their diligence.
Some of the excellent provisions in this bill include the lifting of a ban on coal leasing and a rollback of royalty rates on coal, oil and gas. These are industries that are critical to Wyoming’s fiscal health. I was also pleased to see the establishment of a $50B stabilization fund for rural hospitals, as well as the removal of both a prohibition on state efforts to regulate artificial intelligence and a provision that would increase taxes on Wyoming’s trona industry.
Additionally, the bill includes significant border investments. Strengthening border walls and infrastructure and supporting Customs and Border Protection personnel is essential to our state and national security. These are issues Wyoming cares deeply about
Wyoming is not a Medicaid expansion state and thus should not see significant changes from the bill in the short term, however we will need to continue our work to shore up medical services statewide. Additionally there are some provisions that may affect food pantries and summer education programs. However, I am confident that we will find Wyoming solutions to these issues.
Wyoming voted overwhelmingly for President Trump for his embrace of free enterprise, freedom and his promise to cut government. I am optimistic about our economy, but remain concerned about a burgeoning federal deficit. I look forward to working with the Wyoming Legislature as we factor in the significance of reduced federal funding on our state’s upcoming budget.
– Gov. Mark Gordon
