Institute for Legislative Analysis

Ogden Driskill

The Laursen amendment #S3060.02 to the biennial appropriations bill. This amendment reduces the appropriation to the Wyoming Business Council by $12 million. As part of this reduction, the amendment eliminates language in the bill requiring $2 million of the appropriation to be used for "an economic development laboratory." Support is the Limited Government Position as these spending initiatives go directly against the principles of fiscal restraint and limited government. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Reducing Out-Of-Control Spending by Cutting the Appropriation to the Wyoming Business Council by $12 Million.

The Nethercott amendment #S3020 to the biennial appropriations bill. This amendment requires $250,000 of the appropriation to the Wyoming Business Council to be used for "a feasibility study" on creating or expanding generic drug production in the state with the intent of lowering prescription drug costs for Wyoming residents." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the proper role of government to promote drug production and compete with the private sector. Rather, the key to lowering drug costs is through major reforms at the federal level that reduce regulatory barriers at the FDA.

Advancing a Government Take-Over of Healthcare by Appropriating Funds to Study Prescription Drug Production in the State.

This bill exempts property value that is more than a 4% annual increase from property taxes. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill provides broad property tax relief to homeowners. All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone.

Providing Property Tax Relief by Exempting Annual Property Value Increases Exceeding 4%.

This bill, the Wyoming Education Savings Accounts Act, allows all students who are eligible to enroll in public K-12 (or at least 4 years old but not yet old enough to attend public school), and whose household income is 500% or less of the federal poverty line, to receive funding for prekindergarten or educational expenses such as tuition at a private school, textbooks, and tutoring. The Governor later line-item vetoed a portion of the bill to reduce the maximum household income to 150% of the federal poverty line. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.

Improving Educational Outcomes by Expanding School Choice Through an Education Savings Account Program.

This bill contains a number of provisions designed to strengthen parental rights. Firstly, the bill requires school districts to obtain parental consent for a student to receive instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity. Secondly, it requires parental consent for a student to take any well-being questionnaire or health screenings. Thirdly, school districts are forbidden from enacting any policies which prohibit school personnel from notifying parents of a "student's educational, physical, mental or emotional health or well-being", among other protections, such as access to their child's student health records. Support is the Limited Government Position as strong parental rights in their child's education are a critical element of a free society. This measure ensures children are not subjected to sensitive topics without the consent of parents.

Strengthening the Integrity of the Public Education System by Increasing Parental Rights.

This bill doubles the number of employees the State Forester may hire for Good Neighbor Authority projects and other federal cooperative projects. The bill authorizes 4 full-time employees (previously 1) and 6 contract employees (previously 4). These positions are funded through federal funds for forest management projects. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill expands bureaucracy and spending through State Forester staff expansion. While federal funds are used for the positions, state and federal lawmakers should privatize and sell federal and state land - including enormous land holdings west of the Mississippi. The private sector is best equipped to manage and maximize land utilization. Further growing government control and ownership of land merely drives up taxpayer costs and leads to further government spending initiatives.

Expanding Government Bureaucracy by Doubling State Forester Staff for Federal Forest Management Projects.

This bill establishes a board for the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Account and provides a $6 million biennial appropriation. Funds may be used for grants for purposes such as construction or improvement of "outdoor recreational infrastructure" and for "public access easements", with projects of $200,000 or more requiring legislative approval. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free-market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to ensure resources are invested in the most impactful initiatives that have the greatest returns. Taxpayers should not be forced to fund wasteful and unnecessary initiatives which do not pertain to the core functions of government. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Wasteful and Out-Of-Control Spending Through the Creation of an Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Account Board.

This bill contains a major provision which requires taxpayers to provide matching funds for broadband expansion, which will unlock additional funds under the federal "Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector and free market are best equipped to determine where broadband is most needed and which expansion projects are most economically viable. This measure forces taxpayers to enrich woke corporations such as Comcast for infrastructure which may soon be unnecessary due to significant advances in satellite technology from Comcast's competitors, such as Elon Musk's Starlink.

Enriching Comcast and Other Woke Corporations by Forcing Taxpayers to Provide "Broadband Equity" Through a Government Central Planning Scheme.

This bill appropriates $2.035 million to the Wyoming Public Television matching funds account and $1.905 million to the State Fair endowment account (or enough to bring the balance of each fund to $5 million, whichever is less). Oppose is the Limited Government Position as public television and state fairs are not core nor necessary functions of government. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Wasteful and Out-Of-Control Spending by Appropriating Up to $3.94 Million for Public Television and the State Fair.

This bill expands existing law that allows the legislature to bring certain legal challenges. Under the bill, the legislature may now challenge "federal acts including federal purchases of land within the state." The bill allows the legislative management council to borrow up to $75 million from the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account for the legal challenges. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill provides the authority to challenge overreaching federal actions. While the bill allows the legislature to spend significant funds from the rainy-day fund, the bill contains repayment provisions designed to protect taxpayers.

Protecting Wyoming Residents from Federal Government Overreach by Authorizing the Legislature to Bring Legal Challenges to Federal Actions.

This bill requires that the Public Service Commission, when determining electric utility rates for interstate utilities, exclude system costs that do not benefit Wyoming residents, such as proportional costs for facilities that primarily benefit other states, and certain other costs. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill protects against higher electric utility rates by ensuring Wyoming residents are not forced to pay for costs that benefit customers in other states.

Protecting Wyoming Residents from Higher Electric Utility Rates by Excluding System Costs from Recovery that Do Not Benefit Wyoming Residents.

This bill creates the Rural Attorney Recruitment Program, which provides taxpayer-funded "incentive payments" annually for 5 years to attorneys who agree to practice law in certain rural areas for at least 5 years. The program is limited to 5 attorneys and the payments are equal to 90% of the annual University of Wyoming law school's resident tuition. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to determine the need and distribution of attorneys across the state. Taxpayers in urban areas should not be forced to subsidize the amenities of individuals who choose to locate in rural or other portions of the state where attorneys are not as accessible.

Growing Government Central Planning by Forcing Taxpayers to Fund "Incentive Payments" to Attorneys in Certain Rural Areas.

This bill exempts the Division of Banking from the state's compensation plan established by the Human Resources Division, which applies to all executive branch employees except the University of Wyoming and community colleges. The bill instead allows the State Banking Commissioner to set the salaries for the division's employees. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this special exemption reduces accountability and oversight and paves the way for lavish salaries.

Reducing Accountability and Paving the Way for Lavish Government Salaries Through a Special Salary Exemption for Division of Banking Employees.

The Landen amendment #S2001 to the Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act. This amendment adds language to a provision allowing individuals with a concealed carry permit to possess a firearm in public colleges and universities, making this subject to the schools' rules or policies. Under the amendment, public colleges and universities are required to establish rules or policies that "ensure the health, safety and welfare in the college's or university's student dormitories and residence halls." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment provides public colleges and universities much greater ability to place additional regulations on firearms in residential areas.

Weakening Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights by Undermining the Bill Repealing Most Gun-Free Zones.

This bill, the biennial appropriations bill, enacts the budget for fiscal years 2025-2026. As passed by the legislature, the budget includes over $11 billion in appropriations and transfers and 7,149 full-time employees. Most notably, the budget appropriates over $2.2 billion for the Department of Health and over $771.9 million for the Community College Commission and the University of Wyoming. Other provisions in the bill include $2.5 million for matching funds for "economic development and community assistance" if a public airport is selected for the National Championship Air Races, $17 million to the University of Wyoming "for demonstrations of coal solvent extraction and a coal-derived asphalt road" and $1 million "to increase the library collections' biennial budget." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-Of-Control Spending by Enacting an $11 Billion Budget - the Largest in State History with Significant Waste.

This bill makes it illegal to sell nicotine dispensing devices, such as vaping products and e-cigarettes, that are not listed on the state directory. The ban begins either February 1, 2025 or when the directory is publicly available, whichever is later. To be included in the directory, a product must be authorized or pending review by the FDA. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill infringes individual liberties and expands government overreach through a one-size-fits-all government mandate. The bill provides an advantage to big tobacco companies and is expected to drive countless small vape shops out of business.

Expanding Government Overreach and Infringing Individual Liberties by Prohibiting the Sale of Nicotine Dispensing Devices Not Authorized by the FDA.

This bill, the Prohibit Red Flag Gun Seizure Act, prohibits the state and local governments from enacting or enforcing a "red flag gun seizure order," which allows a court to issue an order authorizing a firearm seizure based on an "ex-parte" (one-sided) petition that alleges the firearms owner is a danger to themselves or others. Support is the Limited Government Position as the one-sided petition violates due process under the law (an individual can't provide their defense) and these programs often lack provisions that prevent nefarious individuals from abusing the system to harass or harm law-abiding individuals, thus unduly infringing their Second Amendment protections and leaving them defenseless.

Blocking the Seizure of Firearms without Due Process by Prohibiting "Red Flag" Laws.

This bill extends the provision which increased the amount of cash reserves school districts may hold, from 15% to 30% of School Foundation Program funds. This temporary increase was enacted due to federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds included in several COVID bills and had been set to expire in 2026. This bill extends the increase for an additional 2 years, to 2028. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill results in higher taxes as it allows school districts to hold more money in reserves.

Hiking Taxes by Extending the "Temporary" Increase in Maximum School District Cash Reserves.

This bill repeals the 3-year excise tax exemption for electricity produced by wind turbines. Support is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. This bill reduces central planning and tax cronyism, which enriches the renewable energy industry while shifting tax burdens onto other property owners.

Repealing the Crony Tax Exemption Provided to Government-Favored Wind Energy Projects.

This bill prohibits teachers and teachers' unions from striking, with a penalty of $5,000 per day. Additionally, the bill provides that teachers are not compensated while striking. The bill also guarantees teachers the right to join, or refrain from joining, a union. Support is the Limited Government Position as government entities should not recognize public sector unions, which unnecessarily drive-up taxpayer costs and make it more difficult to terminate poor-performing employees. All employees should have the "right to work" without being forced to join a labor union.

Improving Education Outcomes and Strengthening "Right to Work" Protections for Teachers by Prohibiting Teacher Strikes and Guaranteeing the Right to Not Join a Union.

This bill authorizes non-school district entities to operate 3 additional charter schools starting July 1, 2024 (previously 1 additional charter school starting July 1, 2026). Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.

Improving Educational Outcomes and Expanding School Choice by Authorizing Additional Charter Schools.

This resolution applies to Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution "that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government and limit the terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress." Support is the Limited Government Position as term limits are a critical tool to ensure government remains accountable to the people and not lobbyists or special interests. A review of voting records shows the majority of lawmakers become less conservative in their voting the longer they remain in office. Additionally, lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Applying for a Convention of the States to Propose Constitutional Amendments Imposing Term Limits and Fiscal Restraints.

This bill provides that driver's licenses issued by a state to illegal immigrants are invalid in Wyoming. This includes both special driver's licenses issued only to illegal immigrants, as well as driver's licenses that indicate the person did not provide proof of legal residence. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps deter illegal immigration, which places an immense strain on U.S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources, ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious national security and human trafficking issues. Lawmakers should focus on growing the U.S. economy through reforms to the immigration system that both increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country and reduce human trafficking across our borders.

Strengthening National Security by Providing that Driver's Licenses Issued by Other States to Illegal Immigrants are Invalid.

This bill expands eligibility for the state property tax credit by increasing the maximum income threshold, from 125% of the median gross household income for the county, to 165%. Individuals with an income over 125% are eligible for a reduced percentage of the credit. The bill also applies to counties that adopt an optional property tax refund. Support is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone.

Providing Property Tax Relief by Expanding the Property Tax Credit Maximum Income Threshold.

This bill allows the Department of Health to increase its budget request if "compensation to state public health nursing employees is increased." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government spending. Rather than request budget increases, the department should reduce unnecessary spending elsewhere. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-Of-Control Spending by Authorizing the Department of Health to Request Budget Increases for Nurse Compensation Rather than Reduce Unnecessary Spending.

This bill expands the scope of capital construction projects by adding "major maintenance" and "alteration or enlargement" to the definition. As a result, state funds for projects through the State Construction Department may be used for a larger number of projects for state and college properties. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill increases taxpayer costs by expanding taxpayer-funded state construction projects, as the State Construction Department makes funding recommends.

Increasing Taxpayer-Funded State Construction Projects by Expanding the Scope of Capital Construction Projects.

This bill appropriates $150,000 for the state Fire Marshal to create a volunteer firefighter recruitment film. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while ensuring public safety serves as an essential component of government, this bill represents unnecessary spending. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Wasteful Spending by Appropriating $150,000 for a Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Film.

This bill appropriates $2.15 million for three wildlife and natural resource projects. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is best equipped to manage and maximize land utilization - including for conservation purposes. Measures such as this merely drive-up taxpayer costs and oftentimes lead to even greater government spending surrounding usage and preservation of the conserved land. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-Of-Control Spending by Appropriating $2.15 Million for Three Wildlife and Natural Resource Projects.

This bill provides a 50% property tax exemption to individuals who are 65 or older and have paid property taxes in the state for at least 25 years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, while the intent of this bill is noble, all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. Providing a property tax exemption for one set of individuals inevitably results in tax burdens being shifted to other property owners not favored by government, including taxpayers statewide and seniors who rent homes. Additionally, this bill merely masks the underlying cause for rapidly rising property taxes - out of control government spending.

Increasing Property Tax Burdens by Creating a Property Tax Exemption for Certain Older Individuals Which Merely Shifts Burdens onto other Property Owners and Masks Underlying Spending Problems.

This bill amends the Wyoming Food Freedom Act to allow the sale of certain uninspected meat products. This includes meat from cattle, sheep, swine, and goats, and the animals must be raised in the state and slaughtered on the producer's property or at a "custom slaughter facility" (facilities with no state or federal inspector). The products may only be sold directly to consumers and must include a warning that the meat was not inspected. Such sales are currently prohibited under federal law, so this would only take effect if the federal law were changed, or a court strikes down the prohibition. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill increases food freedom and consumer choice by allowing producers to sell their products directly to consumers without government inspection.

Increasing Food Freedom by Allowing the Sale of Certain Uninspected Meat Products if Allowed Under Federal Law.

This bill creates a new program to provide one set of hearing aids every five years to individuals 18 or older with a family income of 200% or less of the federal poverty line, and who are not eligible to receive hearing aids through private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further traps individuals into government dependency by growing benefits under the government welfare state. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing Government Dependency Through a New Welfare Program to Provide Free Hearing Aids.

This motion overrides the Governor's veto of a bill that authorizes school district-approved charter schools to operate as a local education agency for purposes of applying for state and federal grants. The bill also requires school districts to include charter schools within the district when distributing funds based on attendance. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.

Improving Educational Outcomes and Expanding School Choice by Making it Easier for Charter Schools to Apply for Grants.

This bill appropriates $10 million from the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account, commonly referred to as the "rainy day" fund, for "enhanced oil recovery stimulus" payments. Under the program, "carbon dioxide providers" who capture and store carbon dioxide emitted in the state, then sell the carbon dioxide to be used for enhanced oil and gas recovery, are eligible for a stimulus payment based on the amount of carbon dioxide. The funds are to be replaced with severance tax revenue from enhanced oil and gas recovery which used carbon dioxide for which a stimulus payment was received. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as any excessive monies within the state's rainy-day fund should be returned to taxpayers through tax cuts. Additionally, taxpayer funds are unnecessarily placed at risk in the event the projects do not generate the expected amount of revenue.

Raiding the State's Rainy-Day Fund to Provide $10 Million in Stimulus Payments for Enhanced Oil and Gas Recovery.

This bill allows certain hotels to sell liquor by creating a new "boutique hotel liquor license." This applies to boutique hotels that meet certain requirements, such as having at least 35 rooms and a restaurant, and a property value of at least $10 million. The bill also allows license holders to sell unopened liquor and wine for on-premises consumption. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill expands consumer choice and individual liberties while also generating additional sales tax revenue for taxpayers.

Expanding Individual Liberties and Tax Revenue by Allowing the Sale and Consumption of Alcohol at Certain Hotels.

This bill creates the Wyoming Dividend Account within the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account, commonly referred to as the "rainy day" fund, and authorizes the legislature to provide dividends to residents. The funds for the bill will come from a percentage of certain earnings of the Wyoming Mineral Trust Fund. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill fuels wealth redistribution by providing dividends with excessive rainy-day funds. Instead, any excessive monies within the state's rainy-day fund should be utilized for broad tax relief.

Fueling Wealth Redistribution by Authorizing Dividends with Excessive Rainy-Day Funds.

This bill limits the distribution of an unsolicited absentee ballot request form "that claims to be or is deceptively similar to an official election document" to only county clerks and the Secretary of State unless a voter specifically requests one, preventing individuals and third-party groups from distributing the forms unless specifically requested. The bill is in response to actions taken by Liz Cheney's 2022 campaign which sent a mailer which included the phrase "official election documents enclosed." Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud is a critical aspect of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Reducing Deception by Political Campaigns Through a Limitation on the Distribution of Unsolicited Absentee Ballot Request Forms.

This vote approves a package of amendments (JC001) to the appropriations bill. The package of amendments increase spending across a multitude of initiatives surrounding tourism, community centers, government housing, a shooting complex and higher education scholarships. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these spending initiatives go directly against the principles of fiscal restraint and limited government. Instead of increasing the size and role of government, lawmakers should work to slash every unnecessary expenditure across every level of government in order to provide Wyoming's much needed tax relief - especially property tax relief.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending by Adding Multiple Unnecessary Spending Initiatives to the Appropriations Bill Ranging from Tourism to Government Housing.

This bill extends, for an additional two years, the Wyoming Telecommunications Act, which regulates the telecommunications industry in the state, including price caps and rate subsidies for certain customers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this outdated bureaucracy was created in 1995, prior to wide-spread usage of mobile phones and the internet. It is not the proper role of government to continue to interfere and drive up costs in the private telecommunications market.

Extending an Outdated Regulatory Bureaucracy by Reauthorizing the Wyoming Telecommunications Act.

This bill expands eligibility under the Wyoming Colorectal Cancer Early Detection and Prevention Program, a state-funded program which provides reimbursements for colonoscopies. Under prior law, eligibility for the program was restricted to individuals age 50 or older and who were not eligible for Medicare. This bill now provides eligibility to anyone who meets "appropriate age requirements in accordance with national evidence based recommendations" and is uninsured or underinsured. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further traps individuals into government dependency by growing benefits under the government welfare state. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing Government Dependency by Further Expanding Eligibility Under the Taxpayer-Funded Wyoming Colorectal Cancer Early Detection and Prevention Program.

This bill establishes new requirements on financial institutions, (including banks, credit unions and investment advisors) to assess and provide reports to the Department of Family Services on cases of potential financial exploitation of the elderly or individuals with disabilities. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while well-intended, this measure imposes significant new financial costs and risks onto lending institutions. If lawmakers believe greater actions on this matter are necessary, such costs should be borne by society as a whole and not imposed solely on financial institutions.

Imposing New Unfunded Mandates on Private Financial Institutions Concerning Financial Exploitation Assessment of Vulnerable Adults.

This bill exempts daycare facilities which care for 10 or fewer children over the age of four, and operate 10 or less hours per a week from having to abide by additional regulations and certification by the Department of Family Services. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps provide parents with more affordable childcare options by protecting against regulatory overreach.

Reducing Costs and Barriers for Childcare by Exempting Part-Time Day-Care Facilities from Additional Regulations and Certification if they Oversee 10 or Fewer Children.

This bill expands coverage under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) to now include services provided by podiatrists, if a referral was provided by a physician, physician assistant, or advance practice registered nurse. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further traps individuals into government dependency by growing benefits under the government welfare state. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing Government Dependency by Expanding the Medicaid Welfare Program to Now Cover Services Provided by Podiatrists.

This bill subjects federal political action committees to Wyoming's election reporting requirements if they are supporting state or local candidates. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only do these additional reporting requirements create additional burdens for entities exercising their First Amendment Rights, but also have the potential to hinder certain actions due to intimidation resulting from the reporting.

Weakening Free Speech by Imposing Additional Reporting Mandates on Federal Political Action Committees Supporting State and Local Candidates.

This bill repeals the "Reliable and Dispatchable Low-Carbon Energy Standards" which required the Public Service Commission to establish rules to "maximize the use of dispatchable and reliable low-carbon electricity," which included a requirement that a certain percentage of electricity generated by a utility company "be dispatchable and reliable low-carbon electricity." The provisions also allowed utilities to recover the costs through "rate recovery" by charging customers a fee of up to 2% of their bill. Utilities are required to refund customers for this charge, except for funds the utility spent on "carbon capture, utilization and storage technology." Support is the Limited Government Position as these standards unnecessarily drive-up electricity costs for families and businesses in order to advance a politicized environmental and climate change agenda and place ratepayers even further on the hook for the enormous cost of the carbon capture technology.

Lowering Electricity Rates by Imposing Carbon Dioxide Capture Requirements on Public Utilities.

This bill, the Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act, repeals most "gun-free zones" in the state by allowing individuals with a concealed carry permit to possess a firearm in public schools, including colleges and universities, and other locations. Support is the Limited Government Position as "gun free zones" do not protect communities, rather they place individuals in defenseless positions against criminals who do not abide by the law.

Strengthening Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights by Repealing "Gun-Free Zones".

The Steinmetz amendment #S3041 to the biennial appropriations bill. This amendment eliminates the $200 million appropriation for matching funds for large energy projects. This includes projects such as carbon capture, hydrogen production, and wind and solar energy. Additionally, the amendment reduces funding for smaller energy projects by $5 million, from $55 million to $50 million. Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize energy projects. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Reducing Out-Of-Control Spending by Eliminating the $200 Million Appropriation for Large Energy Projects.

The Anderson amendment #S3039 to the biennial appropriations bill. This amendment eliminates the $75 million appropriation to the University of Wyoming for matching research funds, and transfers the $75 million to the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Fund, commonly referred to as the "rainy day" fund. Support is the Limited Government Position as, while it is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education - ideally through school choice - college and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e. tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These enormous costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades. The state must instead pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Reducing Out-Of-Control Spending and Promoting Fiscal Responsibility by Eliminating the $75 Million Research Funds Appropriation to the University of Wyoming.

The Boner amendment #S3033 to the biennial appropriations bill. This amendment transfers $15 million from the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Fund, commonly referred to as the "rainy day" fund, to the Highway Fund. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as any excessive monies within the state's rainy-day fund should be returned to taxpayers through tax cuts. Rather than increasing funding, lawmakers should make major reforms to cut wasteful spending within the Department of Transportation. If funding needs still exist, this should be done by cutting spending elsewhere and reprioritizing, not raiding the rainy-day fund. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Raiding the State's Rainy Day Fund to Channel $15 Million to the Highway Fund.

The Biteman amendment #S3030 to the biennial appropriations bill. This amendment eliminates the $20 million appropriation to the Wyoming's Tomorrow Scholarship Endowment Fund. This program provides scholarships to adults 24 or older who attend the University of Wyoming or community colleges. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education - ideally through school choice. College and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e., tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These enormous costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades. The state must instead pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Reducing Out-Of-Control Spending by Eliminating the $20 Million Appropriation to the Wyoming's Tomorrow Scholarship Endowment Fund.

The Rothfuss amendment #S3023 to the biennial appropriations bill. This amendment restores the $5.8 million appropriation to the Wyoming Stable Token Commission, which had been eliminated in a previous amendment. This commission was established in 2023 to develop and issue "Wyoming stable tokens," a virtual currency redeemable for 1 U.S. Dollar. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the creation of federally or state-controlled currencies serve as an existential threat to individual liberties and privacy and will further grow government control over the economy. The Fed has already placed the U.S. dollar in dire jeopardy of destruction through its reckless quantitative easing and expansionary practices. Additionally, the state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing the Growth of the Government Surveillance State and Even Greater Control Over Money by Restoring the $5.8 Million Appropriation to the Wyoming Stable Token Commission.

The Landen amendment #S3061 to the biennial appropriations bill. This amendment requires $8 million of the appropriation to the Wyoming Business Council to be used to provide grants for infrastructure through the Wyoming Business Ready Community Program "for housing to attract, retain and expand Wyoming's workforce." This program provides grants and loans to local governments, certain Native American tribes, and the cooperative tribal governing body. The amendment requires the full amount of a grant to be passed on to the purchaser of the home. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these spending initiatives go directly against the principles of fiscal restraint and limited government. Instead of growing government and central planning, lawmakers should empower the free market to make housing truly "affordable" by reducing stringent zoning regulations which significantly drive-up housing costs.

Expanding Cronyism by Directing $8 Million to be Used for Workforce Housing Grants.

This bill expands the prohibition for entering private property without permission for hunting or fishing to include "travel through or return across" the property. Support is the Limited Government Position as protection of private property is one of the highest duties of government and an essential component of maintaining a free and prosperous society.

Strengthening Property Rights by Expanding Protections Against Trespassing on Private Land While Hunting.

This bill doubles the percentage of permit fee revenue (30% to 60%) that may be spent on outdoor recreation areas and facilities operated by the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources without obtaining legislative approval. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill empowers unaccountable bureaucrats to expend an even greater amount of funds on initiatives such as government recreation facilities which are not a core need or function of government. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Wasteful Spending and Weakening Government Integrity by Authorizing a Greater Amount of State Park Permit Fee Revenue to be Spent without Legislative Oversight.

This bill directs the Wyoming Division of Banking to create new rules and regulations concerning the collection, use and disclosure of customer data through "open banking," or the whereby banks interact with third-party applications such as Venmo and PayPal. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the federal government already imposes a draconian regulatory regime on the banking and financial sector, and lawmakers should not further worsen the landscape by empowering unaccountable state bureaucrats to impose even greater layers of costly regulations.    allows banks to participate in "open banking," whereby customer data is provided to third-parties such as "fintech" companies for financial services, provided the customer consents to their data being shared.

Imposing a Series of New Overreaching Regulations on the Banking Sector Pertaining to Third-Party Apps Such as PayPal and Venmo.

This bill provides life and health insurance for all state legislators and their dependents. The legislative services office is to serve as the "employer" and pay for the employer share of the coverage which is expected to cost roughly $1.5 million annually. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as state legislators serve in part-time rolls and are elected officials. This is an unnecessary cost for taxpayers considering there is no shortage of individuals who are willing to serve in these rolls - hence why elections are held due to the multitude of candidates.

Hiking Taxpayer Costs by Providing State Legislators and Their Dependents with Life and Health Insurance Coverage.

This bill allows parents to collaborate with other parents on home schooling their children by removing the requirement that education provided under a "home-based educational program" be limited to one family unit. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill allows parents to work together to improve the educational quality of their children and removes a barrier which may have prevented families from pursuing home schooling.

Reducing a Barrier to Home Schooling by Allowing "Collaborative Home-Based Education".

This bill, known as the "Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund Act," establishes a trust fund with $6 million in initial funding. The funds are expected to be utilized as grants to outdoor recreation projects as part of an effort to increase government spending within the tourism industry. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free-market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to ensure resources are invested in the most impactful initiatives that have the greatest returns. Taxpayers should not be forced to fund wasteful and unnecessary initiatives which do not pertain to the core functions of government. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Wasteful and Out-Of-Control Spending through the Creation of an Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund Including $6 Million in Taxpayer Funds.

This bill reforms the state's "net-metering" law which requires public utility companies to purchase any excess energy which is produced by homeowners or businesses through the solar panels they may own. Currently, public utilities are required to pay the "retail rate" for this excess energy which is more than the wholesale rate and does not account for all the other costs incurred by the utility. The bill ensures utilities are no longer forced to pay the above-market rates while grandfathering in the existing net-metering customer-generators and their retail rate for a period of 15 years. Support is the Limited Government Position as the subsidies provided through the existing net-metering system shift costs onto other electricity customers and result in higher power costs. This reform will help lower electricity rates by ensuring net-metering generators are no longer enriched at the expense of all other electricity customers.

Lowering Electricity Rates for Wisconsinites by Ending Subsidies for Solar Energy Produced through Net-Metering.

This bill further expands eligibility for a property tax refund program which pays for up to 50% of certain homeowners' property tax bills. Specifically, the bill raises eligibility for the payment from 75% to 125% of the medium household income of a county. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this wealth redistribution scheme merely shifts tax burdens to other taxpayers and fails to address the underlying cause of skyrocketing property tax rates - the wasteful and out-of-control government spending as highlighted throughout this report.

Worsening Wealth Redistribution by Expanding a Program which Provides Select Homeowners with Property Tax Refunds Based on Income.

This bill expands the ability of individuals to sell homemade food and dairy products, as well as home-raised eggs in retail and other locations without having to obtain all the licensing and inspection requirements established by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens individual liberties and the ability of consumer to purchase a greater range of products at farmer's markets and other locations across the state.

Expanding Food Freedom and Consumer Choice by Reducing Restrictions on Sales of Certain Homemade Food Products and Home-raised Eggs.

This bill is designed to combat "crossover voting" in which voters of one party change their party affiliation to vote in the other party's primary, with the intention that a less viable or principled candidate is nominated. Specifically, the bill restricts voters from changing their party affiliation within 96 days of a primary election. Support is the Limited Government Position as this reform strengthens election integrity by ensuring members of each political party are able to nominate their preferred candidate without interference from political operatives in an opposing party.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Preventing Individuals From Engaging in "Crossover Voting" and Rigging Primaries.

This bill allows the use of artificial lighting, such as thermal and infrared imaging, when hunting coyotes and other predatory animals on public lands. Previously this practice was only permitted on private land. Support is the Limited Government Position as government should not unduly infringe the right to responsibly and humanely hunt and fish, and this measure helps property owners better protect their livestock from a significant threat.

Protecting Livestock by Authorizing the Usage of Artificial Lighting to Hunt Coyotes and Predatory Animals on Public Lands.

This bill reinstates a moratorium prohibiting the use of eminent domain to seize property for the use of wind energy collection systems, except by public utilities. This moratorium expired in 2015, and this bill would reinstate the prohibition through June 2032. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining strong property right protections is an essential component of ensuring a free and prosperous society. Eminent domain should only be utilized as a measure of last resort and for cases of significant general societal benefit - certainly not to enrich private wind energy companies.

Strengthening Property Rights by Reinstating a Moratorium on the Use of Eminent Domain to Seize Property for Wind Energy Collector Systems.

This bill appropriates more than $5.5 million in funds within the Wyoming Natural Resource Trust Fund for 9 projects. Over a third of these projects surround removing residential development rights on approximately 6,300 acres of land. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is best equipped to manage and maximize land utilization - including for conservation purposes. Measures such as this merely drive-up taxpayer costs and oftentimes lead to even greater government spending surrounding usage and preservation of the conserved land. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Wasteful Spending by Appropriating Funds within the Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Fund for Unnecessary Initiatives Including the Removal of Residential Development Rights.

This bill exempts all tangible personal property from property taxes. The bill is estimated to provide roughly $170 million in annual tax relief. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill provides broad, wide-reaching tax relief, which will result in significant new investment and economic growth within the state. As opposed to passing the countless wasteful spending initiatives documented within this report, lawmakers could have provided a meaningful jolt in the state's economy through this bill.

Spurring Significant Economic Growth and Investment by Exempting All Tangible Personal Property from Property Taxes.

This bill makes a fifth and any subsequent conviction for theft, shoplifting, or similar offenses, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Support is the Limited Government Position as upholding law and order and ensuring public safety serve as essential functions of government. This bill is especially necessary considering the implementation of so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by left-leaning billionaires through their funding of liberal - and even some conservative - advocacy organizations.

Strengthening Public Safety and Property Rights by Making the 5th Conviction for Theft a Felony.

This bill provides firearms manufacturers and retailers immunity from liability for any crimes or damages caused through the purchaser's usage of the firearm, as long as the sale did not violate state or federal law. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure helps protect the Second Amendment by ensuring firearm manufacturers and retailers are not driven out of business through costly frivolous litigation.

Protecting Firearm Manufacturers from Frivolous Litigation by Providing Immunity from Any Crimes Committed through a Purchaser's Usage of the Firearm.

This bill, known as the Educational Freedom Act, places restrictions on the instruction of divisive topics in public school classrooms such as Critical Race Theory (CRT). For example, the bill prohibits instruction or usage of materials which convey that one ethnicity is inherently superior to another, or that a person is responsible for past actions of others due to their sex or race. Support is the Limited Government Position as the public education system should be solely utilized to promote excellence in core subject fields such as reading, mathematics, and the sciences, as well as to prepare children for their careers. Schools should be held accountable to parents, and measures such as this bill are crucial to ensure classrooms are not weaponized to advance any political or social agendas onto children

Strengthening the Integrity of the Public Education System by Prohibiting Instruction on Divisive Concepts Such as Critical Race Theory (CRT).

This bill limits the distribution of unsolicited absentee ballot request forms to only county clerks and the Secretary of State unless a voter specifically requests one, preventing individuals and third-party groups from distributing the forms unless specifically requested. The bill is in response to actions taken by Liz Cheney's 2022 campaign which sent a mailer which included the phrase "official election documents enclosed". Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps reduce deception by political campaigns. Measures such as this are critical to ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Reducing Deception by Political Campaigns through a Limitation on the Distribution of Unsolicited Absentee Ballot Request Forms.

The Driskill amendment #S3001 to the property tax rate reduction bill. This amendment limits the property tax rate reduction provided within the bill to only three years, through 2025. After this date the property tax assessment rate jumps from 8.5% to 9.5%. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment not only inflicts significant financial harm onto property owners but also deters investment and business growth by creating an atmosphere of tax uncertainty.

Hiking Taxes on Property Owners in Three Years by Placing a 2025 Sunset Date on the Property Tax Reduction Bill.

This bill lowers the property tax assessment rate from 9.5% to 8.5% for three years. As a result, a property valued at $100,000 would have a taxable value of $8,500 instead of $9,500. Support is the Limited Government Position as Wyomingites are in desperate need of property tax relief, with this measure providing broadly-applied relief serving as a strong step in the right direction. The state and local governments must pursue every available avenue to reign in their out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Spurring Economic Growth by Providing Property Owners Three Years of Tax Relief by Reducing the Assessment Rate from 9.5% to 8.5%.

This bill reduces the maximum amount of annual unemployment benefits a person may receive from 26 to 20 times their weekly benefit and from 13 to 6.5 their weekly benefit for extended benefits. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure will reduce costs for businesses as the amount of unemployment benefits that are paid out across the system impacts the payroll tax rate businesses are assessed. This bill serves as a step in the right direction as it is not the proper role of government to run an unemployment insurance system, rather this insurance system should be run through the private sector for businesses and employees who wish to enroll.

Reducing Business Payroll Tax Rates by Lowering Payouts Under the State's Unemployment Benefit System.

This bill requires all health insurance policies offered in the state that provide mental health and substance use disorder benefits to provide reimbursement for benefits delivered through the psychiatric "Collaborative Care Model." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Increasing Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating All Policies Provide Reimbursement for Services Under the "Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model".

This bill is designed to keep old coal-fired power plants in operation by further expanding requirements that utility companies attempt to deploy carbon capture, utilization and sequestration technologies if they intend to retire their plants. The cost of retrofitting a single coal-burning power unit is estimated to range between $400 million to $1 billion, with the costs inevitably passed onto the electricity customers of the utility. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as government should not interfere in the energy industry or promote one energy source over another. All electricity procurement by government-controlled utilities should be from the lowest-cost energy source to benefit their customers. This measure will unnecessarily lead to significant electricity price hikes for Wyomingites merely to prop-up a dying industry.

Hiking Electricity Rates by Forcing Utilities to Attempt to Deploy "Carbon Capture and Sequestration" Technologies to Avoid Retiring their Coal Plants.

This bill, known as the "Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act," establishes educational savings accounts (ESAs) which may be used by parents to pay for certain educational expenses for their child, such as tuition and fees to attend a private school. Parents who wish to participate in the program would receive $6,000 annually to utilize for school tuition. Support is the Limited Government Position as the expansion of school choice (in a fiscally responsible manner) helps  improve educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.

Improving Educational Outcomes by Expanding School Choice to All Children Under the Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act.

This bill provides additional clarity to the Wyoming Freedom of Firearms Act originally passed in 2010. Specifically, the bill closes a loophole that could potentially allow a locality to impose additional regulations on firearms if the firearm or accessory was manufactured within Wyoming. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure provides an additional layer of protection for individuals to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

Protecting Second Amendment Rights by Preventing Localities from Imposing Additional Regulations on Firearms through a Loophole Under Existing Law.

This bill expands the role of the Wyoming Energy Authority to now develop, construct, and operate oil and gas refineries across the state. The Energy Authority is also authorized to issue up to $3 billion in bonds (debt) to finance its refinery construction and expansion projects. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the free market and private sector - not unaccountable government bureaucrats - to invest and run oil and gas extraction projects. Taxpayer funds should not be put at risk to finance an initiative that is not the proper role of government and will inevitably fail to be run as efficient as a private enterprise which is subject to profits and losses.

Growing the Size and Scope of Government by Authorizing the State to Indebt Taxpayers to Construct State-Run Oil and Gas Refineries.

This bill establishes the State Shooting Complex Development and Oversight Task Force to provide recommendations on the location and development of a state shooting complex. The bill also sets aside $10 million in taxpayer funds to be utilized for construction of the complex. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market and private sector - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to determine the need and level of investment for facilities such as shooting ranges. Taxpayer funds should not be utilized to fund an initiative that is not a core or proper function of government and will inevitably fail to be run as efficient as a private enterprise which is subject to profits and losses. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Further Growing Government by Forcing Taxpayers to Spend at Least $10 Million on a State-Run Shooting Complex.

This bill prohibits the use of politicized ESG (environmental, social, and governance) considerations in state investments, such as pension systems, which may reduce taxpayer returns. Support is the Limited Government Position as all public investment actions should be based on producing the maximum return and value for taxpayers, not advancing political or social agendas.

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Considerations in State Investments.

This bill creates an independent charter school authorization board to approve new charter schools and oversee their operation. The bill is expected to make it easier to establish new charter schools as previously charters had to seek approval from local school boards who may see them as funding threats. This version of the bill includes a number of transparency and accountability provisions for charter schools that were removed in the House. Support is the Limited Government as expanding school choice improves educational outcomes for students by creating a "market" in education and allowing parents to send their child to the school that best fits their needs.

Expanding School Choice by Reducing Barriers for New Charter Schools through the Creation of an Authorization Board

This bill requires voters to provide a form of identification when applying for an absentee ballot in-person. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining safeguards to prevent voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Requiring Voter Identification for In-Person Absentee Ballot Applications.

This bill expands the permitted uses of revenue collected from local property tax levies to now include expansions, renovations, and upgrades to senior "affordable" housing facilities. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as any extra revenue received by the state should be utilized to reduce property tax rates for all Wyomingites. Further expanding wealth redistribution schemes merely grow and incentivize government dependency while making housing unaffordable for all Wyomingites. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing Property Tax Hikes and Wealth Redistribution by Growing Government to Pay for Senior Housing Expansions and Upgrades.

This bill extends the duration of postpartum coverage provided under Medicaid or the Child Health Insurance Plan (government-provided healthcare programs) from 60 days to 1 year. This extension is in effect through March 2027 as part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government-provided healthcare and dependency while also placing significant additional costs on both state and federal taxpayers. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Increasing Government Dependency by Expanding Medicaid Postpartum Coverage from 60 Days to an Entire Year.

This bill, known as the "Wyoming Stable Token Act," establishes a commission to develop and issue "Wyoming stable tokens," a virtual currency redeemable for 1 U.S. Dollar. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the creation of federally or state-controlled currencies serve as an existential threat to individual liberties and privacy and will further grow government control over the economy. The Fed has already placed the U.S. dollar in dire jeopardy of destruction through its reckless quantitative easing and expansionary practices.

Advancing the Growth of the Government Surveillance State and Even Greater Control Over Money by Studying the Creation of a Wyoming Virtual Currency.

This bill implements reforms to the state's liquor licensing system to allow localities to issue liquor licenses to a greater number of bars and grills starting on July 1, 2023, and completely eliminating caps on license issuance by 2033. Additionally, the bill makes more entities - such as bowling alleys and other entertainment establishes - eligible for licenses. Support is the Limited Government Position as government central planning mechanisms such as the existing licensing regime restrict competition and infringe the individual liberties of businesses and consumers.

Expanding Consumer Choice by Phasing-out the State's Anti-Competitive Limit on Local Bar and Grill Liquor Licenses.

The Anderson amendment #S2003 to a temporary property tax rate reduction bill. This amendment appropriates $84 million to provide payments to counties to replace reduced property tax revenue that results from reducing the property tax rate. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this spending initiative merely shifts tax burdens by requiring taxpayers to cover the tax relief the bill provides. Localities, just like every other level of government must find ways to cut spending. The out-of-control spending across our nation and the over $185 trillion federal liabilities represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending by Appropriating $84 Million to Reimburse Counties for Reduced Property Tax Revenue.

This bill prohibits government construction-related contracts from containing any language that requires a contractor to enter into agreements with a union, such as the utilization of project labor agreements. Additionally, the bill prohibits governmental entities from discriminating against contractors in the procurement process for not being affiliated with a labor organization. Support is the Limited Government Position as all government contracting agreements and procurement should be based on providing the best value and quality for taxpayers. Mandates requiring usage of project labor agreements or the prevailing wage needlessly drive-up taxpayer costs by imposing significant additional costs onto government contractors.

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting Pro-Union Mandates and Requirements from Being Incorporated into Government Contracts.

This bill requires each county clerk to conduct a post-election audit after each election, prior to the results being certified. Additionally, the bill requires all electronic voting systems to utilize an "air gap," or a security measure where systems are physically isolated from the internet. Finally, the bill strengthens requirements for transporting ballots. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining safeguards to prevent voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Requiring Election Audits and Other Reforms to Voting Systems.

This bill requires all health insurance policies offered in the state to provide coverage for hearing aids if "deemed medically necessary." This bill also requires that any deductible, co-payment, or coinsurance for hearing aids be equal to or less than the amount charged for other services the plan covers." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

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