(The Center Square) – Gov. Mark Gordon touted Wyoming’s economy in his State of the State address Monday while urging legislators to do more to provide tax relief to property owners.
“Wyoming is as strong as it has ever been,” the governor said. “Our economy is growing, our spirits are soaring, and the future is ours to craft.”
In his speech, Gordon said new businesses are relocating to Wyoming, existing businesses are looking to expand, and entrepreneurs are starting new enterprises. Meanwhile, the state’s “unemployment is near its lowest mark in 15 years,” according to the governor, and wages are increasing at a time when manufacturing is advancing and tourism is on the rise.
“Our work in education and workforce development shows our commitment to fostering an educated, ambitious and capable workforce,” Gordon said.
Gordon also took aim at Biden administration, citing federal efforts to limit domestic production of coal, oil, and gas – a move he said “we all pay for in higher electricity rates and heating costs.”
Gordon said higher property taxes “hits those living on low or fixed incomes especially hard.” As a result, the governor applauded the legislature for past efforts but added that homeowners in Wyoming need more relief.
“Last year, responding to that concern, I asked for it and you provided $8 million to fund the Property Tax Relief Program,” said the governor. “It was a success by most accounts, almost 9,000 households got an average refund of more than $900, and our experience with the program prompted me to request $20 million in this proposed budget to provide expanded relief for those who truly need it.”
Gov. Gordon told legislators that when they vote for his budget proposal, they will be voting for tax relief for “vulnerable Wyoming citizens, many of them seniors.”