“We are accountable to the people in this chamber, and to those watching across Wyoming, but most of all to the generation that will live wi





wyoming governor mark gordon




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*Governor Gordon Calls for Focus on “the Essentials” in State of the State Address*

"“We are accountable to the people in this chamber, and to those watching across Wyoming, but most of all to the generation that will live with the consequences of what we decide here.”"

*CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Feb. 9, 2026 *– In his 2026 State of the State Address [ [link removed] ] to the 68th Wyoming Legislature this morning, Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) called on lawmakers to focus on the essential responsibilities of government, drawing on the lessons of the nation’s 250-year history to guide decisions for Wyoming’s future.

Speaking in the House Chamber to the Joint Session, the Governor framed his recommended 2027–2028 biennial budget as a practical, conservative plan built on the fundamentals that keep families strong, communities stable, and opportunity within reach. He urged legislators to prioritize savings, continued development of Wyoming’s natural resources, support for agriculture, rural health care, education, economic development  and an efficient state workforce.

“Essentials are those things without which families falter, communities fade, and opportunity withers,” Governor Gordon said. “This budget is not built on excess, but on the essentials that will build an enduring future for Wyoming.”

Reflecting on the nation’s semiquincentennial, the Governor tied Wyoming’s path forward to the principles of federalism, limited government, and local control that have guided the Republic for two and a half centuries. He emphasized the responsibility of today’s leaders to steward resources wisely, protect savings, and build an economy that offers real opportunity to future generations. As he was taught by his father, “to leave things better than you found them.”

Among his key proposals, the Governor called for the restoration of his recommendation to deposit surplus income into the Permanent Mineral Trust Fund and he called for the restoration of his recommendation to continue with competitive pay for state employees to maintain efficient services.

“Let us remember more than half of Wyoming’s state employees work outside of Cheyenne, they are your neighbors, serving families, protecting livestock, keeping our parks and communities running,” Governor Gordon said.

The Governor also stressed the importance of continuing long term investment in Wyoming’s energy and mineral industries. expansion of agricultural markets as part of his overall support of statewide economic development efforts, strengthened water and natural resource protections, and key improvements to rural health care.  Something rural communities across Wyoming need, particularly for expectant mothers and families.  Overall the Governor described his plan for the state’s next budget. 

“My recommendation provides for an efficient government that is neither intrusive nor inattentive. It seeks to help people closest to the problems solve them for themselves. It represents the whole sense of our communities, and is transparent and responsive while not burdening our citizens or their industries,” Governor Gordon said. “There will be differences of opinion but ultimately it is you who will be engaging in the difficult task of finding a constructive agreement that builds our future as much as it benefits our present. 

Governor Gordon concluded by urging lawmakers to focus on continuing to build a stronger Wyoming for the next generation by pursuing a pro-growth, pro-business model, reminding them that the choices made during the session will shape the state’s future for years to come.

“We are accountable to the people in this chamber, and to those watching across Wyoming, but most of all to the generation that will live with the consequences of what we decide here,” Governor Gordon said. “We do not owe them promises or platitudes. We owe them a future built on the opportunity to learn, to work, to build a business, to raise a family, and to grow old with dignity in the communities they call home. The choices we make today will either widen that horizon or close it off.”

For more information contact:

Amy Edmonds, Communications Director, [email protected]

Janelle Collins, Strategic Communications Director, [email protected]

###

REAL BUDGET COVER





________________________________________________________________________

 Wyoming Seal [ [link removed] ]

   



STAY CONNECTED: Subscribe for emails [ [link removed] ] Twitter [ [link removed] ]   Facebook [ [link removed] ]    

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Subscriptions [ [link removed] ]  |  Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ] |  Subscriber Help [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Governor of Wyoming · State Capitol, 200 West 24th St · Cheyenne, WY 82002-0012 · 307-777-7434 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]