Legislative update
Some thoughts from our Chair, Annette Osnos, who just spent 4 days in Cheyenne following the first week of the 68th Wyoming legislative session. Thank you for your hard work.



** Four Days in Cheyenne
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I spent the first four days of the Wyoming legislative session in Cheyenne. It was eye-opening — and deeply concerning.

On day one, I had a direct exchange with Secretary of State Chuck Gray about Wyoming releasing voter rolls to the DOJ. I asked him whether he would have done the same if the Biden administration had made the request. I told him it was shameful that Wyoming was the first state to comply with what many believe was an unlawful demand. His answer: “It’s the law.” It isn’t.

The same day, conservative activist Rebecca Bextel was seen handing out donor checks from Don Grasso to legislators — on the House floor — just before debate the next day on a housing bill (HB 141) she supported. The moment was captured on video. At best, it was stunningly inappropriate. At worst, it looked like buying influence in plain sight.

By day three, the pattern was clear. The Freedom Caucus is voting as a bloc, even against policies that would help Wyoming families — including a modest Medicaid expansion proposal. I watched one legislator struggle to explain a bill he was “reading,” reinforcing the impression that some votes are guided more by text messages than by thoughtful debate.

This is not serious governance.

Breaking the Freedom Caucus majority is essential — and it’s doable. We are developing a targeted strategy for competitive seats and will be asking for your help in the months ahead.

I’m glad to be back in Jackson — and ready for the work.

Annette Osnos, Chair, Teton County Democrats
Greeting fellow Democrats!

Snow has returned! We hope you are enjoying the new, fresh snow regardless of your recreational activities-getting outside is always fun!
Our Lawmakers, County Commissioners, and Town Councilmembers have been hard at work in Cheyenne this past week, along with our Chair Annette.
Several bills have been introduced, and several have not made it through the introduction process.
We are extremely grateful to the work of our Representative, and Senator, Mike Yin, Mike Gerieau, and all our Democratic Representatives, on both Chambers, in Cheyenne.
If you would like to follow and read the bills in an easier format, we found this bill tracker site ([link removed]) . Easy to use, digestible format information.

Good news
Election bills: these attacks on our voting rights, and ability to do so, have failed the introductory process.
HB0048-Pen and paper ballots.
HB0049-Ballot Drop Boxes-prohibition.
HB0050-Ballot Harvesting-prohibition.

Public lands/Corner crossing update: HB0019 has passed introduction ([link removed]) . This is good news for those of us who love our public lands, hunters, hikers, animal and nature lovers of all types.
Healthcare news: Abortion related bill SJ0007 failed introduction by 1 vote. Wyofile has a short piece ([link removed]) on it. This ensures, for now, that abortion remains classified as healthcare, according to the Wyoming Supreme Court's decision, in January 2026.

Bad News
Unfortunately, all is not good in Cheyenne. SF0064-A housing fund bill that would have helped Wyoming create a $30 Million loan program, has failed. Read more here ([link removed]) . This is a very disappointing failure, because this was a very honest method to work towards solving our statewide housing difficulties.

For our local, Teton County/Town of Jackson, housing issues, HB0141 ([link removed]) has passed. This bill takes away from our local government's ability to create rules regarding the creation of housing on residential or commercial development. This bill is now mired in a scandal ([link removed]) . Perhaps it's future is uncertain?

Listening Session and Advocacy Training

We recently held a "Listening Session" at the Library, with Representatives Karlee Provenza and Mike Yin.
We are extremely thankful for their time, as this event was well attended and created great dialogue in our community. This was followed just a few weeks after by an advocacy training by BetterWyo, led in part by Karlee Provenza. This training was exceptionally well attended, with a large crowd eager to learn some intricacies of advocacy and positive discussion.
Get involved! We need your help! We need motivated members to help us tackle the many pressing issues facing our State. From wildlife to housing, gender discussions to book banning, we are tackling it all. Email ([link removed]) or call us at (307) 264-0240
Care to help further? Join our mailing list, and donate if you can.
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