It has been an eventful week. The biggest news being that Judge Melissa Owens granted a Temporary Restraining Order meaning abortion is legal again in Wyoming for now.
"The Legislature cannot make an end run around essentially providing a constitutional amendment"
– Judge Melissa Owens
Just last Friday, Governor Gordon signedSF 109 Prohibiting Chemical Abortions and let HB 152 Life is a Human Right Act become law without signing it. Wyoming now has the dubious distinction of being the first state in the nation to ban medical abortions, although that bill does not go into effect until July 1 and a lawsuit against SF109 was filed yesterday in District Court. In addition to these bills, the governor allowed SF 133 Student Eligibility in Interscholastic sports (the trans athlete ban) to go into effect, even as he called it “overly draconian.”
This bill targets a small group of vulnerable children. It also creates a problem where there is none, causing unbelievable harm to these kids and their families, while also sending shockwave through the broader LGBTQ+ community.
These egregious bills demonstrate that Governor Gordon and his Republican Party prioritize picking on kids, stripping people of rights, and putting lives in danger. All this while people in this state desperately need action on real issues like healthcare, housing, climate change, and a post fossil fuel economy. Unfortunately, the current legislature has too many bigots and bullies who can’t even write or come up with their own bills, and it’s time for Democrats to fight back.
What You Can Do
Call the governor and tell him what you think about him and his support of these laws. You're mad, he deserves your fury. 307.777.7434 or by mail: Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, State Capitol, 200 West 24th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002. or email via the Governor’s website
Create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people and look out for people wanting to harass or harm people in this community.
Talk about these issues and create communities of resistance and resources.
Donate to some amazing nonprofits fighting for rights and lives in Wyoming:
Write letters to the editor and use the media to shine light on the wrongful deeds and people passing these laws.
Annual Meeting and Elections
Amidst all this Teton County Democrats gathered at the Snake River Brewery for our annual meeting on March 14th. It was a fantastic turn out and so good to have everyone back in a room together enjoying delicious food, beer, and company. Officer elections were held and the new Teton County Democrats officers are Maggie Hunt (Chair), Ryan Sedgeley (Vice Chair), Abbie Stanford (Treasurer), Zane Aukee (Secretary), Mike Yin (State Committeeman) Tenley Thomspson (State Committeewoman). Many thanks to outgoing officers Pat Chadwick and Andrée Dean for their years of service.
We were also treated to a recap of this legislative session from our Teton County state legislators Representatives Mike Yin and Liz Storer, and Senator Mike Gierau. Thanks to their tireless efforts and a divide amongst Republicans, our small but mighty caucus of Dems managed to pass some important bills as well as kill some bad bills and amend others to be less harmful or better. Two bills of particular importance were HB4 which expanded medical coverage to 12 months postpartum for those who qualify, and a property tax relief bill to help folks dealing with skyrocketing property taxes.
Want to Get More Involved?
Building and serving our community is important. That’s where you can get involved and make a difference in the lives of our seniors. We need you to help serve food at Friday Feasts at the Senior Center of Jackson Hole. Volunteers are needed the third Friday of the Month from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Please contact Marylee White: [email protected] if you can help out.
Help Us Help You
For the price of a cup of a coffee you can support your county party with automatic monthly donations. Your contributions are a way to affirm your support and so we can keep you informed and fighting strong. Will you sign up to give $10 a month?
