AGP Executive Report

Wyoming Health Care: Wyoming lawmakers kicked off a new Health Insurance Affordability Task Force after hearing that premiums and access are among the top concerns for residents, with co-chairs Rep. Lloyd Larsen and Sen. Tara Nethercott urging the group to use data and avoid “throwing things against the wall” before picking solutions. Property Tax Fight: A judge backed Gov. Mark Gordon’s push in the ongoing property tax cap dispute, ruling the State Board of Equalization must certify residential property tax values “for now,” keeping local revenue flowing while the case continues. Native Conservation Grants: A new NPS-backed digital hub lets tribes apply for conservation grants through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, aiming to cut through bureaucracy for tribal governments. Public Lands & Wildlife: A conservation group is urging Jackson Hole Airport to keep its planned fire/rescue station inside a restricted development zone in Grand Teton National Park, warning of habitat impacts if it goes outside the 1983 agreement. Food Assistance: A federal judge blocked SNAP “food restriction” rules in multiple states, saying the USDA and states can’t bypass federal law to limit what recipients can buy. Elections Watch: Wyoming’s CD 8 Democratic primary is set to decide who challenges Rep. Gabe Evans in a tossup district.

Healthcare Costs: Wyoming lawmakers and stakeholders launched a new Health Insurance Affordability Task Force, aiming to tackle why premiums are climbing and warning against “throwing things against the wall” without data-backed fixes. Food Assistance: A federal judge blocked Trump-backed SNAP “unhealthy food” limits, saying USDA can’t rewrite what Congress defines as eligible food—while Wyoming is also rolling out SUN Bucks, automatically enrolling 37,000+ kids and mailing EBT cards starting early July. Elections & Courts: The Wyoming Supreme Court declined to intervene in a Gray voter-data complaint, and a separate federal ruling dealt another blow to DOJ efforts to obtain detailed state voter records. Water & Agriculture: As Colorado River talks drag on, Wyoming ranchers are skeptical of a voluntary conservation pilot that lacks direct incentives, while New Mexico’s new negotiator signals a “fresh look” amid a broader basin relationship crisis. Public Safety & Environment: Utah’s wildfire season continues to surge, with the Bonneville Fire reaching high containment while other blazes grow; in Wyoming, the Game and Fish named a new Sheridan regional game warden trainee.

Cheyenne Veterans Memorial: Cheyenne’s Finance Committee is recommending approval of a $275,000 purchase agreement for a Vietnam War Memorial Wall at Freedom Point in Lions Park, part of a larger veterans complex that will also include tributes for other conflicts and POW/MIA. Wyoming Property Tax Fight: Gov. Mark Gordon sued the Wyoming Board of Equalization to force certification of 2026 residential property tax values after the board said the 2024 tax cap created unconstitutional disparities. Elections & State Law: Wyoming AG Keith Kautz’s office says two separate legal reviews declined to bring criminal charges against Secretary of State Chuck Gray over a complaint alleging he shared sensitive voter data with the federal government. School Funding Recalibration: A legislative select committee is set to meet in Lander to address fallout from 2026 school finance changes, including tighter limits on how districts can spend funds. Wyoming Business Infrastructure: The Wyoming Business Council launched a rebuilt application portal for its Building Resilient Communities grant/loan program to match new rules and help communities submit stronger projects. Public Safety: Gov. Gordon ordered Wyoming flags lowered for two young people killed in a Riverton-area crash, honoring victims with ties to the Northern Arapaho community.

Property Tax Fight: Gov. Mark Gordon sued the Wyoming Board of Equalization to force certification of 2026 residential property tax values, arguing the board overstepped after it refused to certify due to 2024 tax-cap disparities. Election Law / Voter Data: Wyoming AG Keith Kautz says two separate reviews declined to bring criminal charges against Secretary of State Chuck Gray over a complaint alleging he shared sensitive voter data with the federal government. School Funding Recalibration: A legislative select committee is set to meet in Lander this week to address concerns that 2026 school finance changes boosted teacher pay but tightened how districts can spend funds. Public Safety / Flags: Gordon ordered Wyoming flags lowered to half-staff in Fremont County and at the Capitol for two victims of a fatal alleged drunk-driving crash. Wildfire Planning Tech: UW launched WyldFire, a public wildfire risk tool that helps residents and utilities assess risk and mitigation options statewide. Healthcare Costs: Lawmakers unveiled the Health Insurance Affordability Task Force, focusing on why Wyoming’s hospital availability doesn’t translate into affordability. Local Politics: A GOP primary is heating up in Natrona County’s House District 58 after a split between incumbent Rep. Bill Allemand and former ally Peter Boyer.

Wyoming School Funding: Lander’s beloved indoor pool is cutting classes and raising fees as Fremont County School District 1 grapples with the fallout from the state’s new school funding law. Healthcare Policy: The Trump administration is pushing hospital price transparency after hundreds of hospitals nationwide missed requirements, including Wyoming facilities. Property Taxes & Courts: A judge backed Gov. Gordon on a property tax cap question “for now,” while a separate order targets the Wyoming Board of Equalization over residential property tax valuations. Energy & Permitting: Federal regulators are moving ahead on a controversial Seminoe pumped-water project in Wyoming, and wind farm operators are testing a bird-safety fix—painting turbine blades—to reduce wildlife impacts. Elections & Voters: A new online poll asks what issue matters most to Wyoming voters in the 2026 elections, as candidates gear up for the next political fight. Public Safety: Wyoming’s Guard is running counterdrug prevention training for multiple states, underscoring ongoing regional security priorities.

Property Tax Fight: A Wyoming judge ordered the State Board of Equalization to certify residential property tax values “for now,” after the 4% residential tax cap created nonuniform assessments and the board said it couldn’t certify under its uniformity duty. Courts & Governance: The governor’s lawsuit against the Board of Equalization continues to put 2026 local revenue—used for K-12, roads, sewers, and law enforcement—on the line. Energy & Wildlife: PacifiCorp is testing a bird-collision fix at its Glenrock wind farm by painting turbine blades black, aiming to cut bird deaths while checking for unintended impacts. Wyoming Economy & Tech: Wyoming’s Frontier Stable Tokens stablecoin experiment keeps drawing attention as the state positions itself as a hub for “money of all kinds.” National Policy Watch: The House is pushing a reconciliation plan that would cut SNAP by nearly $300 billion through 2034, a major hunger-policy fight with big consequences for low-income families. Gun Policy: California and New York are moving to curb “ghost gun” 3D printers, with Wyoming 3D printing industry concerns about feasibility.

Wyoming Property Tax Fight: A Laramie County judge issued a temporary restraining order in Gov. Mark Gordon’s lawsuit against the Wyoming Board of Equalization, after the BOE said residential property tax exemptions were unconstitutional—Gordon says it’s the legislature’s job, not the executive branch, to make constitutional calls. Wyoming Energy & Crypto: Wyoming is pushing its Frontier Stable Tokens after the state formally issued its own stablecoin, positioning it as a new financial draw for the Cowboy State. Conservation & Wildlife: A long-running effort to protect Wyoming’s pronghorn migration corridor is nearing the finish line, with protection expected to come via a governor’s signature. Healthcare Costs: New data shows Wyoming Medicaid Durable Medical Equipment spending rose to $14,443 in 2024, up 4.6% from 2023. Flood Risk Planning: Central Coast officials opened community feedback on a Narara Creek floodplain risk management plan—an example of how local input shapes mitigation decisions. National Policy Watch: The Trump administration is reopening the door for BLM to consider M-44 cyanide bomb use on public lands, raising new concerns for wildlife and public safety.

Property Tax Fight: A Laramie County judge issued a temporary restraining order in Gov. Mark Gordon’s lawsuit against the Wyoming Board of Equalization, forcing the board to certify residential property tax values while the case over the 4% cap continues. Education Policy: The Wyoming Department of Education wrapped its inaugural L³ Summit, pushing statewide literacy implementation after passage of Senate File 0059 and advancing Science of Reading emergency rules. Government Accountability: Lawmakers moved to strengthen enforcement by drafting a bill that would let the Department of Audit withhold use, sales and lodging tax funds from public institutions that miss reporting deadlines for multiple years. Courts & Child Safety: New court filings in a case alleging severe abuse and cover-ups at the Wyoming Boys’ School describe alleged use of restraint chairs and solitary confinement. Conservation: A long-running effort to protect Wyoming’s pronghorn migration corridor nears its end, with protection awaiting a governor’s signature. Health Costs: Wyoming Medicaid durable medical equipment spending rose to $14,443 in 2024, up 4.6% from 2023. Public Health Watch: The CDC reported measles has spread to 41 states with three deaths since the 2025–2026 outbreak began, including cases in Wyoming. Local Politics: In northeast Wyoming’s GOP Senate race, Sen. Ogden Driskill and Rep. Chip Neiman squared off, highlighting internal party tensions over the Freedom Caucus.

Wyoming Education: The Wyoming Department of Education wrapped up its inaugural L³ Summit, bringing 453 educators statewide to push implementation of the Science of Reading after passage of Senate File 0059. Courts & Property Taxes: A Laramie County judge issued a temporary restraining order requiring the Wyoming Board of Equalization to certify the 4% residential property tax cap as the case proceeds, after Gov. Mark Gordon sued over constitutional uniformity concerns. Legislative Oversight: Lawmakers advanced a draft idea to let the Department of Audit withhold use, sales, and lodging tax funds from public institutions that repeatedly miss audit deadlines. Health & Safety: Gov. Gordon convened state veterinarians and health officials on New World screwworm outreach, stressing there are no reported Wyoming outbreaks while Texas and New Mexico track cases. Local Schools: Teton County School District No. 1 is set to move starting teacher salaries to among the highest in the nation, following a state pay recalibration. Federal Land Management: Federal agencies released draft guidance on rock climbing, including how fixed anchors can be used, with Wyoming routes included. Justice System: A lawsuit response in the Wyoming Boys’ School abuse case highlights alleged solitary confinement and restraint practices, with plaintiffs citing new video and deposition details.

Education Policy: Wyoming’s Department of Education wrapped up its inaugural L³ Summit, bringing 453 educators together to push statewide literacy implementation after passage of Senate File 0059 and related Science of Reading emergency rules. State Finance Oversight: Lawmakers are drafting a bill that would let the Department of Audit withhold use, sales and lodging tax funds from public institutions that repeatedly fail to submit financial reports for three years or more. Courts & Accountability: New court filings describe alleged severe abuse and cover-ups at the Wyoming Boys’ School, including claims of restraint chair use and solitary confinement, as the case heads toward trial. Tribal Affairs & Defense Policy: Wounded Knee descendants vowed to keep pressing for Medal of Honor revocations after the Pentagon declined to rescind the awards; a Senate Armed Services committee report urges unredacted materials. Healthcare Costs: A new Legislature Health Insurance Affordability Task Force heard testimony on why Wyoming’s hospital availability doesn’t translate into affordability, focusing on Medicaid and middle-class coverage gaps. Energy & Government: Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon convened a panel on New World screwworm, stressing no reported Wyoming outbreaks while Texas and New Mexico track cases. Local Government: Rawlins’ vice mayor floated boosting next year’s July 4 fireworks budget to expand the show, with timing tied to the city’s budget cycle.

Wyoming Politics & Courts: Gov. Mark Gordon is in court again, suing the state Board of Equalization to enforce Wyoming’s property tax cap, as the state’s property tax take jumped to $137 million in Q4 2025—up 168.6% from the prior quarter. Housing & Growth: Teton County softened its housing mitigation program after pressure, expanding the exemption so homes under 3,000 square feet won’t owe mitigation fees—an adjustment that could shift local development incentives. Energy & Permitting: Sen. John Barrasso highlighted permitting reform and housing supply in new posts, arguing faster approvals can lower energy and home costs. Data Centers: Uinta County approved a conditional use permit for Prometheus Hyperscale’s data center near Evanston, setting conditions tied to construction timelines and environmental compliance. Native Affairs: Renowned AIM leader Madonna Thunder Hawk died at 86, remembered for decades of advocacy and organizing across Indian Country. Public Safety: Wyoming’s National Guard hosted Counterdrug prevention training for nine states, while local coverage also flagged a deadly Riverton DUI crash investigation. America250: Wyoming contributed a letter from Gov. Gordon to the America250 time capsule sealed in Philadelphia for opening in 2276.

Juneteenth & Black Voters: A new national tracking snapshot shows President Trump’s approval among Black voters sliding into the mid-to-low teens heading into the holiday, with disapproval topping 70% in most polling—an issue that could shape turnout and engagement. Wyoming Courts & Taxes: Gov. Mark Gordon is suing the Wyoming Board of Equalization over the 4% residential property tax cap, arguing the board’s equalization approach conflicts with the state constitution. Wildfire Policy: The U.S. House passed the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, aiming to study and remove barriers to prescribed fire and fuels reduction across jurisdictions. Wyoming Public Safety: Details are emerging from a Baggs shooting that left a deputy critically wounded; the suspect’s identity is still withheld pending investigation. Energy & Infrastructure: Wyoming National Park Service staff in the Intermountain Region voted to unionize with NTEU, while a major North Big Horn County Airport runway rehab is underway with FAA funding. Local Politics: Upton’s 2026 municipal ballot is set, with a mayoral race and one council seat contested.

Property Tax Fight: Gov. Mark Gordon sued Wyoming’s Board of Equalization to force certification of 2026 residential property tax values after the board said a 2024 residential tax cap created unconstitutional assessment disparities. Courts & Governance: The lawsuit argues the board exceeded its authority by refusing to certify residential values, setting up a major test of how Wyoming’s tax cap and “equal and uniform” constitutional rules work in practice. Public Safety: Kansas City police and regional partners are hunting Oscar Sanchez-Munoz after a deadly interstate shooting spree left one dead and four injured, with authorities searching a home near 16th and Kensington. State & Local Leadership: Madison, Wyoming hired 24-year-old Cheyenne Stevens as town manager, with her first priority keeping vacancies filled as she steps into the July 1 role. Youth Justice: Wyoming Boys’ School abuse case filings allege staff used force, falsified reports, and relied on solitary confinement, as the plaintiffs respond with new details from video and depositions. Wildfire Policy: Sen. John Barrasso highlighted the Wildfire Protection Act’s push for thinning, prescribed burns, and faster federal land management. Elections & Outside Money: A Sioux Falls mayoral runoff saw negative PAC ads tied to Wyoming-linked funding, with the target candidate calling the claims “blatantly false.” Water & Drought: Arizona faces potential up to 77% Colorado River cuts if Upper and Lower Basin states can’t reach a deal, with Wyoming among the Upper Basin states rejecting a proposed compromise.

Property Tax Fight: Gov. Mark Gordon sued the Wyoming Board of Equalization to force it to certify residential property tax values after the board said the 2024 residential tax cap created unconstitutional disparities. Public Safety & Fireworks: Douglas Volunteer Fire Department canceled its Fourth of July fireworks due to drought and frequent red-flag fire danger, while Bar Nunn plans to move forward with a new, more controlled fireworks setup. Local First Responders: Bar Nunn is expanding its volunteer fire department and adding police capacity, despite funding pressures tied to property tax cuts. Elder Care Crisis: A new report highlights Wyoming’s elder care “in crisis,” pointing to high costs and access gaps for long-term support. Juvenile Justice Focus: Wyoming lawmakers heard testimony on patterns behind teen drinking and drug use, arguing punishment alone misses the root causes. Military & Native Issues: Descendants of Wounded Knee victims vowed to keep pushing for medal revocations after a Senate committee sought more information from the Defense Department. Wyoming National Guard: The Guard hosted counterdrug prevention training for nine states. Community Recognition: Fremont County’s Mick Pryor received a Wyoming Association of Municipalities Community Hero Award. Infrastructure & Travel Notes: WYDOT issued Ten Sleep Canyon voluntary climbing closures for nesting raptors, and Torrington residents were warned about a planned power outage.

Property Tax Fight: Gov. Mark Gordon sued the Wyoming State Board of Equalization after it ruled 2024 residential property tax exemptions are unconstitutional, seeking an injunction to force certification of 2026 values and prevent disruption for homeowners and counties. Courts & Abortion: A Wyoming judge struck down three abortion care limits as unconstitutional, continuing the state’s legal whiplash over abortion restrictions. Election Integrity: Attorney General Keith Kautz said two independent reviews found no basis to file criminal charges against Secretary of State Chuck Gray over a complaint alleging Gray shared sensitive voter data with the DOJ. Public Safety & Immigration: A new report describes how Laramie County deputies used a partnership with ICE to detain immigrants during traffic stops, raising questions about local policing priorities. Juvenile Justice: A lawsuit alleges years of abuse at the Wyoming Boys’ School, including shackling and isolation, with claims tied to staff conduct and discipline. Conservation Policy: Sen. Mike Lee argued the Roadless Area Conservation Rule hampers wildfire mitigation, while supporters of “Fix Our Forest” push for changes. Wyoming Economy & Water: Coverage highlights Flaming Gorge drawdown impacts on recreation and local business, underscoring drought-driven strain. Local Government: A Teton County assessor race is heating up as Ashlee Nader challenges retiring incumbent Melissa Shinkle’s seat.

Juvenile Justice, Tribal Relations: A Wyoming Legislature panel heard how teen drinking cases can’t be treated like a simple court problem, with Wind River Tribal Court and juvenile justice officials pointing to abuse patterns and adult accountability gaps behind youth alcohol citations in Fremont County. Local Elections: With Teton County Assessor Melissa Shinkle retiring, Cheyenne elections deputy Ashlee Nader is running for the post against Republican Norman Mellor III, pitching transparency and fair assessments. Public Safety, Courts: A lawsuit alleges years of abuse at the Wyoming Boys’ School in Worland, including boys being shackled, beaten, and isolated, while defendants dispute the claims. State Government, Education: A new public education report grades states on how seriously they fund and protect public schooling; Nebraska and Vermont top the list while many states land in the bottom range. Energy & Recreation: Flaming Gorge’s drawdown is hitting the local recreation economy hard, with buckled ramps and refund pressures at marinas as water levels fall. Wyoming Politics, Economy: Rural Iowans in a multistate listening project flagged rural economic decline and healthcare costs as top concerns, alongside distrust of corporate money and both parties. Wyoming Military: The Wyoming Air National Guard is preparing for the first C-130J crew in early 2028, with pilots and loadmasters already selected for training and firefighting readiness. Crypto & Law: Sen. Cynthia Lummis’ CLARITY Act sets aside $150 million for law enforcement to pursue crypto scams and digital asset crimes, as Wyoming’s crypto policy debate continues. Local Crime: A Cheyenne auto shop manager accused of stealing $105,000 is facing felony theft charges tied to alleged canceled work orders and cash discounts.