CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon spoke with optimism Wednesday morning during the commencement of the 68th Wyoming Legislature. Throughout his speech, the governor spoke about progress on various industries and current events such as education, infrastructure, property taxes, natural disasters and the second Trump presidency.
“This is a great day, and we should rejoice in it,” Gordon said. “I’m proud to report that Wyoming remains strong and vibrant. There are concerns, to be sure, but our future is very bright.”
Throughout his speech, Gordon took moments to recognize the work of those bringing service and innovation to Wyoming. He applauded the state’s approach to taxation, noting that Wyoming is recognized nationally as the state with the third-lowest tax burden, a fact he attributed to Visual Capitalist. He also stated that Wyoming has continued to thrive “because of our conservative values” and “common-sense decision making.”
At several points during his speech, the governor discussed the ongoing friction between the state and the Biden Administration. He said the state is “poised to rebound” from Biden’s impact on Wyoming’s energy industries and oil and gas lease sales.
Gordon spoke briefly about his recent visit with President-elect Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago. The governor said he spoke with Trump “about getting our country back on track.”
“He supports what Wyoming is doing,” Gordon said, adding the state is moving from an administration that demonized Wyoming’s energy economy to one that “recognizes them as essential to our way of life, economy and national defense. The president told me, ‘Anything you need, Mark.’ Now that’s something we have not heard for four years. And I told the president, ‘Mr. President, Wyoming stands ready to drill, to mine, to shovel and to get this country back on track.’”
The governor’s statements on his Florida visit sparked vigorous applause and a standing ovation from legislators and state leaders.
Aside from energy, Gordon credited tourism as one of the state’s leading revenue generators. He said Wyoming needs to invest in access to public land and continue to make the Cowboy State an attractive destination for travelers passing through the “last of the Old West.”
Gordon added that Wyoming must also continue to invest in infrastructure or it will suffer catastrophic and costly outcomes. He said the state needs to remain vigilant to effectively respond to natural disaster incidents such as the summer wildfires and Teton Pass collapse and know when to replace current infrastructure like the LaPrele dam.
Finally, Gordon praised Wyoming’s response to other current events, such as securing the U.S.–Mexico border and assisting with the fires currently raging in Southern California. He said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently thanked him for Wyoming’s assistance at the border and that the Wyoming Air Guard has been deployed to assist California’s current crisis.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Southern California, and I hope that you hold all of our guard troops and their families in your prayers and your thoughts,” Gordon said. “They are truly exceptional, and they are essential to our country’s security and our safety.”