From Cheyenne to House District 22:
2026 Legislative Session Week 3
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To the People of District 22,
We’re heading into the final stretch of the 2026 Legislative Session, and it has been a full and productive week in Cheyenne. From long hours debating the state budget, to important discussions about University of Wyoming funding, to moving key legislation forward, there’s been a lot of meaningful work happening on the House floor.
I break down the highlights in my weekly update video below, and you’ll find more details throughout this newsletter. Thanks for staying engaged and following along.
Best,
Andrew
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Please click on the image below to be directed to my weekly update video.
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IN THIS ISSUE
- The Budget: Fighting for Wyoming
- University of Wyoming
- SJ0009 – Keeping Public Lands Protected and Decisions Local
- What Happens Next?
- Closing Remarks
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The Budget: Fighting for Wyoming
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At the end of the day, we have to take care of Wyoming's core services like education and public safety, while also being responsible with taxpayer dollars. That balance matters — and that’s what we’re working toward.
Right now, the House and Senate are about $170 million apart on the state budget. The Senate passed their version on the 20th and included funding for Wyoming's essential services. In the House, we worked an extra day and finished ours last Saturday around 8:30pm on the 21st after a 12+ hour weekend debate. These are serious discussions, and they should be.
Along with some of my House colleagues, I fought for your core services. In the end, I didn't think the House budget reflected our Wyoming values — which is why I voted against the House version. The Governor's budget and the Senate version better reflect our district's priorities.
When budget proposals are this far apart, leadership appoints a conference committee to work through the differences. They met Friday afternoon to start to work toward a final budget and will meet again Monday morning. I'm hopeful about the end result for Wyoming.
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One of the most important debates this week centered on funding for the University of Wyoming because University of Wyoming is the backbone of our state. It plays a critical role in supporting our business community, driving innovation, and educating the next generation of leaders right here in Wyoming.
The House initially reduced millions in funding from the University — in retaliatory cuts — but during final reading we fought to add $20 million back into the university’s budget.
I'm proud to have been a part of this discussion about why we bleed brown and gold. This is an important conversation about the future of our state. If you’d like to hear my comments on the floor, I invite you to click on the video below.
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SJ0009 – Keeping Public Lands Protected and Decisions Local
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As the Chairman of the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee and a co-sponsor of SJ0009 – Keeping Public Lands Protected and Decisions Local, I have a unique responsibility when it comes to issues involving our public lands. These decisions impact our hunters, anglers, outfitters, small businesses, and communities across Wyoming.
Those of you who live in our district and know me know that these are values we share.
If SJ0009 clears committee before an important procedural deadline next week, it will move to the full House for consideration. Keeping public lands protected and ensuring decisions remain local is something I take seriously and something I’ll continue to advocate for.
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As we near the end of session, an important procedural window opens.
When both chambers pass a bill, the Governor has three days to act while we are still in session. He can:
- Sign the bill into law
- Allow it to become law without his signature
- Veto the bill
If he vetoes a bill while we are still in session, we can override that veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.
However, once we adjourn, the Governor’s window extends to ten days and we cannot override a veto unless we return to session.
Leadership is considering the possibility of bringing legislators back to Cheyenne around March 10–11 to preserve the opportunity to override any potential vetoes within that three-day rule.
I believe it is important for all constituents in Wyoming to understand the legislative process here in Cheyenne. If you ever have any questions about what is going on at the Capitol, please don't hesitate to reach out or visit WyoLeg to learn more.
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We’re down to the final days of session, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and represent you in Cheyenne. These weeks are long, the debates are serious, and the decisions matter. Thank you for staying engaged, for reaching out, and for trusting me with this responsibility. I’ll keep working hard for you and for Wyoming.
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Want to learn more about the legislature, participate in hearings, submit testimony, track bills, or hear what we have to say on the floor? Check out WyoLeg!
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