Mayors push lawmakers to consider tax options amid budget crisis

CHEYENNE – With Wyoming facing a projected $1.5 billion revenue shortfall over the next two years, a few mayors from across the state asked lawmakers Monday to start seriously considering new taxation options.

In response to the budget crisis – which emerged from long-term declines in Wyoming’s energy industries and was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic – the state has already cut about 10% of its state agency budgets, totaling about $250 million.

But for mayors who testified to the state Legislature’s Joint Revenue Committee on Monday, cuts alone won’t be enough.

Cody Mayor Matt Hall told...