Wyoming Lawmakers Clash Over Budget Cuts as Senate Restores Funding

The state's House and Senate take divergent paths on the budget, setting up a showdown.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Wyoming lawmakers are at odds over the state's next two-year budget, with the Republican-led House proposing deep cuts and the Senate voting to restore much of the funding. The House's budget plan, crafted by the Joint Appropriations Committee, included dismantling the state's economic development agency, defunding Wyoming Public Media, and making significant reductions to the University of Wyoming and the Department of Health. However, the Senate quickly voted to amend the budget bill and revert it back to Gov. Mark Gordon's recommendations, adding over $253 million in restored funding. This sets the stage for a clash between the two chambers as they work to reconcile their differences ahead of a final vote.

Why it matters

The budget battle in Wyoming reflects the broader political divisions within the state, with the more conservative House Freedom Caucus pushing for austerity measures and the Senate seeking to preserve funding for key state institutions and programs. The outcome will have significant implications for the state's economy, education system, and social services.

The details

In the Senate, a single amendment sponsored by 17 lawmakers, led by Sen. Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower, restored the budget to the governor's recommendations. Senate Majority Floor Leader Tara Nethercott said the amendment "reflects the will of the people" who want to see funding for the state's only university and other vital programs. Meanwhile, the House spent over an hour debating a similar amendment from Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, which ultimately failed. House lawmakers argued that accepting the governor's recommendations would undermine their constitutional authority over the budget process.

  • The Senate and House budget debates took place on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Both chambers are expected to continue considering amendments to the budget on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Mark Gordon

The Governor of Wyoming, whose budget recommendations were largely restored by the Senate.

Ogden Driskill

A Republican state senator from Devils Tower who sponsored the amendment to revert the budget to the governor's recommendations.

Tara Nethercott

The Republican Senate Majority Floor Leader, who said the Senate's amendment "reflects the will of the people".

Mike Yin

A Democratic state representative from Jackson who introduced an amendment similar to Driskill's in the House, which ultimately failed.

Jeremy Haroldson

A Republican state representative from Wheatland who argued that Yin's amendment would undermine the legislature's authority over the budget.

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What they’re saying

“This amendment, folks, is the BBA — big, beautiful amendment.”

— Ogden Driskill, State Senator (wyofile.com)

“The people of Wyoming have spoken. And they have said, 'fund our future.' And they have said, 'fund our only state university.' They said, 'these cuts feel punitive and retaliatory.' That's what my constituents said, and that's what I heard.”

— Tara Nethercott, Senate Majority Floor Leader (wyofile.com)

“What this does give us is a chance, in third reading, to decide, 'OK, where do we want to go from the governor's rec,' rather than the position of JAC, which, unfortunately, I cannot agree with.”

— Mike Yin, State Representative (wyofile.com)

What’s next

The House and Senate will continue to debate and amend the budget bill on Thursday, February 20, 2026, as they work to reconcile the differences between their respective versions.

The takeaway

The budget battle in Wyoming highlights the deep political divisions within the state, with the more conservative House pushing for austerity measures and the Senate seeking to preserve funding for key state institutions and programs. The outcome will have significant implications for Wyoming's future, and the legislative process will be closely watched as the two chambers work to find a compromise.