Bill to ax Wyoming Business Council fails, budget amendment still in play at session

CHEYENNE (WNE) — A measure to statutorily unwind the Wyoming Business Council has failed an introductory vote in the Senate, but an effort to defund the state’s economic development agency remains in the state’s 2027-28 biennium budget.

Sen. Dan Laursen, R-Powell, said that Senate File 65, “Wyoming business council-repeal,” sponsored by the Joint Appropriations Committee, would have rectified growing concern over the agency’s efficacy.

Since its creation in 1998, the WBC has received around $1 billion, or $35 million annually, in state funding, according to Laursen.

“Many constituents question the major return on that investment, and the extent of job and business growth attributable to the council’s work,” Laursen said. “A recurring concern by the Joint Appropriations Committee, and by the people I represent, is whether it is the proper role of government to incentivize private businesses with public dollars.”

SF 65 failed in a 10-21 introductory vote.

However, in mid-January, the Joint Appropriations Committee agreed to defund the council’s budget, leaving $2 million to administer existing loans in an amendment to Gov. Mark Gordon’s 2027-28 budget recommendation.

The budget bill must be approved by both the Senate and the House, with any discrepancies between bodies reconciled, as well. Those discussions will happen throughout the 21-day legislative session that began Monday.

In an open mic virtual meeting last week, WBC CEO Josh Dorrell said his agency helps the state compete on a broad economic stage and works to build strong communities. 

In his State of the State address Monday morning, Gordon urged the lawmakers to fund, and not dismantle, the organization.

This story was published on Feb. 10, 2026.