Leadership that delivered results

Wyoming’s budget session began with the kind of numbers that usually lead to a political brawl. The House and Senate versions of the state budget were about $170 million apart, and many expected weeks of stalemate before lawmakers could close the gap.

Instead, something different happened.

The Legislature got to work.

Lawmakers ultimately approved a $9.99 billion two-year budget, and Gov. Mark Gordon signed it into law. The compromise came together faster than many predicted. Both chambers gave ground where necessary while protecting priorities that matter to Wyoming communities.

That kind of result requires steady leadership and a willingness to focus on practical outcomes rather than political theater.

Sen. Barry Crago and Rep. Marilyn Connolly, both of Buffalo, deserve a great deal of credit for their hard work for the people of Wyoming.

Sen. Crago was among those pushing the Senate to restore key pieces of the governor’s original budget after deeper cuts earlier in the process. The Senate’s position reflected a simple principle: fiscal discipline matters, but cutting alone is not governing. Wyoming can remain conservative while still funding the institutions that keep communities working and the economy competitive.

That approach meant restoring support for the University of Wyoming, a workforce pipeline and research engine for the state. It meant maintaining at least some funding for the Wyoming Business Council, ensuring communities still have tools to compete for jobs and economic development. And it meant restoring state employee pay increases, acknowledging the reality that Wyoming must offer competitive salaries if it expects to recruit and retain qualified professionals.

Rep. Connolly also helped shape the final budget in practical ways. She successfully pushed lawmakers to fund two wildland firefighting modules, strengthening Wyoming’s ability to respond quickly when fires threaten communities and rangeland.

Her argument was simple: funding only one module would be like building half a bridge. It doesn’t get you where you need to go.

The Legislature agreed.

Lawmakers also approved an $87 million renovation of the Veterans’ Home of Wyoming in Buffalo through the state’s capital construction bill. The project will modernize the facility and improve care for Wyoming veterans. In a state with Wyoming’s military tradition, that investment is not controversial. It is simply common sense.

No budget is perfect. But this year’s process showed that with hard work and a focus on results instead of rhetoric, progress is still possible.

Sen. Crago and Rep. Connolly demonstrated exactly that kind of leadership.

Johnson County and Wyoming are both better for it.