Letter to the Editor: We need and want less taxes

Dear Editor:

I write this letter in support of Proposition 1.  The 40% of Wyoming voters who live on a fixed income, along with young families buying their first home, will benefit.  Consider the following: Residential property taxes increased 63% from 2019 to 2025, inflation increased expenses for all (including the government) 34%. Statewide county revenues (taxpayer money given to the government) increased 54%, county expenses rose 47%, surplus money (unspent taxpayer dollars) collected by Big Horn County during the same period was $4 million, the county now has $18 million in cash reserves. 

Do you see the problem here?  Residential property taxes have outpaced inflation by 29% and expenses have outpaced inflation by 13%, so don’t listen to the argument that “government needs more money because of inflation.” Government simply “wants” more money.  There is clearly room for a modest reduction in residential property taxes.  The legislature has already instituted a 25% “homeowner” and a 50% “long term” homeowner tax exemption with no “backfill,” I might add, available since 2025.  

According to the Legislative Services Office and Department of Revenue in Cheyenne, the difference between Prop 1 and current exemptions will be about $40,000, with more money available to our county under Prop 1. State and county governments have $42 billion in cash reserves, all can be accessed by our government simply by a vote, don’t listen to the story “it is earmarked” for other uses.  A small portion of the “investment return” on these reserves could be used to “backfill” the “hardship” counties and “special districts” if needed.  

Cheyenne officials need to do their job.  More taxes, from sales tax, income tax or any other tax is not needed, Wyoming has plenty of money.  Do not listen to those that claim, “the sky is falling.”  To be clear, the “sky has already fallen” thanks to the exemptions the legislature has already enacted.  Where were all the people hollering when this was done?  It is important to vote in favor of Prop 1 to send the government a clear message, We need and want less taxes and more accountability from our elected officials. ALL the above referenced percentages and dollar amounts were compiled from Wyoming government entities.

More important, consider the race for Governor, a race between a committed, conservative woman, Rebecca Bextel, and a Democrat pretending to be Republican like many other politicians in our state, Eric Barlow. Look up his record. He is not conservative. If you are so inclined, call me at 307-272-4550. 

Phil Hartman

Basin