Statewide Lodging Tax Not Supported by Local Senator

Come January 1 of 2021, Wyoming will have a 5% statewide lodging tax, with funds collected being split between the state and the local levels. At least one local legislator is unhappy with the passage of House Bill 134 as Senator Dave Kinskey has been a vocal opponent. 

60% of the funds raised through the new tax will go to support the Wyoming Office of Tourism while the other 40% will go to the local county and municipalities that the money originated from. For areas that already have a local bed tax in place, the 2% of the statewide tax that is allocated for the local level will take the place of 2% of the existing tax, effectively adding only 3% of new taxation to those areas. For instance the total lodging tax in Sheridan County starting next year will be 7% even though the current rate is 4% and the additional tax is set at 5%. Kinskey elaborated on the idea that the state office of tourism seems to spend more resources on promoting specific areas rather than the state as a whole. 

The local delegation was split on this issue with Representatives Mark Kinner, Richard Tass, and Cyrus Western voting in favor of the measure on concurrence and Representative Mark Jennings opposed. Senators Kinskey and Bo Biteman voted against the bill on 3rd reading. You can view the legislation by followoing this link https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2020/HB0134.