Governor Continues Push to Get Additional $20 Million in Property Tax Relief to the People of Wyoming

Governor Mark Gordon has submitted his first budget letter to the Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC), requesting $20 million to expand the Property Tax Refund program to provide additional targeted relief to Wyoming homeowners. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

Governor Gordon notes in the letter the impact of inflation on the citizens of Wyoming and that double-digit property value increases occurred in 20 of Wyoming’s 23 counties last year. Gordon, in the letter, said Wyoming’s homeowners continue to experience significant increases in property tax assessments, even as they wrestle with prices at the grocery store, in their utility bills, and in the many other necessary expenses of living and challenges remain for many low-to-moderate income Wyoming households struggling to afford what in many cases are significantly increased property tax bills and this issue is particularly acute for those on fixed incomes.

According to information from the Governor’s Office, the Property Tax Refund Program assists low-income taxpayers with rising property tax bills. In 2023 the Governor signed a bill that expanded eligibility requirements and relief. Last year, the program helped more than 9,000 Wyoming families,  with more than $8 million in refunds distributed, with the average refund being approximately $938. The Governor’s budget letters include several items previously included in his budget profile, and reflect some of his budget priorities and requests for the 2024-25 biennium. The 2024 Wyoming Legislative Budget Session will convene Monday, February 12 in Cheyenne.