Issue Position: Fiscal Responsibility

Issue Position

I am committed to ensuring the people of Wyoming receive a good return on their tax dollars by staying true to our fiscally conservative values. We are blessed to have a significant amount in savings because we have adhered to these values in the past; it will take a significant effort to continue that commitment moving forward. As the state faces a serious decline in revenue and an uncertain economic future, we need to remind ourselves that Wyoming's per capita government spending is three times the national average.

The 2016 budget session required difficult but necessary decisions. We reduced general fund spending by $400 million, putting us on a more sustainable fiscal path. Under current conditions, we have sufficient savings to maintain responsible spending for the 8-10 years. We accomplished this task by finding efficiencies in state agencies and eliminating redundant programs. I will continue to contribute my budget cutting experience as a military officer and the fiscally conservative principles required to make ends meet as a farmer and rancher to the legislature as we navigate the difficult times ahead.

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