Release from the office of Governor Mark Gordon’s office:
Governor Mark Gordon vetoed HB 38/ HEA No. 0021 Per diem rates, calling the bill flawed though well intended.
“House Bill 38 is in my estimation flawed. It seeks to raise the per diem rate for legislative duty in general, and then reduces that compensation by half during a legislative session for those serving within a 25-mile radius of the Wyoming capitol building. As such the bill seems solely prejudiced against legislators living within a 25-mile radius of the State capitol. ”
“I am, therefore, vetoing House Bill 38. In doing so I again commend the legislature for their consideration of this topic and recommend reconsideration in the intervening year.
“If such a bill is eventually passed, the Legislature might consider implementing such changes at the beginning rather in the middle of a legislator’s term of office, thus providing predictability for those weighing whether or not to run for office.”
