(Lander, WY) – Around 200 people gathered at the Lander Community Center last Friday for the Fremont County Legislative Preview Luncheon hosted by the Lander Chamber of Commerce. A panel of four Fremont County lawmakers spoke at the event ahead of the upcoming session in Cheyenne.
The panel included Rep. Ivan Posey (D–District 33), Rep. Pepper Ottman (R–District 34), Rep. Lloyd Larsen (R–District 54), and Sen. Cale Case (R–District 25). Students from Lander Valley and Riverton High Schools were also in attendance and took part in the public question-and-answer session during the event.
Each legislator offered opening remarks on a 5-minute timer, regarding the priorities and challenges they expect to face in Cheyenne this year. Sen. Case described the moment as a turning point for Wyoming, pointing to proposed changes that could impact long-standing state programs and funding for community services.
“This is an important time in Wyoming’s history,” said Case. “I think we’re looking at a big change coming down the pipe.”
Case mentioned potential cuts to the Wyoming Business Council and health care funding, including Medicaid. He also reminded the audience that Wyoming’s per capita income growth is the lowest among surrounding states and that its population is aging faster than its neighbors.
“We’re at a turning point where we really have to think about funding our communities and community services,” he said.
Rep. Lloyd Larsen focused his remarks on explaining how the state budget process works, breaking down how revenues are allocated and how fiscal years differ between the state and federal governments. He took time to explain the process in simple terms, especially for the students in the room.
Rep Pepper Ottman highlighted her work across several legislative committees, including health, agriculture, social services, and tribal affairs, noting that it’s been a very busy year as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming session.
Rep. Ivan Posey reflected on last year’s “unconventional” session, which was his first, and spoke about the importance of better understanding the Wind River Reservation.
“The Wind River Reservation is one of the least understood parts of Wyoming,” said Posey. “People don’t know much about the tribal systems, the tribal struggles, and the tribal strengths.”
Posey, while acknowledging himself to be the newest member of the panel, also emphasized the community’s values and the importance of keeping young people in Wyoming.
“I hate to see kids leave Wyoming,” said Posey. “We need to try to make Wyoming a place for our young people to stay.”
During the Q and A session, audience member Sarah Reilley asked how legislators plan to work together amid growing political polarization. Case said recent shifts in the Legislature have changed how bills move through the chambers, including the growing influence of the Freedom Caucus. He spoke of himself as one of a small group of moderate Republicans in the Senate working to build rapport across party lines.
“I don’t represent just conservative Republicans, or even just Republicans,” said Case. “I represent everyone in my district.”
Another audience member, Fremont County Commissioner Mike Jones, asked what role the state government should play in economic development. Posey said lawmakers need a better understanding of different parts of the state so that they can better help people. Larsen defended the Wyoming Business Council as a tool to help the state compete for new jobs and investments.
“Without an entity in state government, I think we fail at providing businesses with direction and resources, “ said Larsen. “It’s critical if we want to be able to compete with other states.”
Riverton High School student Paxton Yeates asked how lawmakers plan to ensure schools are well-funded. Larsen pointed to the work of the state’s school funding recalibration committee. Ottman noted that education is funded first because it is constitutionally required.
“Funding ends up affecting classroom size, and it’s especially felt in smaller districts,” she said.
Posey added that, recently, more Native educators are teaching in tribal schools, and stressed the importance of creating opportunities for students after graduation.
Lander Valley High student Lincoln Hitchcock followed up with a question about how the state plans on keeping young people in Wyoming. Case immediately answered that cutting funding to the University of Wyoming would move the state in the wrong direction.
“We want good public schools, and we don’t need to rob them,” he said, as he encouraged students to stay engaged and to vote in elections.
Larsen said long-term economic opportunity is essential to retaining young people, adding the need to attract businesses that offer strong wages and career paths.
Ottman chimed in that the state must retain its rural air services and expand on vocational education. She also questioned whether some of the University of Wyoming programs align with the workforce’s needs. Ottman cited courses such as queer studies, Marxism, ecofeminism, and whiteness in rodeo, stating that she believes the university should refocus on its original agricultural and mechanical mission.
As the luncheon wrapped up, other questions and answers touched on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data centers, as well as concerns about Wyoming becoming a nuclear waste storage site.
The 2026 Wyoming Budget Session is scheduled to begin on February 9.