From the desk of House Majority Floor Leader Chip Neiman

As I write this column, the 67th budget session of the Wyoming Legislature is now underway. We are on day five of Wyoming's budget session, which is a shorter, 20-day yearly legislative session primarily focused on prioritizing the state's budget needs.

As in the past, I have gone into this session concentrated on controlling and limiting the growth of government. That means closely examining any and all appropriations coming before the House of Representatives – bearing in mind that every dollar allocated comes from the hard work of Wyoming people.

Beyond the budget, more than 220 bills have been filed in the House, and the Senate has more than 130 senate files. Any bill that is not the budget bill requires 2/3 approval before it's even considered.

From there, the bills will go through the regular legislative process. It won't be long before bills will be heard in opposite chambers. Today, Friday, February 16, is the last day for a bill to be introduced, meaning time is getting scarce.

HB0127 Property tax exemption-specified real property is one of my highest priorities. This bill would help in shielding Wyoming families from the swings in property taxes many people in our state have faced in recent years. We know folks need relief and they need it now.

This bill would cap property tax hikes for residential and commercial properties at three percent or the rate of change in median household income for the county where the property is located– whichever is lower. This is the most expedient way the Legislature can provide immediate help to Wyoming citizens.

HB0008 Commercial driver license-hazardous materials endorsement is a bill inspired by Moorcroft's own Will Zilka of Blakeman Propane. I am the proud originator of this bill that will help solve a critical workforce shortage issue hindering the key transfer of hazardous materials like propane within Wyoming.

This bill would allow for Commercial Drivers License (CDL) drivers between ages 18-21 to receive a hazardous materials endorsement for a CDL to transport hazardous materials within Wyoming, aligning us with our neighboring states Montana, Nebraska and North Dakota.

I want to thank Will for bringing this very important issue forward. I am also grateful to the Chairmen of the Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee, Senator Boner and Representative Brown for recognizing the need to address this issue and quickly shepherding it through the process before the session began so it could be considered.

I am happy to report that this bill is gaining traction and I hope to report back on good progress.

HB128 The Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act provides all Wyoming families with a choice in their child's education. This does not inch our State toward the establishment of universal pre-K, unlike other school choice bills being considered this session.

It is my privilege to serve you as I continue to fight to ensure Wyoming remains the best place on earth. Please email me at chip.neiman@wyoleg.gov with your views, questions or concerns about bills being debated during this session.