Page 1 of 15
•V
^ ^?
0,
<e
SSs, .'£
^
•A,
^ %s »1
I '»l:i :^ * L& ) <•-*» %IS! ^ ^
^^ ^
[s ?p^•^
Governor Mark Gordon's
State of the State Address
To the 68th Wyoming Legislature
January 15,2025
State Capitol
Good morning President Biteman, Speaker Neiman and members of the 68th Legislature -
congratulations on your opportunity to serve the people of this great state. What an honor to take
that oath. I appreciated the seriousness and spirituality of yesterday's opening remarks in each of
your chambers.
The First Lady and I thank you for the invitation to join you today. Whenever I come into this
chamber, I am drawn to the stirring murals on these walls. They serve as reminders of the
singular history forged by those who placed hope in Wyoming and tmst in those who serve in
this building.
Nationally, Wyoming is recognized as a leader and a problem solver. One recent story
highlighted the amazing work of the Wyoming Hunger Initiative - the effort of so many
volunteers spearheaded by First Lady Jennie. The Hunger Initiative has catalyzed good folks
across this state to grow a little more in their garden; purchase and process 4-H and FFA
livestock at local fairs and rodeos; donate livestock; and - what impressed the reporter - provide
options for hunters who may want to donate a bit of their harvest. Our First Lady is Wyoming
through and through - she not only takes care of her neighbors, but she hunts, ranches, runs a
business and loves her family. Thank you Jennie, for all you do for us in Wyoming.
Yet another national story noted the success of Wyoming's Freedom Caucus candidates. Others
pointed to our leadership in energy, natural resource management, finance, and digital assets. All
of these highlighted Wyoming's pioneering, persevering, can-do spirit.
And there's good news on how we govern. Wyoming has the third-lowest tax burden in the
country, according to Virtual Capitalist dot com. It's nice to know we are being recognized
nationally for having the same spirit we see on these walls and in this room.
200 WEST 24TH STREET
CHEYENNE, WY 82002-0010
MARK GORDON
GOVERNOR OF WYOMING
307.777.7434 • GOVERNOR@WYO.GOV
HTTP://GOVERNOR.WYO.GOV
Page 2 of 15
68th State of the State
January 15,2025
Page 2
Recognition of the electeds and justices
That spirit is fired by those that serve public positions and those that step up in their jobs and as
volunteers. Some of them are here with us today.
I'll begin by acknowledging Secretary of State Gray, Auditor Racines, Treasurer Meier, and
Superintendent Degenfelder. The commitment each of you show to our state is extraordinary.
Together, with, at times, spirited discussion, we have worked to serve the people well, as the
Constitution envisioned the Executive Branch should.
Justices Boomgaarden, Gray, Fenn, and Jarosh - who is here for his first opening of the
Legislature as a Justice - I want to thank you for your resolute service on behalf of the citizens of
this state. I do want to take a moment to say what an honor it has been to serve with Chief Justice
Kate Fox. Clearly Chief, you will leave a singular legacy when you retire this spring. Thank you
for your service, and for your leadership of our State's highest court. Please join me in thanking
Chief Justice Kate Fox.
I am privileged to recognize Chairman Wayland Large of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and
Chairman Keenan Groesbeck of the Northern Arapaho Tribe. They are friends, fellow citizens of
this great state as well as leaders of their sovereign nations. The Tribes and Wyoming have
accomplished a great deal over the past few years through honest and open dialogue. I thank you
for your partnership and look forward to continued good work in the years to come.
Members of the legislature, please join me in welcoming these tribal leaders.
I'm also pleased to say that Wyoming has stepped up and played a role in helping secure our
southern border. Once again, this past year Wyoming sent law enforcement personnel to Texas to
help secure our borders. Trooper Logan Kelly anda contingent of our Highway Patrol travelled
to Eagle Pass, Texas to give overworked Texas Rangers a break. And Texas returned the favor,
sending folks to Natrona County in June as part of a clinic Sheriff Hariin organized to brief
Wyoming law enforcement. Just last Thursday, Governor Abbott thanked me for the
commitment the people of Wyoming have shown to securing our borders.
Please members, now is a time to let Trooper Kelly and all those who stood watch on our
southern border know how much we appreciate their sacrifice.
Wyoming people also thank those who step forward as the sword and the shield of this great
state. Members of our National Guard are warriors and guardians. Today more than 500 of our
200 WEST 24TH STREET
CHEYENNE, WY 82002-0010
MARK GORDON
GOVERNOR OF WYOMING
307.777.7434 • GOVERNOR@WYO.GOV
HTTP://GOVERNOR.WYO.GOV
Page 3 of 15
68th State of the State
January 15,2025
Page 3
soldiers, airmen and women are deployed in the Middle East and South America protecting our
freedoms. Others will soon travel to help secure the inauguration in Washington DC.
At this very moment, Wyoming Air Guard members are flying critical missions in California
fighting the devastating wildfires there, just as firefighters from California have helped us in the
past. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of southern California.
The men and women of our Air and Army Guard are exceptional, and essential to our country's
security and our safety. We thank their families and hold them in our hearts while their loved
ones are away. If you know the family of a deployed member of our National Guard, be
generous and appreciative. It is not an easy time. Keep them in our prayers.
Major General Porter is here today, and I ask you to join me in letting him and the Guard know
how firmly Wyoming stands behind them. General, would you stand so that we can recognize
you, and all those who serve in our Army and Air Guards. Let's also show our appreciation for
their families.
Beyond those serving actively, Wyoming appreciates everyone who has served. And we will not
forget our Missing in Action or our Prisoners of War. We pray every day that they may come
home.
Service is hard and it can leave scars. Injury does not always come from an enemy combatant.
Wounds can include long-lasting physical, emotional, or psychological impacts. Far too many of
our best struggle to the point of breaking. Sadly, too many veterans and others in Wyoming are
grappling with suicidal thoughts.
I am proud to say we continue to rise to that challenge, incorporating a variety of approaches
from assisting churches and community mental health centers, to providing training and
motivation to peers. The Wyoming way is to offer help when we see a neighbor struggling.
Wyoming should be a place of hope. One where people come together to make a difference.
One veteran who is stepping forward to serve his fellow comrades-in-anns is George DeBono II.
He is one of the peer coaches for Veterans Talking to Veterans, a support program now in more
than a dozen Wyoming communities.
George and his fellow coaches provide a trained and understanding ear, one which shares the
experience of military and combat service. George's leadership and support of our local veterans
is a reminder that together - if we care - we can make a positive difference in the life of one
another.
200 WEST 24TH STREET
CHEYENNE, WY 82002-0010
MARK GORDON
GOVERNOR OF WYOMING
307.777.7434 • GOVERNOR@WYO.GOV
HTTP://GOVERNOR.WYO.GOV