The Wyoming 2026 Legislative Budget Session begins February 9, 2026. Are you ready? This is an opportunity to observe and participate in American freedom in action, my friend. 

 

The legislature is one of the three branches of our American governance system. While most of us are inundated with political messaging these days, it seems we don’t often pause to analyze and understand the process and design beauty of the great American Experiment. 

 

Lawmaking starts in our state and federal legislatures. In Wyoming, we have a citizen legislature composed of part-time, elected representatives and senators from across the state. This is a distinctive characteristic of our statehouse. We do not have professional, full-time lawmakers. We have neighbors, friends, and adversaries who have won elections in their districts coming together once a year during the legislative session to debate and fine-tune or dismiss suggested changes to our state laws. 

 

I encourage you to follow their actions. If at all possible, visit Cheyenne and spend some time in the galleries of both houses or in committee rooms listening to discussions and watching votes. Is there contention and disagreement that many find distasteful? Of course. But guess what? That’s part of the legislators’ job. They are to bring the views of their constituencies into the legislative arena for debate, as our governing laws are designed and then sent into the other branches for approval, veto, or ultimately judicial review as case law develops. 

 

Aside from contention, you’ll also see legislators supporting each other’s work and striving to make Wyoming a better place to live, work, and bring up future generations. These actions represent the shared community interests and values that become points of agreement and compromise. Again, that’s part of the legislators’ job. 

 

Because we live in a constitutional republic, Americans have traditionally held the view that representative government allows for diverse viewpoints and opportunities to work together to find what is in the best interest of the majority of the people. The constant friction in politics is this battleground of ideas, wherein some views and strategies for community living will prevail, and others will not. Often, those ideas that are not immediately accepted will appear repeatedly in political discussions and legislative bills and either gain larger community acceptance, or not, over time. 

 

So, where does this system put you and me, the ordinary citizens not elected to public office? We are key participants in the system, and our engagement is needed! We vote. We speak with our representatives and senators to share information and suggestions, and we testify before legislative committees to inform them of citizen opinions, experiences, and desires related to proposed bills. The individual has a voice in the process IF he or she chooses to use it. 

 

This brings me back to my original question. Are you ready for the legislature to convene in February? Being ready means taking action. Commit to engaging with the process actively. Explore these three starting points and use the following links to jumpstart your personal participation in our legislative process this year. 

 

  • Study www.wyoleg.com. I love Wyoming’s legislative website. It contains abundant information to help citizens learn about and follow legislative action. Spend time clicking and scrolling. I’ll cover some specifics in upcoming articles, but explore on your own and get familiar with the website.  
  • Get to know your Senators and Representatives. If you’re new to the process, locate your area to find names and contact info for those who represent you in your district. Click on your legislator’s name to read biographical information. Make contact, always being respectful, please, and ask questions. Share your concerns. 
  • Check out the Legislative Calendar. Check when committee meetings are held and what key dates are for the upcoming session. Can you get to Cheyenne in person? Are there key committee meetings you’d like to sit in on? Make plans now and reserve hotel rooms. Cheyenne gets busy during the Legislature. 

 

Self-governance only thrives when you, and many others, actively participate—whether you hold office or not. Take responsibility now to uphold freedom principles and government integrity. Don’t let apathy, inaction, or anger erode our community values or put our future at risk. Don’t risk the future of freedom for our children and grandchildren. 

 

Don’t let frustration or time challenges keep you from stepping up. Commit this year to getting involved. Make 2026 the year you actively participate—begin with the Wyoming State Legislature. Your engagement directly impacts our state, and ultimately, our nation.  

 

Remember the design beauty I mentioned above? That’s part of what I hope you discover as you engage with our State Legislature. When I sat in on my very first legislative session, I became fascinated with the process. I loved watching citizens from all over the state work together to discuss the matters important to the state I love. My hope for you is that you will take the opportunity to discover the power of collective self-governance amid today’s contentious landscape. Step forward and help shape the possibilities and opportunities inherent in citizen led government. 

 

“Never assume freedom will be there when you need it. Pursue it with all diligence and understanding of how to maintain it.” Donna K. Rice