Editor:

I see the Wyoming governor and state legislature have put a lump of coal in the Wyomingites stockings this year. Gov. Gordon mentioned, in a Uinta County Herald Op-Ed dated Dec. 6, a fact that the state experiences financial swings of boom and bust.

If I am not mistaken, we are experiencing a bust, so I am surprised that Gov. Gordon and the Wyoming State Legislature are placing needed funds in a rainy-day fund when it is snowing! It would be prudent and aligned with our conservative values to save funds, but after we assist our current citizenry in need.

Let me review just three issues of many that Wyoming families are facing.

Property taxes are increasing out of control. Given the property tax rate has not changed, the higher property values are a result of increased housing demands during a severe housing shortage. Perhaps investing in affordable housing might be a reasonable solution. Repurposing existing abandoned state and county buildings would be a good start.

The cost of electricity and natural gas is rising. Recent proposed increases in the cost of electricity and natural gas will challenge fixed- and low-income residents. Wyomingites should not have to choose between food, housing, or light/heat during our winters — or any other part of the year.

Our available medical services are sparse and, in some areas, nonexistent. (We do have great veterinarians though.) For the southwest residents of the state of Wyoming, we have the best medical services available that the state of Utah can provide; we are just an Air-Med flight away.

The mental health package touted by the governor is late in coming and a mere fraction of what is needed to ensure mental health resources are available to curb Wyoming’s high suicide rate. It would be to our advantage to invest in expanding medical capabilities and services.

Not all Wyoming residents can afford medical insurance; the state should assist in obtaining low-cost policies for disadvantaged Wyoming families.

The Grinch was able to be rehabilitated; unfortunately, I do not believe it is possible for our current state leadership to see their error.

David M. Slaughter

Evanston