The Wyoming Legislative Session has completed its first full week. What is the significance of this? Because of the unique schedule this year, it means that no more bills can be introduced after this point in the session. While next week is the budget week for the session, there will still be some non-budget legislation working through the committees throughout the week.

At this point, I will give you an update on a number of bills that we are paying attention to and help you stay active in the process.  The following table will list the bills and provide you with information as to where the bill is in the process.

 

We will be tracking these bills through the upcoming weeks. Be sure to stay tuned to changing developments.

Rest assured, Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming will represent you on these issues – we will be faithful to your trust in us!

Sincerely,


Nathan Winters
Executive Director

Children aren’t made one-size-fits-all, and schooling options shouldn’t be either. While public schools work great for some children, others need the opportunities of homeschooling, private school, or other educational alternatives.

Yet in reality, many Wyoming families simply can’t afford non-public school educational alternatives.

That is why we are thrilled to support a bill brought by Representative Sue Wilson, HB 106 (The Wyoming Education Options Act).  This bill has been carefully crafted to open educational freedom to more people while not infringing on the liberties we have now. We’re excited about this bill and hope that you’ll share your support by contacting your legislator today!

The bill allows families to be reimbursed for educational expenses (within limits) to provide their children the best education for them – whether at their local in-person public school, through online public school, homeschooling, private school, or another educational alternative. And, it does so in a way that is fiscally responsible (using existing funds!).

That’s great news for Wyoming families, including homeschoolers! Families could apply for reimbursement for curriculum, special classes, or other educational expenses.

Still, some have raised questions about how this would affect homeschool families. Allow me to clear up the answers to two common questions.

Would homeschoolers be required to participate? No. If you or someone you know is uncomfortable seeking reimbursement for your educational costs, there’s no need for you to worry about it! The program is entirely optional and is just for those who choose to participate.

If I participate as a homeschooler, will requirements change for me (including standardized testing)? The bill is careful to use language that aligns with existing homeschool law in Wyoming and does not mandate standardized testing.

Here’s what the bill does offer current or would-be homeschool families: the chance to save money while offering each child the best education for them. It’s the chance to create a wide open future for your child!

Right now, Wyoming ranks as one of the worst states in the union for education freedom.

Many families simply cannot afford educational options in our state. It is time we become a state that supports educational Freedom for every family in Wyoming.

To make this vision reality, though, our legislators need your support. Please contact your legislator today and let them know that not only is the Wyoming Education Options Act good for homeschoolers – it’s good for Wyoming!

It takes only a minute to contact them – and it could make the difference in the life of your child and other children across our great state.

Contact your Representative today!

For our children,

Nathan Winters
Executive Director

 

 

 

P.S. Once you’ve contacted your Representative, pass this message along to friends! Let our legislators know that Wyoming’s families want opportunity!

Friends,

Here it is! While the Legislative session has already convened in the virtual world, Next week starts the beginning of the in-person session for 2021. We have been waiting for this moment.

With the opening of legislative deliberation and lawmaking upon us, I thought I would share with you Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming’s priorities for the next month. We will advocate for bills that will:

1. Champion the sanctity of human life through pro-life legislation;
2. Defend the rights of parents to make medical decisions for their children, especially in instances where a medical doctor attempts to discontinue life-sustaining treatment for a child without the consent of the parents;
3. Protect the privacy and rights of girls in the face of the transgender movement, especially in school sports;
4. Uphold the integrity of government identification documents by requiring that only a person’s biological sex, and not their subjective gender identity, be printed on driver’s licenses and birth certificates;
5. Preserve religious freedom by opposing “Add the Words” and other SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) compromises.

Of course, Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming will help you stay updated as specific bills are introduced during the next couple months. And we will ask for your help, too! Biblical citizenship involves you and your friends contacting your representatives and making your voice heard on the legislation being considered.

These are exciting times. Please be praying.

Standing for Truth at the State Capitol,

Nathan Winters
Executive Director

P.S. With legislative session now underway, please commit yourselves to pray for your state legislators (every state legislative district has two representatives and one senator; you can enter your zip code and/or address to find yours in our Action Center).

Scripture instructs faithful believers that it is their biblical duty to “pray for those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2), knowing that God can guide the hearts of civil rulers (Proverbs 21:1). Ask that He give them an understanding of biblical justice, wisdom to make the appropriate decisions, and courage to stay committed to first principles (Exodus 18:21). And don’t forget to pray for their personal and spiritual wellbeing and for their families, too!

Use our Action Center to send a message to your legislators that you are praying for them. It is an easy way to bless them, and it only takes a minute!

Wyoming has launched the 2021 General Session of the Wyoming Legislature, but the launch was different than any other Legislative beginning in our state’s history. On January 12, the session was officially gaveled in remotely with our Governor addressing the state through the internet. The session then adjourned until January 27 for a 3-day session where they discussed the Committee bills they worked through this past year.

Each committee is meeting remotely to work on various committee bills. This provides a great opportunity for many people who are interested in participating in a committee hearing but have never been able to travel to Cheyenne. Now, you can attend hearings online through this link.

At this stage in the process, there are several committees we follow closely because legislation dealing with Life, Religious Freedom, and Family issues are usually assigned to them.

1. The Judiciary Committee.
   Bills relating to all three core issues can be found in the Judiciary Committee. That is because Judiciary deals with the specifics of how those issues interact with the law and the courts.
2. The Labor, Health, and Social Services Committee.
   Almost all bills relating to life and abortion will go through the House and Senate “Labor” committees. The committee addresses broad issues relating to end-of-life care and the care of the pre-born.
3. The Education Committee
   This committee is where the many of the vital issues regarding the future of our state are discussed. Issues such as school choice and parental rights in education are usually referred to this committee.

As you watch these committees at work, pray for them in their deliberations. Pray that timeless truths would be spoken in such a way that even those who do not believe in the Bible would see the wisdom found in the believers advocating for its truth.

Many of the bills we are interested in the most will be introduced after the Legislature begins to meet in person in March. Know that we will be paying attention and keeping you up-to-date as the session continues.

Please let your friends and family know how they can subscribe to our updates. Follow this link.

May God bless you as we serve Him together.

Nathan Winters
Executive Director

 

Over the interim between the 2020 Budget Session and the 2021 General Session, Legislators have been neck-deep in the chaos of lawmaking as well as elections and pandemic protocols. It’s intense, with long hours and pressures that can challenge legislators’ principles and the stability of their families.

Adding to that pressure, Wyoming has launched the 2021 General Session of the Wyoming Legislature. It will be different this year. On January 12, the session was officially gaveled in (started) remotely for the first time in history. They conducted opening ceremonies and received the Governor’s address and then adjourned until January 27 for a 3-day session in which they will discuss the Committee bills that have been worked through this past year.

Then, if everything goes according to plan, we may be able to start our regular legislative session on March 1.

With all of these things going on, your legislators will still carry the task of setting policies that will impact real people for good or for bad. The laws they pass will protect lives or end lives, will mislead children with twisted ideology or will protect them and help them flourish – and so much more.

It’s no wonder that one of the clearest directives we have in Scripture regarding our role in government is to pray for our leaders.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  (1Timothy 2:1-4)

Before the chaos starts, will you take a moment to let your legislators know you’re praying for them?

In all of this, Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming® will be involved – working with our state allies and letting you know at key times when you can make your voice heard on important legislation.

But before most of that happens, will you send a quick note to your legislators– thanking them for their service, acknowledging the burden of leadership, and letting them know that you are praying for them?

Thanks for praying for your legislators – and for Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming as we engage on pivotal legislation in 2021.

Nathan Winters
Executive Director

Dear Friends:

While the news has been consumed by coverage of the COVID-19 epidemic and we have all started to notice the lack of some goods in our stores, there are many other vital issues that still need our attention.

One of those is Senate File 97–Born Alive Infant–Means of Care legislation. This is the bill many of you called, wrote or personally drove to the Legislature to support.

Tomorrow is the deadline for the Governor to sign the bill. I am asking you to write an email or call the Governor and politely ask him to sign Senate File 97 into law. Simply click here and you can send him a message in 30 seconds.

After you have sent the message through our Action Center, please forward or share this message with other pro-life family members and friends in your area. It is important that Governor Gordon hear from as many people as possible. Time is of the essence.

Thank you for making your voice heard and for standing for the unborn children of Wyoming.

Sincerely,

Nathan Winters
Executive Director

Dear Friends:

The 2020 Legislative Session just drew to a close and it was an exciting year for the Inaugural Session for the new Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming!

At about 6:30 PM, after a full day in the legislature, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a Born Alive Infant Protection Act (SF 97) by a margin of 44-16!

This bill, if signed by the Governor, will prohibit doctors from allowing babies to die if they’re born alive after a botched abortion. Born Alive requires that doctors must provide the same life-saving medical care as they would for any other infant.

In addition to Born Alive passing, legislation was also passed that would prohibit the University of Wyoming from funding elective abortions. Governor Gordon has approved this effort and thankfully it is now law!

We’re proud of the Wyoming Legislature and Governor Gordon for showing that they believe in the dignity of human life.

But we still need the Governor to sign the Born Alive Infant Protection Act! Please politely encourage Governor Gordon to sign Born Alive (SF 97) into law by clicking here! Our easy action message will also thank him for approving the prohibition of elective abortions by the University of Wyoming.

After you have sent the message through our Action Center, please forward or share this message with other pro-life family members and friends in your area. It is important that Governor Gordon hear from as many people as possible.

Finally, if your State Senator and Representative supported these bills, please let them know how much you appreciate them. In Wyoming, we have the privilege of being represented by our friends and neighbors, we can get to know them personally. I encourage you to get to know your Legislators. Consider inviting them for coffee and find out how you can pray for them and bear their burdens with them (Galatians 6:2).

We know we can make a difference in Wyoming because we just saw what God did through you over this past month!

Thank you for making your voice heard and for standing for the unborn children of Wyoming.

Sincerely,

The Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming Team

Dear Friends:

In case you haven’t heard the good news, Senate File 97, Born Alive Infant-Means of Care, passed the Wyoming Senate by a vote of 23-7. Now it goes to the House of Representatives, where your voice of support is needed!

This bill is a small but very important change in the Wyoming statutes, providing greater clarity on preserving the lives of infants who have survived an attempted abortion. It ensures that they will be shown the dignity and care that all mankind should be treated with when struggling for their lives.

Standing for the Human Dignity of infants born alive is really a stand for the Human Dignity of all. When an infant is born, there should be a bipartisan recognition that this vulnerable human should be given, as the bill states, “medically appropriate and reasonable steps to preserve the life and health of the infant born alive.”

During Senate testimony last week, several young ladies drove over from the University of Wyoming and gave powerful testimony in support of the bill and impacted the senators with their testimonies. While a few hardline abortionists came to express their opposition to the bill, they were FAR outnumbered by a chamber packed with supporters of this common-sense life-affirming bill. In her closing remarks, Senator Cheri Steinmetz, the sponsor of the bill, asked for those in support of the bill to stand, and almost the entire room stood representing the overwhelming support from across Wyoming for the Human Dignity of infants.

It is now time to alert your State Representative about how you feel about this important piece of legislation. Simply click here and you can send him or her a message in 30 seconds.

After you have sent the message through our Action Center, please forward or share this message with other pro-life family members and friends in your area. It is important that the Wyoming Senate hear from as many people as possible.

Thank you for making your voice heard and for standing for the unborn children of Wyoming.

Sincerely,

The Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming Team

We’re a little over halfway through the 2020 legislative session and Friday was the point in the session called “crossover.” Crossover marks the part of the session when bills that made it through the chamber they originated in “cross-over” to the other chamber (i.e. from the Senate to the House of Representatives or vice versa). This means an intense sprint took place to introduce and shepherd legislation through the process in what is the shortest legislative session in the nation.

In the midst of the “mad-dash” of a Wyoming Budget session, several victories happened, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share them with you.

• Wyoming Budget- Two of the same bills (“mirror amendments”) passed the House and Senate last week which will prohibit funding from covering elective abortions at the University of Wyoming. Thanks to Representative Chuck Gray’s intense research to uncover this quiet use of our taxpayer dollars, if this legislation is signed by the governor, this will be a victory for life in our state.
• Senate File 97– Senator Cheri Steinmetz brought this legislation that will ensure babies born after a botched abortion are shown basic human dignity and provided with life-saving treatment and emergency care. This legislation has already passed the Senate and will most likely be heard in the House this week!
• House Bill 197-In the House of Representatives, Representative Richard Tass sponsored House Bill 197-48 hour waiting period. This bill places a time period in law giving women seeking an abortion an opportunity to think about and read the “informed-consent” information and look at an ultrasound of their baby as they make this vastly important decision regarding the life of another human being. Stories abound of women, pressured by parents, abusive boyfriends, or others to have an abortion, having terrible regret after the fact. This legislation allows for genuine informed consent from the mother before the child is aborted.

Over the past few weeks, it has brought me such joy to see a tremendous coalition of partners from across the state develop in support of these efforts! Folks from across the state emailed, called and some have even driven through snow to testify in committee.

While we are thrilled with the progress these bills have made, they are only halfway through the process. We will be reaching out to you over the next two weeks to contact your legislators through our Action Center and encourage them to stand for life.

It is evident that Wyoming has thousands of people like you who want a state where life is cherished, religious freedom flourishes, and families thrive. Let’s continue to advance the cause of Biblical Citizenship!

Sincerely,

Nathan Winters
Advocacy Director

Dear Friends:

In case you haven’t heard the good news, Senate File 97, Born Alive Infant-Means of Care, passed the Senate Labor, Health, and Social Services Committee by a vote of 4-1. Now it goes to the full Senate, where your voice of support is needed!

This bill is a small but very important change in the Wyoming statutes, providing greater clarity on preserving the lives of infants who have survived an attempted abortion. It ensures that they will be shown the dignity and care that all mankind should be treated with when struggling for their lives.

Standing for the Human Dignity of infants born alive is really a stand for the Human Dignity of all. When an infant is born, there should be a bipartisan recognition that this vulnerable human should be given, as the bill states, “medically appropriate and reasonable steps to preserve the life and health of the infant born alive.”

Several young ladies drove over from the University of Wyoming and gave powerful testimony in support of the bill and impacted the senators with their testimonies. While a few hardline abortionists came to express their opposition to the bill, they were FAR outnumbered by a chamber packed with supporters of this common-sense life-affirming bill. In her closing remarks, Senator Cheri Steinmetz, the sponsor of the bill, asked for those in support of the bill to stand, and almost the entire room stood representing the overwhelming support from across Wyoming for the Human Dignity of infants.

It is now time to alert your State Senator about how you feel about this important piece of legislation. Simply click here and you can send him a message in 30 seconds.

After you have sent the message through our Action Center, please forward or share this message with other pro-life family members and friends in your area. It is important that the Wyoming Senate hear from as many people as possible.

Thank you for making your voice heard and for standing for the unborn children of Wyoming.

Sincerely,

The Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming Team