State of Wyoming

From Sustaining Jackson Hole Wiki

The Wyoming Legislature serves three roles in the state: to create state laws and policies; to raise and appropriate revenue for state government; and to oversee the laws and policies it approves. Legislators are required by law to meet no more than 60 days every two years – 40 days during general sessions (held during odd-numbered years) and 20 days during budget sessions (held during even-numbered years). Both the governor and legislature itself can call legislators into special session to address matters that require immediate attention.

The executive branch – the governor – administers laws that have been passed by the legislature, and can also veto them. A veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in each house of the legislature. The governor also directs state policy and appoints state agency department heads subject to approval by the legislature. The judicial branch interprets laws passed by the legislature when they are challenged.

State government also consists of a wide range of state agencies that oversee everything from transportation and economic development to health and human services and wildlife. Some specific state agencies maintain offices in Teton County, including the Department of Transportation, the Game and Fish Department, the Employment Department, the Department of Family Services, and the Department of Health.

Teton County residents have a voice in state government through five elected representatives to the Wyoming Legislature. Teton County has two senators and three representatives in the house. Two of those representatives represent portions of other counties, as do both senators.

More information about the state is available at www.state.wy.us.

Source: State of Wyoming Legislative Service Office