Author Archives: Keith Phucas

Public Utilities: The Current State of Affairs

Utility costs for a business aren’t cheap. Roger Hovel, who own Crow Creek Meat Processing in Cheyenne, keeps a close eye on his monthly bill – especially his electricity usage. But given the numerous separate charges, fees and taxes reflected … Continue reading

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Natural Gas Vehicle Industry Surviving Without Government Subsidies

The country’s plentiful supply of natural gas at prices far below gasoline appear to be the perfect free market incentive for the fledgling natural gas-powered vehicle industry to expand. So why is it necessary for the Wyoming government to loan … Continue reading

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Finally a Decision on Medicaid Expansion, But Not a Final Decision

After straddling the fence for the last five months on whether or not to expand Medicaid in Wyoming, Gov. Matt Mead has decided his answer is “no.” At least for now. Though the governor denied the Department of Health’s request … Continue reading

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Independent Retailers Balk at Proposed Fuel Tax Hike

Two Cheyenne service station owners are staunchly opposed to a proposed 10-cent state fuel tax increase being floated around to pay for maintaining Wyoming’s highways, roads and bridges. Currently, the total tax on each gallon of gasoline in Wyoming is … Continue reading

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Despite Secretary of State’s Proposed “Cuts,” Budget Grows 8.6 Percent

One clever way for a state agency to avoid the budget axe when pleading its case before a legislative committee is to invoke statutory mandates. Such was the case with Wyoming’s Deputy Secretary of State. Continue reading

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Wyoming School Choices Few and Far Between

CHEYENNE – Nearly seven years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, Louisiana boasts the country’s most ambitious school voucher plan that would pay for students to attend public, private or charter schools of their choice. When the voucher program began … Continue reading

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