Two Republicans Distance Selves From Anti-Tax-Hike Pledge
Two of Wyoming’s three Republicans in Congress have signed a pledge to never raise taxes. The Taxpayer Protection Pledge is vilified by critics who say its sponsor, Grover Norquist, now controls the Republican Party when it comes to tax policy. Correspondent Matt Laslo reportsthat those two Wyoming lawmakers are now moving away from the Pledge.
Republican Candidates Debate Conservative Values
During Tuesday’s Republican primary election a large number of so called conservative candidates in the state are hoping to make a dent in legislative races. These are candidates who believe that some office holders have forgotten their Republican values. Organizations known as WyWatch, Conservative Republicans of Wyoming or Crow and the Tea Party are supporting these candidates who they hope will make changes in how government is run and get more conservative legislation such as anti-abortion measures passed. A race in Casper appears to be the headliner of this battle between conservative and moderate republicans. Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck reports
Many Women Say Family Responsibilities Keep Them From Public Office
Wyoming’s primary elections are Tuesday, and there are more than three times as many male candidates on the ballot for the state legislature as females. That’s because many women find that serving in office, while also holding down a job and raising a family, is just too difficult. Wyoming Public Radio’s Willow Belden reports.
Cheyenne Independent Runs for US House of Representatives
One candidate for the US House of Representatives wants your help to get on the ballot. Cheyenne Resident Charlie Hardy got into the race after he found it difficult to communicate with our current congressional delegation. He’s also concerned that the country remains at war. Hardy wants to run as an independent. He’s long written and spoken about issues surrounding foreign affairs and has served as a Catholic Priest and missionary. Hardy tells Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck that while he opposes the country’s continued war effort, he is not anti-military.
Drought Stunted Hay Crop Takes Heavy Toll On Ranchers
The drought this season has taken its toll on farmers growing hay. The U-S Department of Agriculture is predicting that Wyoming’s hay crop this year will be the worst since the Dust Bowl days of the 1930s. Platte County Extension Agent Dallas Mount joins us now to talk about that. He tells Wyoming Public Radio’s Willow Belden the situation is ALREADY very bad.
Ag Industry Encourages Producers to Add Value To Businesses
Wyoming agriculture producers raise and lots of cows and sheep… but they’re mostly sold out of state, where they’re processed and sold as beef and lamb, making big money for outside businesses. Wyoming Public Radio’s Rebecca Martinez reports that state agriculture agencies are now encouraging ag producers of all kinds to add-value to the products they already have to keep their businesses competitive, and circulate the money in Wyoming.
Wildfires Are Impacting Wyoming Wildlife
We’re joined now by Tom Ryder with the Game and Fish Department. He’s here to talk about the how wildlife are affected by the wildfires that have burned this season. He tells Wyoming Public Radio’s Willow Belden that, when fires break out, some animals tend to suffer, while others actually benefit in the long run
Medicare and Medicaid Forecast
We are joined now by Mike Fierberg who works for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services for the US Department of Health. He tells Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck what seniors can expect from Medicare this year, but we start by asking him how competitive the insurance marketplace will be now that the U-S Supreme Court has approved most of the Affordable Care Act.
