CHEYENNE (WNE) — Gov. Mark Gordon has submitted a budget letter to the Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee, requesting $20 million to expand the Property Tax Refund program to provide additional targeted relief to Wyoming homeowners.

In the letter, the governor notes the impact of inflation on Wyoming people and that double-digit property value increases occurred in 20 of Wyoming’s 23 counties last year.

“Wyoming’s homeowners continue to experience significant increases in property tax assessments, even as they wrestle with prices at the grocery store, in their utility bills, and in the many other necessary expenses of living,” Gordon wrote. “Challenges remain for many low-to-moderate income Wyoming households struggling to afford what, in many cases, are significantly increased property tax bills.

“This issue is particularly acute for those on fixed incomes.”

The Property Tax Refund Program assists low-income taxpayers with rising property tax bills. In 2023, Gordon signed a bill that expanded eligibility requirements and relief.

Last year, the program helped more than 9,000 Wyoming families, with more than $8 million in refunds distributed. The average refund was approximately $938.

“Targeted relief ensures that those who need assistance the most get it without eroding tax revenue from local governments,” Gordon said.