Dear editor:

Ironically, property tax began in the Wyoming Territory in 1889 to force railroads to sell their land. It has now morphed into forcing low income and senior citizens to sell their homes. But there is a remedy for this, and it’s called “Prop One."

Prop One is intended for qualified homeowners, establishing 50% off of the assessed valuation of the owner’s ‘primary’ dwelling — not their farm, not other buildings or additional homes that the homeowner may possess — ONLY THE OWNER’S PRIMARY RESIDENCE.

The Wyoming Legislature recently added provisions to W.S. 9-2-1013 allowing for additional funding to counties and municipalities through federal mineral royalty and severance tax revenues.   

The reason these provisions are significant is misrepresentations are rampant against the passage of Prop One. Contrary to hearsay, school funding is NOT affected. And often alleged, but untrue, is that emergency services will be cut. Look up the statute.   

• Quite simply, when a shortfall in essential services occurs, county and city governments need to act according to Wyoming Statute 9-2-1013 in order to address the shortfall.   

Counties move our excess property taxes into investment accounts now. WHY don’t they cut taxes instead?

Wyoming is uniquely positioned with minerals, oil and natural gas. All of which provides an excess in federal mineral royalties and severance tax revenue. Excess property tax is also combined with this excess revenue and it is held in investment accounts ... That is $1.86 BILLION in interest — enough to pay residential property tax three times over.

Clearly there are other revenue sources! Ask your representatives to rev up Wyoming’s mineral and energy industries even more! And stop taxing Wyoming homeowners out of their homes! 

Prop One will be located at the end of your ballot!   

Nov. 3: Vote FOR Prop One.   

Karen Jones

Cody