A wave of federal job cuts is affecting workers across Wyoming, leaving many scrambling for unemployment benefits and healthcare coverage, Oil City News reports.
The layoffs stem from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, led by billionaire Elon Musk as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce. While Wyoming’s congressional delegation has largely supported these cuts, many former federal employees are now struggling to adjust to sudden job losses.
Among those affected is a former US Fish and Wildlife Service employee who was laid off on February 14. She described the experience as an emotional rollercoaster, from the shock of losing her job to the logistical challenges of securing unemployment benefits and health insurance. Like many others, she has joined online support groups with fellow laid-off workers, where emotions range from sadness to frustration.
One major concern is healthcare coverage. While workers were initially told they would have a 31-day extension, administrative errors have left some without insurance. Many are now rushing to schedule medical appointments before their coverage is officially cut off.
Filing for unemployment benefits has also proven challenging. Wyoming Workforce Services reported that, as of February 21, 41 former federal employees had filed for unemployment, including 24 from the Department of Agriculture and 10 from the Department of the Interior. However, questions remain about whether all former employees will qualify for benefits, as eligibility depends on whether their terminations are deemed to be through no fault of their own.
Governor Mark Gordon expressed sympathy for laid-off Wyomingites while acknowledging his support for reducing the size of the federal government.
“We should not forget these people have families and responsibilities,” Gordon said.
The Governor added that he has spoken to federal officials about the importance of maintaining critical programs for Wyoming’s economy, including public lands and natural resource management.
Despite the impact on local workers, Wyoming’s congressional delegation has strongly backed DOGE. Senator John Barrasso praised the initiative on the Senate floor, stating that it has helped uncover “fraud and waste in government.” However, neither Barrasso nor other members of Wyoming’s delegation—Senator Cynthia Lummis and Representative Harriet Hageman—have outlined specific measures to assist affected federal workers.
The federal downsizing has sparked concerns over how cuts will affect Wyoming’s public lands, national parks, and environmental programs, which are critical to the state’s economy. The Trump administration’s workforce reductions have been led by Musk and Russell Vought, Trump’s budget director, both of whom lack direct experience managing federal land agencies. However, Wyoming officials, including Governor Gordon, have had discussions with Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, a former North Dakota governor, and other cabinet members about ensuring Wyoming’s key programs remain intact.
