Each year, Wyoming’s elected officials are required to file financial disclosure forms to promote transparency and prevent conflicts of interest, Wyo File reports.
These filings, mandated by the Wyoming Ethics and Disclosure Act, provide insight into any financial interests that might intersect with lawmakers’ and state executives’ official duties.
State law requires the governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor, superintendent of public instruction, and all members of the Wyoming Legislature to submit their financial disclosures to the secretary of state by January 31 each year. Officials must report any business in which they hold a 10% or greater interest, particularly if that business has contracts with the state worth more than $5,000.
Failing to comply with the Ethics and Disclosure Act can result in fines up to $1,000 and removal from office. These requirements are designed to uphold public trust and prevent officials from using their positions for personal financial gain.
This year, only a few lawmakers and state executives reported financial contracts with the state. Notable disclosures include:
- Gov. Mark Gordon – Reported grazing leases with the state.
- Rep. Ken Clouston (R-Gillette) – Provides athletic training services to Gillette College and the Campbell County School District.
- Sen. Barry Crago (R-Buffalo) – Listed legal services provided to the town of Kaycee.
- Sen. Cale Case (R-Lander) – While not under contract with the state, he disclosed that the Inn at Lander, which he co-owns, often provides lodging and meeting space for state officials.
One lawmaker’s form was notably absent from WyoFile’s Feb. 3 public records request—Sen. Mike Gierau (D-Jackson). When contacted, the secretary of state’s office stated that Gierau’s submission, which read “same as last year,” was not considered complete.
Gierau explained that he broke his arm the day before the filing deadline and used a shortcut to avoid rewriting information that had not changed. He maintains that his form was submitted “truthfully and honestly” but disagrees with the office’s decision to classify it as incomplete.
Each year, WyoFile requests and shares these financial disclosures to allow the public to monitor potential conflicts of interest. The full list of disclosures, including lawmakers from both the Wyoming House and Senate, as well as state executive officers, is available through public records requests.
