Freedom Caucus Pushes for UW Restructuring, Setting Stage for Budget Negotiations

Lawmakers will begin Tuesday adding amendments to Wyoming’s two-year budget, with the University of Wyoming’s funding emerging as a central battleground. At issue is a proposed $40 million cut to the school’s block grant—an 11% reduction from Gov. Mark Gordon’s recommendation—and a series of restrictions that critics say amount to legislative micromanagement.

The Joint Appropriations Committee approved the cut last month, a move championed by Wyoming Freedom Caucus members who control the House. Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, told colleagues last week that lawmakers had proposed the $40 million figure because they hadn’t gotten the university’s “attention” through past actions.

Rep. Ken Pendergraft, R-Sheridan, said the money should be redirected to community colleges and career programs, with UW narrowing its focus to “practical education.” He wants the university to prioritize agriculture, engineering and education—”these other things that benefit Wyoming specifically, rather than training people in majors, minors, ideas and concepts where they’re not going to be, frankly, at home in Wyoming.”

The proposed cut comes with carveouts protecting the College of Education, the College of Agriculture, and other programs lawmakers favor. That approach drew criticism from some legislators. Sen. Gary Crum, R-Laramie, questioned why the body was “picking winners and losers.”

Others warned the cuts would drive young people from a state already struggling with outmigration. Rep. Lee Filer, R-Cheyenne, called it a “bad message to every single kid in our state.” Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, predicted tuition hikes would follow, with students paying the price.

Not all Republicans support the heavy-handed approach. Rep. Art Washut, R-Casper, argued for incentives rather than blunt cuts. “To simply cut the money on day 1 means that there’s no incentive to change really,” he said. “I think a little carrot mixed in with a stick would make a lot more sense.”

The budget also denies Gordon’s requests for $12.5 million in matching funds, $6 million for athletics, and funding for Wyoming Public Media. It bars UW from using state money for elective abortions or health insurance covering them, while directing $6 million toward career and technical education equipment and $400,000 for the rodeo team.

Amendments restoring some funding and removing restrictions have been filed by Yin and Sen. Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower. Budget footnotes could also impose new mandates, as they did in 2024 when the Legislature forced UW to close its DEI office.

Debate begins Tuesday. The outcome will shape not just the university’s budget but its academic priorities—and, critics argue, Wyoming’s ability to keep its young people home.