Eye on the Issues
Welcome to Eye on the Issues, the podcast brought to you by the Wyoming Liberty Group. Whether you're a proud Wyoming resident, hail from the Cowboy State, or simply care deeply about the issues facing Wyoming, this podcast is your go-to resource.
Join us as we delve into the heart of Wyoming's most pressing concerns, offering you insights and perspectives from a diverse range of voices. You'll hear from Wyoming lawmakers and elected officials sharing their viewpoints, along with community and thought leaders who are shaping the future of our great state. We also bring in subject matter experts to provide in-depth analysis and understanding on key issues.
The Wyoming Liberty Group is committed to empowering Wyoming's future. With over 15 years of experience and impact in our state, we're more than just a think tank. While we pride ourselves on rigorous research, we go beyond that to craft innovative solutions that promote free enterprise, limited government, personal responsibility, and government accountability.
Tune in to Eye on the Issues to stay informed, engaged, and empowered. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for Wyoming.
Eye on the Issues
Insights From The Cowboy Family Report with Ashley Harpstreith
In this episode, we discuss Wyoming's tax situation with Ashley Harpstreith from the Wyoming Taxpayers Association. Ashley gives us a close look at their new Cowboy Family report, which examines the balance between Wyoming's taxes and the services it provides to its people.
In the interview, Ashley shares her background and how she got involved with the Wyoming Taxpayers Association. She explains that their mission since 1937 has been to advocate for sound tax policies for a healthy Wyoming economy. Despite misconceptions, they are neither anti-tax nor pro-tax. Their diverse membership ranges from large companies to family businesses and individual citizens.
The Cowboy Family report comprehensively examines the average state taxes paid by Wyoming citizens and the services they receive in return. It goes beyond focusing on taxes and provides transparency on the services funded by these taxes.
Ashley explains the methodology used in the report, which includes data from various sources like the US Census Bureau, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Tax Foundation. The report also features an interactive dashboard that allows users to input their own variables and see approximately how much they pay in taxes versus the value of services they receive.
Ashley compares Wyoming to other states and points out that the state's tax situation is quite favorable, especially considering the lack of a state income tax and the reliance on the severance tax from mineral resources. The report aims to provide transparent information without taking an advocacy stance, helping people understand the balance between taxes and services.
For those interested in learning more, the Cowboy Family report and the interactive dashboard can be found on the Wyoming Taxpayers Association website at wyotax.org. Ashley also mentions other valuable publications on the site that provide detailed information about Wyoming's tax structure.
Don't miss this informative discussion about Wyoming's tax policies.
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