1. Enduring Local Prosperity
Will this policy encourage families to set down roots, leading to long-term economic development through better local opportunities for the next generation?
Result: ✅ Passes
The Wyoming Business Council's activities can be divided into two main groups.First, training and networking for small businesses and prospective entrepreneurs. Few would object to such programs, which are generally consistent with a small government approach.The benefits are dispersed throughout the community, one ingredient in long-term economic development.Measuring their effectiveness is difficult to quantify, but the logical argument suggests at least a small net positive.The second group is more suspect:large subsidies to Wyoming businesses and businesses seeking subsidies to move to Wyoming(and occasionally, businesses already based in Wyoming). Despite circumstantial claims that other states are eager too offer subsidies to businesses should Wyoming offer fewer subsidies each year,there is little evidence that large subsidies support economic growth, and may in fact weaken long-term economic stability.One study estimates that1% of all American jobs are potentially 'attractable' to a region.As governments compete with one other for this sliver of jobs, the highest subsidy government "bidder" is likely to have overpaid for the jobs and prestige the firm offers, a variant of the so-called "winner's curse."Worse, the firms a government tries to entice, are by their very nature, less loyal to any geographic area, having advertised that they are open to moving again should a higher bid for their company arise.
2. Flexible Self-Reliance
Does this policy give individuals, communities and/or the state the flexibility to adapt to changing political and economic circumstances? Will this help individuals and communities move away from ongoing reliance on government programs, subsidies and mandates, and toward independence and resilience?
Result: ✅ Passes
By freezing spending on Council programs,SF 125incentivizes communities and individuals to rely less on government direction and more on private entrepreneurial efforts. Reducing reliance on public grants and loans encourages economic actors to depend on their own capital and risk calculation.
3. Private Property Rights
Does this policy remove institutional barriers, so that individuals or businesses may more easily use their land, property and labor in ways that do not violate the rights of others?
Result: N/A
4. Transparent Constitutional Government
Is this policy limited to carrying out the functions of a small and transparent government as described in the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions, while dividing power appropriately between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of Wyoming's government?
Result: ✅ Passes
Article 16, Section 6 of the Wyoming Constitution states that "neither the state nor any county, city, township, town, school district, or any other political subdivision, shall: (i) Loan or give its credit or make donations to or in aid of any individual, association or corporation, except for necessary support of the poor." The Council was created by order of the Wyoming Legislature, making its permanence somewhat constitutionally justified. But the tension between the Council's mission and the Wyoming Constitution is obvious. Reducing the size and/or scope of the Council would reduce this tension. The reporting requirements and task-force creation of SF 125 improve oversight and clarify functions. Clarity on state economic activity limits discretionary power of the Council and reduce spending without accountability.
5. Responsible Taxation & Spending
Question:Will this policy reduce government spending, broaden the tax base, simplify tax policy or lower tax/fee intake?
Result: ✅ Passes
While SF 125 would appropriate $60,000 to draft the changes to the WBC, the spending restrictions placed on the Wyoming Business Council are likely to surpass this expenditure exponentially.The bill includes limitations on the Business Council's spending authority and imposes accountability measures.
6. Local and State Control
Will this policy return power to Wyoming families or local governments from state government? Or will this policy transfer power to state government from the federal government?
Result: N/A
7. Voluntary Exchange & Individual Choice
Does this policy remove obstacles from business and consumers engaging in voluntary, mutually beneficial transactions, ultimately giving consumers more choices?
Result: ✅ Passes
Reducing state involvement in directing business resources enlargesthe space forvoluntary, market-driven exchanges, where entrepreneurs choose investments without being subject to public grant criteria.
8. Profit Motive & Fair Competition
Does this policy encourage entrepreneurs and businesses to seek profits through calculated risks based on market prices rather than government signals, lowering prices for consumers?
Result: ✅ Passes
Government-directed economic development distorts natural market incentives.Government grant/loan recipients have a leg-up on their competitors,creating a system that is more responsive to government actors than consumer wants.
9. Electoral Accountability
Does this policy assist Wyomingites in voting more securely and/or easily for eligible candidates in transparent elections for public office? Or provide mechanisms for holding elected or nonelected officials accountable for their actions to the people of Wyoming?
Result: ✅ Passes
SF 125 would make the director of the Council more accountable to the Wyoming Legislature.Currently, the Council has the authority to offer companies millions of dollars of subsidies without petitioning the Legislature.At the very least, transactions above some threshold should need legislative approval.
10. Generational Resource Stewardship
Would this policy ensure Wyoming's natural resources can be shared across current and future generations of Wyomingites?
✅
Final Verdict: Passes the WyLiberty Policy Compass
Score: 7 Pass | 0 Caution | 0 Fail | 3 Not Applicable
Summary:
The bill restructures the Wyoming Business Council by imposing new limits and oversight measures. Beginning April 15, 2027, the council may no longer accept or process new applications for grants, loans or other funding, nor approve or disburse financial assistance tied to applications submitted after that date. By April 30, 2026, the council must report its outstanding financial obligations, including loans, bonds and obligated but undisbursed grant funds. Until July 1, 2027, it is also prohibited from expanding programs or assuming new functions unless required by law. The legislation creates a temporary Wyoming Business Council Legislative Task Force to review operations, gather input on economic development efforts and recommend improvements. The task force must meet at least three times and report by October 1, 2026, before dissolving December 31, 2026. The bill appropriates $60,000 for task force expenses and preserves existing contractual obligations.