About WTA

Wyoming Taxpayers Association (WTA) is a statewide private nonprofit 501(c)(4) corporation. WTA traces its founding to 1932, when a group of taxpayers led by J. Elmer Brock, president of the Wyoming Stock Growers, met in Casper to organize the Wyoming Tax League. Leslie Miller attended this meeting and upon his election as governor, presented to the 1933 Legislature the League's proposal for a study of state and local government. The Legislature contracted with Griffenhagen & Associates of Chicago. The $9,000 Griffenhagen report was presented to the Legislature at a special session in December 1933. The report recommended, among other things, state control and consolidation of the then 399 school districts; reduction of the number of counties from 23 to 12, or even 6; a unicameral Legislature of 9 to 12 members elected from the state by proportional representation; election of the governor by the Legislature or people, but only as official head of government, not as an administrative officer; a state administrator chosen by the Legislature as general administrative officer; and establishment of a state police force to absorb the duties of sheriffs, livestock inspectors, the water commission and the state highway patrol.

Needless to say, this proposal was rejected completely and the Tax League died an untimely death, accused of wasting money in trying to save it. In 1937, taxpayers tried again, with lasting success, forming the Wyoming Governmental Research Association. The seed money was $318 from the old Wyoming Tax League; the 1937 budget was $15,000. The association's name was changed to Wyoming Taxpayers Association in 1940.

WTA Mission

To serve its members by promoting efficient and effective government through independent and unbiased analysis of public expenditures and taxation policies, coupled with wide dissemination of these analyses.

WTA Primary Objective

To urge government at all levels to utilize efficiency and economy in providing government services.