About

The Wyoming Taxpayers Association (WTA) is a statewide private nonprofit 501(c)(4) corporation. Since 1937, the WTA has provided the essential connection and information source between the State’s taxpayers and the Legislature—between what’s important to you and what the public needs to know. The Association’s unique mission of advocating sound tax policy for a healthy Wyoming economy has earned it the respect of taxpayers and public officials alike.

Our Mission

To promote sound tax policy for a healthy Wyoming economy.

Our Vision

Maintain role as preeminent tax policy think-tank in Wyoming and authority on tax issues affecting business and citizens. Promotion of a strong, sustainable, fiscal policy for the future of the state of Wyoming.

Our Philosophy

  • To support a tax system that stands up to the Cornerstones of Taxation – one that is Justified, Equitable, Stable, and Transparent for both individuals and businesses in Wyoming.
  • To provide resources to support a well-informed public dialogue on tax and public expenditure issues.
  • To advocate for data driven tax policy that supports economic diversification.
  • To drive solutions in a collaborative way.

We believe our goals are the same as yours:

To support a tax system that stands up to the Cornerstones of Taxation – one that is Justified, Equitable, Stable, and Transparent for both individuals and businesses in Wyoming.
To provide resources to support a well-informed public dialogue on tax and public expenditure issues.
To Advocate for data-driven tax policy that supports economic diversification.
To drive solutions in a collaborative way.

Our History

The Wyoming Taxpayers Association 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. In attendance was Leslie Miller, a man later elected as Wyoming’s 17th Governor.

Upon his election, Miller presented to the 1933 Legislature the Wyoming Tax League’s proposal for a study of state and local government. The Legislature contracted with Griffenhagen & Associates of Chicago, and the $9,000 Griffenhagen report was presented to the Legislature at a special session in December 1933.

Among other things, this report recommended 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 Wyoming Tax League died an untimely death, accused of wasting money in trying to save it.

In 1937, taxpayers tried again—and 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. Three years later, the association’s name was changed to Wyoming Taxpayers Association.

Show your support for WTA!

It is only with your support, through membership, that we are able to influence state and local tax policy.