In December, Wyoming’s legislative leaders announced committee assignments, and it looked like Democrats would not take part in the Senate and House Education committees for the first time in many years. However, a change of heart allowed Democrat Sen. Chris Rothfuss from Laramie to stay on the Senate Education Committee. He’s held this position since 2011 and is also a professor at the University of Wyoming.
“Some decisions were rethought,” Rothfuss said. “I advocated for keeping my spot on the Education Committee, and I’m glad it worked out.”
Initially, Senate President Bo Biteman assigned Rothfuss to the Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee and the Corporations, Elections, and Political Subdivisions Committee. But after some discussion, Rothfuss swapped his Corporations seat with Sen. Bill Landen from Casper, allowing him to remain on the Education Committee.
Landen, who is a retired college administrator, expressed satisfaction with his role on the Corporations Committee and had no issues with the leadership’s choice. This adjustment didn’t face much criticism at the time it was announced, even from groups like the Wyoming Freedom Caucus and the Wyoming Democratic Party.
While Senate Democrats made headway, the House Education Committee still lacks Democrat representation. The House speaker and Senate president make committee assignments, which are essential for shaping laws in Wyoming. Every bill must pass through both a House and a Senate committee before becoming law.
Democratic lawmakers voiced their concerns about the political implications of these changes. They emphasized that effective collaboration has been key to the success of public schools in Wyoming. They worry that excluding Democrats from the committees could hinder cooperative problem-solving for education.
