Freedom Caucus In Wyoming Claims Victory With Approval Of Most Priorities

Leaders of the first Freedom Caucus majority in a U.S. statehouse took a victory lap in Wyoming on Friday after wrapping up a legislative session in which most of their conservative priorities were passed, including a steep property tax cut and ban on diversity programs in government.

The Republican lawmakers aligned with a growing Freedom Caucus movement nationwide also passed stricter registration and residency requirements for voters. A fourth bill now before the governor would not allow driver's licenses issued to unauthorized immigrants by other states to be recognized in Wyoming.

The four bills - out of a wish list of five at the outset of Wyoming's legislative session in January - echo the priorities of President Donald Trump, something Wyoming House Freedom Caucus leaders weren't shy about pointing out in an end-of-session news conference.

"Just like President Trump is bringing common-sense change to Washington, the Wyoming Freedom Caucus is bringing common-sense change to Cheyenne," said Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, chairwoman of the caucus that took control of the Wyoming House in the November election.

Compared to Trump's blunderbuss approach to firing federal workers and doing away with agencies, the Wyoming Freedom Caucus has been doing its work quietly.