Details of the Platform of the
Wyoming Libertarian Party

Adopted in Convention April 24, 2010

The Wyoming Libertarian Party seeks to maximize individual freedom and minimize the scope and intrusiveness of government at all levels. The Platform of the Wyoming Libertarian Party describes policies and positions that are necessary and appropriate to achieve these complementary goals.

Education

Reassert complete state control of education. The Wyoming LP advocates that the state of Wyoming shall take back control of all aspects of education from the federal government. This means that education-related federal money that comes to the state with strings attached will be refused, and that includes strings attached to student loans now that the federal government has completed its takeover of the federal student loan program. The state will provide a student loan program for Wyoming citizens to replace the federal loan program.

Natural Resources

Reassert complete state control of the natural resources of Wyoming, including wildlife management, mineral rights, water rights and land. Purchase or acquire by condemnation all NFS and BLM land in Wyoming. The Wyoming LP advocates that the state of Wyoming shall take ownership of all federal land and federal mineral rights in Wyoming except for the National Parks and the Department of Defense properties. We call for the state legislature to pass laws that allow for orderly title to these properties to be transferred to the state of Wyoming through negotiation with the federal government or by condemnation using the power of eminent domain. This process would take a decade or more and the state would pay for these properties by selling most of what they purchase to private interests.

No National ID

Repeal the Wyoming law that implements a national ID card. In 2008, with very little notice or press coverage, the legislature enacted and the governor signed into law SF-38 which funds and implements all of the requirements of the Real ID law enacted by the Bush/Cheney administration. The most troubling aspect of that legislation is the linking of the state biometric information database into the national biometric database. The Wyoming LP advocates repeal of 2008 SF-38.

No Federal Healthcare

The Wyoming LP advocates that the state of Wyoming shall adopt legislation that takes back control of all aspects of healthcare from the federal government. This means that all federal mandates concerning Medicaid and all federal health care mandates put on Wyoming businesses and citizens are null and void. Any healthcare-related federal money that comes to the state with strings attached will be refused.

Wyoming State Militia

Fund the equipping and training of the volunteer Wyoming State Militia as provided for in Section 97-17 of the Wyoming Constitution. The Wyoming State Militia is under the exclusive command of the Governor, and cannot be commandeered by the federal government. End all state funding of the Wyoming National Guard, including refusing funding provided by the federal government. No change needs to be made to state law regarding the Wyoming National Guard and the unfunded State National Guard. The National Guard could continue to exist if the federal government continued to fund and operate it, but it would not be funded by the state.

Independent State Bank

Repatriate State Money

Enact a law that requires all state and local governments to divest their investments in all federal bonds and bills and invest a portion of that money in the state-owned Government of Wyoming Bank.

Cut State Spending in Half

Reduce state government spending to the level of spending in 2004 by reducing staff, abolishing dozens of commissions and agencies, and reducing or eliminating many non-essential services.

No State Sales Tax

When state government expenditures are reduced, the Wyoming Libertarian Party supports abolishing the state portion of the sales and use tax (which is 4% now). For 3 counties (Sublette, Park and Fremont), this would mean that there would be no sales tax collections on merchandise. Commerce would expand and costs to business and government would be reduced significantly in these counties. Those counties that choose could continue to collect taxes on lodging and sales of services and merchandise to fund local government.

No Property Tax on Vehicles

Abolish the property tax on vehicles.

No Use Tax

Abolish the law that allows local taxing agencies to collect the use tax (ie. the sales tax) on purchases done over the Internet or acquired in other states or counties.

License-Free Concealed Carry

The Wyoming LP will run candidates who support passage of a law the allows concealed carry of guns without a license and without the requirement to disarm when stopped by a law enforcement official. Alaska allows concealed carry without a license but includes a requirement that requires the citizen to inform the law enforcement officer of all weapons, without even being prompted by the officer. If the citizen failes to do so, it is a crime. The LP believes this violates rights protected by the 4th and 5th amendments to the Constitution. We hope Wyoming will reject the Alaska-style law, and will join Vermont in recognizing the right to carry without a license and without any strings attached.

Legalize the Use of Gold and Silver

The Wyoming LP will run candidates who support passage of state laws that allow gold and silver to be used as legal tender. Most folks don't even know that it is illegal to use gold and silver as payment for goods and services, but it is. With the coming collapse of the dollar, law abiding citizens of Wyoming will need a legal alternative money with which to transact business. Require the Government of Wyoming Bank to offer accounts denominated in gold, silver or US dollars.

Protect Property Rights

Although abuse of eminent domain laws has not been a widespread problem in Wyoming, the Wyoming Libertarian Party supports adoption of state laws that protect property owners from having their property taken by government for private purposes, like in the case of Kelo v. the City of New London. The Wyoming Libertarian Party also supports repeal of state laws allowing property to be confiscated from owners without due process in court.

End Licensing Monopolies

Abolish all laws that license and regulate professions that have no relationship with public safety, including hairdressers, barbers, general contractors, hotel keepers, real estate agents, family counselors, and agents for athletes.