Eye on the Issues

The Truth About Economic Development Incentives with Matthew Mitchell

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we sit down with Matthew Mitchell of the Mercatus Center and Fraser Institute to explore the real impact of targeted economic development incentives. Drawing on years of research, Mitchell explains why corporate subsidies often fail to deliver the promised results—and in many cases may even reduce overall economic activity. The conversation breaks down the economic logic behind these findings, including how uneven tax structures can create greater inefficiencies, distort market behavior, and encourage “rent-seeking” rather than true value creation. We also examine the growing competition between states to attract businesses through incentives, and whether an interstate compact could offer a path forward. Closer to home, the discussion touches on how Wyoming’s Constitution addresses corporate subsidies—and how later provisions have complicated those original limits. For policymakers and the public alike, this raises important questions: *Are these projects happening because of subsidies—or would they happen anyway? *What are the tradeoffs, and what opportunities are being overlooked?

Reviewing Wyoming's Budget Session with Rep. Tomi Strock

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we sit down with Representative Tomi Strock (House District 6) to reflect on the key outcomes of the legislative session and the issues shaping conversations across the state. From efforts to rein in government spending to long-overdue school funding recalibration, Representative Strock shares her perspective on what lawmakers accomplished and where challenges remain. The conversation also explores legislation focused on protecting children, expanding educational flexibility, and addressing gaps in existing statutes. Beyond the session itself, we look ahead to the issues gaining momentum across Wyoming, including water use and scarcity, property taxes, energy development, and the role of emerging industries. Representative Strock also weighs in on school choice, local economic priorities, and the ongoing discussion surrounding nuclear energy—highlighting both opportunity and concern, particularly when it comes to Wyoming’s long-term role.

Nuclear Energy, Data Centers, and the Bigger Policy Picture with Eric Epstein

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we sit down with Eric Epstein, Chairman of Three Mile Island Alert, an organization that has monitored nuclear facilities in Pennsylvania for decades. Eric brings more than 40 years of experience working on issues related to nuclear power plants, waste storage, regulatory oversight, and the long-term realities communities face when large energy facilities are built in their regions. This conversation is especially relevant as states across the country — including Wyoming — explore new energy development tied to the growing demand for electricity from AI, data centers, and advanced manufacturing. In Pennsylvania, several nuclear facilities are now being considered or restarted specifically to power data centers and large technology companies, offering a real-world example of how energy development, economic opportunity, water use, and long-term waste management intersect. As Wyoming continues to discuss nuclear energy, data centers, and large-scale industrial development, this episode provides insight from a region that has lived with large energy facilities for generations and is now navigating the new wave of electricity demand driven by AI and data infrastructure.

Wyoming Secretary of State on Elections and Economic Policy

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we sat down with Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray for a wide-ranging conversation on election integrity, business regulation, and the role of the Secretary of State’s office in shaping Wyoming’s future. Secretary Gray discusses the election-related bills from the recent legislative session that he believes would have made the biggest difference for Wyoming, including pen-to-paper ballots, a ban on ballot harvesting, stronger post-election audit transparency, and expanded recount procedures. He also reflects on reforms already passed in Wyoming, including voter ID, proof of citizenship for voter registration, bans on foreign funding in elections, and prohibitions on ranked-choice voting. The conversation also turns to Wyoming’s business climate and the Secretary of State’s role in overseeing corporate filings, combating fraudulent entities, and keeping Wyoming competitive as a place to do business. Gray explains how his office is working to improve filing efficiency, respond to fraud concerns, and strengthen Wyoming law to address foreign adversary involvement and false filings. Finally, the discussion broadens into economic development, state policy priorities, and the tension between protecting Wyoming’s traditional industries and outside pressures tied to politically driven energy agendas. It is a candid conversation about governance, accountability, and the direction of policy in Wyoming.

Rethinking Degree Requirements in Wyoming Government Jobs

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we’re joined by Courtney Beene, a senior at the University of Wyoming and participant in the Wyoming Liberty Leaders internship program, to discuss her research report, Removing Barriers: A Case for Skills-Based Hiring in Wyoming. Courtney’s report examines how degree requirements across state and local government jobs can unintentionally limit Wyoming’s workforce, economic mobility, and long-term growth. With only about 30 percent of Wyoming’s population holding a bachelor’s degree, she explores why experience, certifications, and on-the-job skills should be recognized as legitimate qualifications, particularly when many positions can be performed without a four-year degree. The conversation highlights how more than two dozen states have already moved toward skills-based hiring models, with some seeing major increases in qualified non-degree hires after reforming their job requirements. Courtney explains what skills-based hiring looks like in practice, the types of government roles that could benefit from this approach, and how removing unnecessary barriers could expand career opportunities while strengthening Wyoming’s economy. The interview also addresses rising college costs, limited wage growth tied to degrees in Wyoming, workforce outmigration, and why young people often feel forced into education paths that may not offer meaningful returns. Courtney shares her internship experience with the Wyoming Liberty Group, her passion for policy research, and how empowering students to engage directly in policy work can create lasting impact across the state. To read the full report discussed in this interview and stay informed on Wyoming policy issues, visit wyliberty.org and sign up for our newsletter.