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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Gordon Calls for Immediate Funding to Support Department of Corrections
“The Governor stressed that the Department’s budget “needs immediate attention.”
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Dec. 4, 2025 - Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) is urging the Legislature to address several urgent needs within the Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC).
“The Department of Corrections plays a primary role in the State’s administration of criminal justice,” the Governor said. He noted the agency “is a model of efficiency and effectiveness at housing and rehabilitating the incarcerated and supervision of probationers and parolees.”
The Governor stressed that the Department’s budget “needs immediate attention.” Due to chronic staffing shortages, WDOC has been unable to return all inmates from out-of-state facilities. Although the Department used its flex authority to cover these costs, it now “requires $9.3 million to be effective immediately to cover those financial obligations.”
“These funds were requested in the supplemental budget, but no action was taken by the Legislature in the 2025 session,” the Governor said.
He also pointed out that Corrections received no inflation-related funds last year. “Now is the time to address those increased costs, including food, medical, and utilities,” he said.
The Governor further emphasized the need to maintain community re-entry and treatment programs. To continue offering 195 community corrections beds through FY 2026, this funding “should be effective immediately.”
For more information:
Amy Edmonds, Communications Director, [email protected]
Janelle Collins, Strategic Communications Director, [email protected]
About the Governor’s Budget
The Governor’s full budget message outlines a framework focused on The Essentials: protecting families, supporting core industries, strengthening communities, supporting local control and ensuring effective, efficient state government.
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