Dave Kinskey, Wyoming

Dave Kinskey (R – Senate District 22)

The state budget has two parts:  revenues and expenditures.  The majority of revenues come, directly and indirectly, from oil, gas and coal.  All three are down.  Experience tells us hard times are ahead.  Families and businesses have had to tighten their belts.  The state must do the same.

But where and how?  The majority of state expenditures are health care, education and the justice system, particularly prisons.  Not as large a percentage, but important, are water development, roads, fulfilling our commitments to our veterans, and other compelling needs.
Continue reading “Upcoming Budget Session”

Dave Kinskey (R – Sen. Dist. 22)

What does the Chinese stock market have to do with the success of Wyoming sheep ranchers?  Quite a bit, as I learned at the recent mid-year meeting of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association.

Speaker Larry Prager of Center of the Nation Wool spelled out the China-Wyoming wool connection.  The United States has enough capacity to process 12 to 15 million pounds of wool each year. The U.S. produces about double that amount annually.  The half that cannot be processed here is exported – about 80% to China and 20% to India. Continue reading “Chinese Stocks and Wyoming Wool”

Last week I had an opportunity to participate in a meeting of the Management Audit Committee in Laramie. This body is a legislative select committee tasked with evaluating state programs for fiscal responsibility, and to ensure they are fulfilling their stated purpose.

Another purpose is to improve operations where possible. I could not help but reflect on my own experiences with quality improvement.

Process of improvement and quality assurance aren’t strange concepts to Wyoming. W. Edwards Deming, considered by many to be the father of total quality management was from Powell, Wyoming and graduated from the University of Wyoming. Decades ago Deming tried to sell his ideas to American corporations – but to no avail. At the time, “Made in Japan“ was synonymous with “cheap junk.” Deming decided to pitch Japanese corporations on his ideas for quality improvement. Continue reading “Smaller, More Efficient Government — How?”

“You are not alone ….” That’s the theme that resounded throughout the day-long caregiver conference, held in Sheridan on Saturday, Oct. 4th.

Nearly forty people gathered for the event, listening to the challenges and joys of caregiving. Although geared for family members who take care of their loved ones, others in the audience included nursing home CNAs and private caregivers. Some people shared personal stories, other presenters offered resources and tips. I was pleased to serve on a panel with Sheridan Mayor John Heath, County Commissioner Mike Nickel, CVC Director Amy Albrecht, and Senior Center Director of Family Caregiver Services Stella Montano. Like other speakers and attendees, they, too, had stories to share about caring for a loved one. Continue reading “Caregivers Don’t Have to Travel the Path Alone”

Civic pride is a hallmark of Wyoming cities and towns.  It brands the places we call home with strong identities, and each community’s personality is a reflection of its residents.  In light of this rugged independence, where does regional cooperation fit in?

The fact of the matter is, as strong as Wyoming communities are individually, we are stronger working together. Continue reading “Regions and Standing Apart in a Crowded World.”

This year the Wyoming Legislature passed Senate File 12.  SF 12 makes it illegal to trespass on private property for the purpose of collecting resource data.  Such trespasses have allegedly occurred by activist groups seeking to interfere with, or shut down, agricultural operations.  One such group has the stated goal of removing all livestock from all public lands. Continue reading “Senate File 12 Guest Opinion”

In 1776 philosopher-economist Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations.  He praised the benefits to society from “the invisible hand” of the free market.  Smith was skeptical of government regulation.  He felt it impossible to manage complex human affairs “with as much ease as the hand arranges the different pieces upon a chess-board.” Continue reading “Uber and Smaller Government”

Dave Kinskey – presentation to Sheridan Chamber of Commerce – March, 2015

Good afternoon.  Now for the latest dope from Cheyenne… that would be me.

So, a guy said to me, you look a lot like the guy that used to be mayor.  I said, yeah, I hear that a lot.  He said, I’ll be it makes you kind of mad, don’t it? [Laughter] Continue reading “Senator Kinskey Legislative Report to Sheridan Chamber of Commerce – March 2015”

Budget consideration begins in earnest this week. The state of Wyoming budget is over $4 billion. Our current two year budget extends through July of next year. The discussion this session is about “supplemental” spending. That means if we go home and do nothing the state will still be okay for 11 months until we come back next year.

The governor recommended over $150 million in supplemental spending. The joint appropriations committee (JAC) cut that back to less than $10 million, but added another $200 million in additional projects and proposals. It is anticipated there will be up to 80 amendments to either cut that back or add to it. Continue reading “2015 Legislative Session: Budget Consideration Begins in Earnest”

by Dave Kinskey, Senate District 22

This summer we lost a good friend and a great legislator with the passing of State Senator John Schiffer. Since my appointment to fill the balance of his term, I’ve been working hard to reach out and listen and learn.

There are many important concerns: preserving agriculture, funding for K-12 schools, community college education, support for local government, and economic development. Beating back federal encroachment on our water and property rights is a priority. Continue reading “Legislature is for the Citizenry – Your Voice is Important”