By Phil Roberts, 1-9-2025
Passing any taxes on minerals in Wyoming has been extremely difficult over the years. Hard to think of any out-of-state centered industry that, as a group, has been more greedy, dishonest, and self-serving, while at the same time, professing their undying love for our state. (Locally-owned and operated mining/oil firms have been more responsible, generally). How much have the out-of-state outfits been willing to pay in mineral taxes? Record shows that until the state was near bankruptcy in the late 1960s, the answer was zero–and most were headquartered out of state and could care less about our schools, hospitals and working people (unless they could use them for free). Watch out, all of you rookies in the legislature! They will be trying the same old ropey-dope again, hoping you naive newcomer rookies won’t know about their past tricks and state history. One thing to remember about the big oil scandals, too. Few. if any, LOCALS WERE ON THE THIEVING SIDE! If you decide to swallow their lies or take their bribes, watch out, We’re watching! We’ve been there and we’re not going back…