Rep. Bill Henderson, R-Cheyenne, wants to serve the people again in House District 41 and will run for re-election this year.
“ One of the things I have really enjoyed during this term is the interaction with the people who live in the district,” he said. “When I see that, it really picks me up and makes me want to work harder and to learn more.” “It is an honor and humbling to serve the people,” he said.
The Cheyenne native is serving his first term as a representative for House District 41. A graduate of Cheyenne East High, Henderson holds a BS in Economics and a MPA from the University of Wyoming, and a MBA from Webster University. Henderson served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years, retiring as a Commander, U.S. Navy. He now works in banking, fiscal management and business development with FirsTier Bank in Cheyenne.
If re-elected, Henderson said he would “continue to serve the people in House District 41 with an open-mind, combining fiscal common sense, compromise and vision with understanding and hard work to make sure their voice is heard.”
This legislative budget session, Henderson sponsored two of the 71 total bills enacted and signed by the Governor into law: Enrolled Act 0030 extended the Hathaway Scholarship application deadline from two to four years after high school graduation. This, Henderson said, affords more Wyoming students the opportunity to receive financial assistance to pursue higher education. His second bill, Enrolled Act 0064 State Fair established a state fair endowment trust fund to support the financial future of the Wyoming State Fair. The State Fair Endowment passed the State House of Representatives unanimously with sixty votes. Private contributions to the state fair endowment may be made by check payable to: “Wyoming State Fair” with “Endowment” notated in the memo. Please mail the check to: Wyoming State Fair, P.O. Drawer 10, Douglas, WY 82633.
“These two bills really helped me to learn to focus and understand the complete process, including the importance of constituent representation, adequate preparation, good communications, understanding details, compromise and vision for success in the legislative process.” he said.
If re-elected, Henderson said he would continue to prioritize access to quality education, affordable health care and economic opportunity, including a plan to fix aging infrastructure. He cited large cuts to Wyoming Health Department funds as an example of why the state needs legislators who support health care.
“One of the concerns I had were for those who are on fixed income,” he said. “When health department funding was cut, there are a lot of things these folks rely on that are impacted, and one of the biggest things we can do is provide for those who don’t have anywhere to turn.”
Henderson also took issue with the Legislature’s vote to cut more education jobs and put a cap on special education spending during this year’s budget session.
“We need to do what we can to make sure everyone is receiving a quality education,” he said.
Henderson said he would work to reduce the state budget deficit and keep a focus on jobs and statewide workforce development to help current Wyoming businesses.
“I would like to see what we can do for the businesses that are already here, and make sure they are up-to-date on what is available to them in terms of support,” he said. “I have been thinking about what government can do to encourage the private sector to step forward and lead instead of government leading.”
To do this, Henderson is on the Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee as well as the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee. He is also on the Broadband Advisory Council and helps with the Palliative Care Advisory Council.
House District 41 is in north-central Cheyenne, running from Yellowstone Road in the west to Whitney Road in the east. It generally extends from the Dell Range Boulevard area south to Pershing Boulevard and then Lincolnway east of Converse Avenue.
The filing period for candidates is May 17th to June 1st. This years’ primary will be held August 21st and the general election will occur November 6th.
State representatives, who have a term of two years, are paid $150 per day of work during the session and interim committee meetings. Lawmakers are eligible for a $109 per diem for each day of work.
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