What this office does: 31 senators across the state serve 4-year terms. 62 legislators serve 2-year terms. They draft, amend, debate, and vote on bills and budget items. In Wyoming, legislators are part-time lawmakers, but their decisions have statewide effect. They are part-time legislators and do not have staff or a regular salary (they get a per diem).
Why it matters: Can shape taxes, water law, land use, education, criminal law, state agency budgets, and more. The longer terms for senators provides either continuity or slower political change. Legislators provide the closest link between state government and local concerns. They should be regularly accessible to their constituents.