LINGLE – Monday, Cheri Steinmetz, current State Representative for House District No. 5, announced her candidacy for Wyoming Senate District 3 in the upcoming Republican Primary election – to be held Aug. 21, 2018.
Steinmetz is currently Vice-Chair of Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee, a member of the Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee and Treasurer of the House Republican Caucus.
“My bill sponsorship and voting record reflect my commitment to traditional family values, private property rights, fiscal responsibility and the Constitution,” Steinmetz said in a press release. “As we embrace the future, Wyoming must remain a business and family friendly state where we honor the foundations on which our faith, freedom and prosperity rest.
“Larger government equals less individual freedom and prosperity,” she continued. “In the 2018 session, the budget required approximately $1.154 billion dollars more than what the state received in revenue. Roughly $701 million of the funds used to resolve the shortfall were one-time dollars spent from savings and reversions from other unexpended funds. We must address the structural budget deficit without increasing taxes.”
Current State Senator Curt Meier, whom Steinmetz would replace, announced his bid for State Treasurer last month. He recently voiced his support for his fellow lawmaker.
“Cheri is a strong, fiscally conservative voice that is needed in the Senate,” Meier said. “Her experience and relationships built from her four years of service in the House will ensure that Senate District 3 is well-represented.”
Steinmetz and her husband, Corey, have lived in Goshen County for most of their lives.
“We have intentionally raised our family and built our businesses here among family, friends and neighbors,” Steinmetz said. “We have a deep appreciation for the independent rural way of life, small communities and
the land.”
Steinmetz told the Telegram she made the decision to run for State Senate to better serve her constituents and utilize her time and experience where it will be most effective.
“Moving into the Senate comes with increased responsibility,” she said. “While a House member usually serves on two committees, a Senator usually serves on four committees. This is due to the fact there are 60 House members and 30 Senators. I hope to fill the positions traditionally held by the Senator serving in SD3 on the Agriculture and Select Water Committees, as I am currently serving on the Agriculture Committee in
the House.
“We are continually making decisions at the state level that will affect our daily lives and set a course for future generations,” Steinmetz continued. “State law should not harm traditional family values, virtue or freedom of conscience as we govern our society and educate our children. Wyoming should foster a business-friendly environment where family owned and operated small business, farms and ranches, as well as our legacy industries of coal, oil, and gas, can thrive and flourish without intrusive government interference. Wyoming should remain open for business for large corporations and those attracted by the innovation and expansion of technology and broadband.”
Steinmetz added she hopes to be an advocate for small communities in Wyoming.
“It is critical that our small communities and hardship counties have a strong advocate, especially in this time of budgetary uncertainty,” she said. “We must prioritize our spending. Wyoming is facing major challenges from substance abuse to budget deficits and everything in between. We must rise to the occasion and meet our challenges head on. We cannot afford to kick the can down the road any longer. We must elect strong leaders with the courage and vision to lead us into the future. Leaders who understand that true wealth is not about how much money is in the bank. True wealth comes from strength of character, individual responsibility and the value of things that cannot be bought or sold.
“The rarest commodities that truly stabilize an economy are not sold on the stock market. They are honesty, hard work, love of family and community – against these things there are no laws, because they are good,” Steinmetz continued. “Government is instituted for the people, to secure their rights, provide for their defense and to protect their prosperity. We must remind ourselves of our common history and goals and unite behind those things which are noble and good. Then we will make Wyoming the envy of the world.”
Steinmetz, her family and campaign committee will be out and about during this election season and look forward to meeting with the citizens of Goshen, Niobrara and Weston Counties.
Individuals who wish to contact Steinmetz directly, may email STEINMETZforSENATE@gmail.com, or call (307) 534-5342.
“Since 2014 it has been my honor to serve the citizens of Goshen County in House District 5,” Steinmetz said. “I thank all of you who placed your trust in me to serve in this office. I look forward to serving the Senate District with the same reverence … It is my pledge to you that I will do my very best to represent the entire District in a fair and consistent manner.”
