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DOE to begin collections on Federal Student loans (posted 4/22/2025)
There will not be any mass loan forgiveness - collections to restart May 5, 2025
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) announced on Monday, April 21, 2025, its Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) will resume collections of its defaulted federal student loan portfolio on Monday, May 5th. The Department has not collected on defaulted loans since March 2020. Resuming collections protects taxpayers from shouldering the cost of federal student loans that borrowers willingly undertook to finance their postsecondary education. This initiative will be paired with a comprehensive communications and outreach campaign to ensure borrowers understand how to return to repayment or get out of default.
Congress mandated that student and parent borrowers begin to repay their student loans in October 2023, however the Biden-Harris Administration did not lift the collections pause and kept borrowers in a confusing limbo.
"American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "The Biden Administration misled borrowers: the executive branch does not have the constitutional authority to wipe debt away, nor do the loan balances simply disappear. Hundreds of billions have already been transferred to taxpayers. Going forward, the Department of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Treasury, will shepherd the student loan program responsibly and according to the law, which means helping borrowers return to repayment—both for the sake of their own financial health and our nation’s economic outlook."
Federal student loans are financed by the American people. Today, 42.7 million borrowers owe more than $1.6 trillion in student debt. More than 5 million borrowers have not made a monthly payment in over 360 days and sit in default—many for more than 7 years—and 4 million borrowers are in late-stage delinquency (91-180 days). As a result, there could be almost 10 million borrowers in default in a few months. When this happens, almost 25 percent of the federal student loan portfolio will be in default.
Only 38 percent of borrowers are in repayment and current on their student loans. Most of the remaining borrowers are either delinquent on their payments, in an interest-free forbearance, or in an interest-free deferment. A small percentage of borrowers are in a 6-month grace period or in-school.
Currently, almost 1.9 million borrowers have been unable to even begin repayment because of a processing pause put in place by the previous administration. Since August 2024, the Department has not processed applications for enrollment in any repayment plan such as Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, or PAYE. The Department is currently working with its federal student loan servicers and anticipates processing to begin next month.
FSA will restart the Treasury Offset Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, on Monday, May 5, 2025. All borrowers in default will receive email communications from FSA over the next 2 weeks making them aware of these developments and urging them to contact the Default Resolution Group to make a monthly payment, enroll in an income-driven repayment plan, or sign up for loan rehabilitation. Later this summer, FSA will send required notices beginning administrative wage garnishment.
The Department will also authorize guaranty agencies that they may begin involuntary collections activities on loans under the Federal Family Education Loan Program. All FSA collection activities are required under the Higher Education Act and conducted only after student and parent borrowers have been provided sufficient notice and opportunity to repay their loans under the law.
FSA is committed to keeping borrowers updated with clear information about their payment options to put them on a productive path toward repaying their federal student loans. Over the next two months, FSA will conduct a communications campaign to engage all borrowers on the importance of repayment. FSA will conduct outreach to borrowers through emails and social media reminding them of their obligations and providing resources and support to assist them in selecting the best repayment plan, like the new Loan Simulator, AI Assistant (Aiden), and extended servicers call times. FSA will also launch an enhanced Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) process, simplifying the time that it will take borrowers to enroll in IDR plans and eliminating the need for borrowers to recertify their income every year. More information will be posted on StudentAid.gov next week.
FSA intends to enlist its partners – states, institutions of higher education, financial aid administrators, college access and success organizations, third-party servicers, and other stakeholders – to assist in this campaign to restore commonsense and fairness with the message: student and parent borrowers – not taxpayers – must repay their student loans. There will not be any mass loan forgiveness. Together, these actions will move the federal student loan portfolio back into repayment, which benefits borrowers and taxpayers alike.
Detailed information to help borrowers get out of default is also available at StudentAid.gov/end-default.
Source: U.S. Department of Education media release April 21, 2025
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Governor orders flag to Half-Staff in honor of His Holiness Pope Francis (posted 4/21/2025)
CHEYENNE, WY – As a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, and in accordance with an action by the President of the United States, Governor Mark Gordon has ordered both the United States and Wyoming flags to fly at half-staff immediately.
The flag should be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment. Once that date is determined, a reminder will be sent from the Governor’s office to return flags to full staff.
Circus coming to town April 25 (posted 4/18/2025)
The Pinedale Fine Arts Council (PFAC) will be concluding the 24-25 auditorium season with Bindlestiff Family Cirkus on Friday, April 25, at 7:00pm in the Sheppard Auditorium in Pinedale.
Since 1995, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus has traveled the world, bringing its unique hybrid of vaudeville, circus, wild west shows and sideshow to theaters around the globe, adding a contemporary twist to the grand traditions of American Circus. This show is for the whole family.
Only one week away until this great show. Tickets are on sale now at local PFAC outlets (Office Outlets, Cowboy Shop, Nested West) and online. Tickets are selling fast! Buys yours today online at www.pinedalefinearts.com.
Senator Lummis praises President Trump's pro-coal Executive Order (posted 4/8/2025)
Senator Cynthia Lummis media release
WASHINGTON, DC — Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement applauding President Trump’s pro-coal executive order.
"I am thrilled that President Trump is reversing the failed energy policies of the Biden administration and officially lifting this ridiculous moratorium on federal coal leasing," said Lummis. "The previous administration's anti-science, anti-energy, anti-Wyoming policies cost good paying jobs, increased energy costs, and played into the hands of America's adversaries. President Trump knows that increased American energy is a strength, not a weakness. As America's leading coal-producing state, Wyoming stands ready and able to support President Trump's initiative to expand and Unleash American Energy."
Background:
Earlier today (April 8, 2025), President Trump signed an EO: Executive Actions to Support the Coal Industry, which does the following:
• Directs the Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council to designate coal as a "mineral" under Executive Order 14241, entitling coal to all of the benefits of that prior Order.
• Directs relevant agencies to identify coal resources on Federal lands, lift barriers to coal mining, and prioritize coal leasing on those lands.
• Directs the Secretary of the Interior to acknowledge the end of the Jewell Moratorium, which paused coal leasing on Federal lands.
• Requires agencies to rescind any agency policies that seek to transition the Nation away from coal production or otherwise establish preferences against coal as a generation resource.
• Directs CEQ to assist agencies in adopting coal-related categorical exclusions under NEPA.
• Seeks to promote coal and coal technology exports, facilitate international offtake agreements for U.S. coal, and accelerate development of coal technologies.
• Calls for the Secretary of Energy to determine whether coal used in the production of steel meets the definition of a "critical material" and "critical mineral" under the Energy Act of 2020, and if so, add it to the relevant lists.
• Pushes for using coal to power new artificial intelligence (AI) data.
Property Tax Refund Program application period open in Wyoming (posted 4/3/2025)
Deadline to apply is June 2, 2025
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon
CHEYENNE, WYOMING – Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Department of Revenue are announcing the property tax refund program for homeowners is now open for applications. At the Governor’s request, the Legislature appropriated an additional $10.5 million to meet the state’s commitment to homeowners in need, following expansion of the program in 2024.
"We know more than 4,600 additional families utilized this program last year, reflecting how important delivering relief to those most impacted by increased assessments has become," Governor Gordon said.
The property tax refund program assists eligible Wyoming homeowners who are struggling to pay their property taxes, which can often be a significant financial burden, particularly for those with fixed or limited incomes. In 2023, the program helped 13,485 Wyoming families, with more than $14,265,960 million in refunds distributed, with the average refund being approximately $1,058.23.
Homeowners can apply for a refund of up to one-half of the median residential property tax amount or 75 percent of their 2024 property tax bill, whichever is less. Eligibility is limited to homeowners:
- whose gross household income is equal to or less than 145 percent of the median household income for their county of residence, or the statewide median, whichever is greater;
- have been Wyoming resident for at least five years,- occupy the residence at least nine months of the tax year;
have total assets less than $163,019 per adult household member, excluding the value of your home, one vehicle per adult member of the household and any retirement accounts, life insurance or medical saving accounts from that calculation. If the homeowner’s 2024 property tax paid exceeds 10% of your total household income, the asset requirement is waived.
Brenda Henson, Director of the Department of Revenue, stated all taxpayers who applied for refunds last year will receive an application in the mail in mid-April. Taxpayers may also apply online at wptrs.wyo.gov beginning April 2, 2025. In addition, applications are available from local County Treasurer's offices across the state. All applications must be properly completed and filed with the Department of Revenue or the County Treasurer's office no later than June 2, 2025. Before applying for the refund, individuals must pay their 2024 taxes in full.
For more information about Wyoming’s property tax refund program, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit wptrs.wyo.gov or call (307) 777-7320.
Treasury Department suspends enforcement of Corporate Transparency Act against U.S. citizens and domestic reporting companies (posted 3/3/2025)
Pinedale Online!
On March 2, 2025, the US Treasury Department announced that U.S. citizens and businesses will not be subject to fines or penalties for failing to file beneficial ownership information (BOI) reports after new reporting deadlines are set. This follows an announcement by Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) that it would announce new BOI reporting deadlines no later than March 21, 2025 to extend the current March 21 BOI reporting deadline.
Reports were originally due by the start of 2025. However, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) pushed that date to January 13, 2025. A subsequent court injunction nullified this deadline. FinCEN later said it would announce new BOI reporting deadlines no later than March 21, 2025. Willful violations had been punishable by a fine of $606 a day, up to $10,000, and two years in prison with similarly serious penalties for unauthorized disclosure.
The lawsuits and rulings have created great confusion and uncertainty for small businesses trying to understand what they need to do regarding complying with the Department of Treasury’s regulations.
Below is the text of the press release posted on the Department of Treasury website:
"The Treasury Department is announcing today (Sunday, March 2, 2025) that, with respect to the Corporate Transparency Act, not only will it not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the beneficial ownership information reporting rule under the existing regulatory deadlines, but it will further not enforce any penalties or fines against U.S. citizens or domestic reporting companies or their beneficial owners after the forthcoming rule changes take effect either. The Treasury Department will further be issuing a proposed rulemaking that will narrow the scope of the rule to foreign reporting companies only. Treasury takes this step in the interest of supporting hard-working American taxpayers and small businesses and ensuring that the rule is appropriately tailored to advance the public interest."
"This is a victory for common sense," said U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "Today’s action is part of President Trump’s bold agenda to unleash American prosperity by reining in burdensome regulations, in particular for small businesses that are the backbone of the American economy."
Source: Treasury Department Announces Suspension of Enforcement of Corporate Transparency Act Against U.S. Citizens and Domestic Reporting Companies U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 2, 2025
Game and Fish to gather public comment on Sublette antelope migration corridor risk Assessment (posted 3/3/2025)
Meeting in Pinedale April 15th in the Pinedale Library
Wyoming Game & Fish
Throughout April, public meetings will be held to seek input regarding the ongoing designation of the Sublette antelope migration corridor. Game and Fish wildlife managers are moving forward with this designation process, in accordance with Wyoming’s Migration Corridor Executive Order.
The meetings will allow the public to ask questions, provide feedback, and discuss the identified migration corridor as well as the biological risk and opportunity assessment.
"Wyoming’s open landscapes provide key migration paths for species such as mule deer and antelope," said Game and Fish Deputy Director of External Affairs Doug Brimeyer. "Evaluating these vital movement areas is an important measure towards conserving habitats and maintaining healthy big game populations in the state. Collaboration with landowners, agency managers and the public is an essential part of this process."
Three public meetings will be held to gather input at the following locations:
Wednesday, April 9, 2025: Green River, 6:00PM, WWCC, John Wesley Powell Room, 1 College Way, Room #206
Thursday, April 10, 2025: Jackson, 3:00PM, Wyoming Game and Fish Regional Office, 420 N. Cache
Tuesday, April 15, 2025: Pinedale, 6:00PM, Lovatt Room, Pinedale Library
The steps toward designating a migration corridor are outlined in the Wyoming Mule Deer and Antelope Migration Corridor Protection Executive Order. The Commission voted to identify the corridor and move forward in the designation process at its March 2024 meeting in Pinedale.
After considering the identified corridor, the biological risk assessment and public comment, the Game and Fish Commission will vote on whether to recommend to Governor Gordon that the identified corridor be formally designated at their July 2025 meeting in Evanston.
The deadline to submit comments is 5 p.m. May 2, 2025. Written comments will be presented to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission before the July 2025 meeting. Comments can be submitted through our online form or by mail to the Pinedale Regional Game and Fish Office, PO Box 850, Pinedale, WY 82941.
Visit the Game and Fish website to learn more about the identification of the migration corridor and view helpful resources. You can also visit our site to find out more about the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations by contacting the nearest Game and Fish office.
Former Game and Fish Director nominated as Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (posted 2/15/2025)
Nesvik worked as a Game Warden in Pinedale
Wyoming Game & Fish
CHEYENNE, WYOMING — Former Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Brian Nesvik was nominated by the Trump administration to be the next U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director. The nomination was announced Feb. 12.
"Brian is an outstanding leader, and if he is appointed, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be in good hands," current Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce said. "He has a proven track record of working to develop science-based policies and programs for wildlife management, and his expertise would greatly benefit the federal and state wildlife management agencies. I have no doubt that, if appointed, Brian will work collaboratively with all agencies and organizations throughout the country for the benefit of wildlife. He is the right person at the right time."
Nesvik retired from Game and Fish in 2024 after more than 29 years with the agency. He worked his way up the ranks, from a game warden in the Laramie and Pinedale areas, the title of Cody Regional Wildlife Supervisor in 2010, and Chief Game Warden and Wildlife Division Chief in 2011. Nesvik was appointed as Game and Fish Director by Gov. Matt Mead in 2019. During his tenure as director, Nesvik tackled issues such as grizzly management and aquatic invasive species, as well as the ongoing challenges in managing healthy mule deer populations.
Nesvik served in the Wyoming Army National Guard for 35 years, and retired as a brigadier general in 2021.
Current Chief Game Warden and Wildlife Division Chief Dan Smith said Nesvik's hands-on experience with Game and Fish will give him a realistic perspective as he works on national-level wildlife issues in Washington, D.C.
"Brian’s real-world experience with the challenges we face in wildlife conservation will be a tremendous benefit as we work with our federal counterparts," Smith said. "I am optimistic that with his leadership, state agencies will be able to further strengthen their partnerships and common objectives in conservation efforts."
Nesvik will undergo a Senate hearing later this month in order to receive official confirmation.
CWD found in new Wyoming hunt area (posted 2/15/2025)
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
PINEDALE, WYOMING — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of chronic wasting disease in two adult female elk from Elk Hunt Area 87. The first elk was found dead in January, followed by the second in early February. Both elk were discovered at the Dell Creek feedground. Department personnel have investigated the sites, collected samples and removed the carcasses.
Elk Hunt Area 87 is located in the Pinedale Region. It is bordered by two CWD-positive elk hunt areas: 84 and 92. This marks the first recorded cases of CWD in Hunt Area 87 and is the first detection of the disease within the Upper Green River Elk Herd. This is the second confirmed instance of elk testing positive at a feedground, following a previous detection of CWD at the Scab Creek feedground in December.
"It is unfortunate and concerning to find CWD on an elk feedground;" said Wildlife Division Deputy Chief Justin Binfet. "However, it was not unexpected given this disease continues to spread throughout the West. In anticipation of the spread of CWD to elk feedgrounds, the department created its Elk Feedground Management Plan, which will guide wildlife managers to work to minimize and mitigate CWD risks and look for long-term solutions to disease transmission on feedgrounds."
CWD is 100 percent fatal to infected deer, elk and moose. Continued monitoring of CWD over time is important to help Game and Fish understand the potential impacts of the disease, as well as evaluate future management actions. Department personnel will continue to closely monitor feedgrounds for elk showing signs of CWD.
Game and Fish personnel from the Jackson and Pinedale regions are currently developing the first Feedground Management Action Plans (FMAPs) for the Jackson and Pinedale herds. This process aims to identify both long and short-term strategies to reduce the elk's reliance on feedgrounds and mitigate the risks of disease transmission. After completing the initial FMAP process for the Pinedale Herd, the Region will determine which herd to prioritize next.
Please visit the Game and Fish website for more information on CWD testing, transmission and regulations on transportation and disposal of carcasses.
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