Valeria Fugate
MMJ/State Reporter
Cheyenne, Wyoming
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Valeria was born and raised in Canada, exposed to different cultures and languages early on, spurring her love of people, travel, and stories. People are amazing! As a Multimedia Journalist, she loves all things culture, politics, and music. Valeria has written for a global magazine and was on a multi-cultural video platform. Her hobbies include photography, writing, videography, rollerblading. She also loves traveling, scuba diving, spending time with her family, being near or in the ocean, music, and dance.
To contact Valeria, please email valeria.fugate@wyomingnewsnow.tv
Education
Affiliations
Updated: Mar. 24, 2023 at 7:37 PM CDT
|By Valeria Fugate
As part of the last legislative session’s efforts to create sideboards around shed hunting. Two bills emerged to help hunters in the outdoors, going into effect soon.
Updated: Mar. 24, 2023 at 7:24 PM CDT
|By Valeria Fugate
As we moved through the challenges of the pandemic, one thing became very clear we need more medical staff in Wyoming.Gov. Mark Gordon took up the challenge by helping to produce a program that would support this growth. We spoke to some medical professionals about what this looks like once the boots hit the ground.
Updated: Mar. 24, 2023 at 6:03 PM CDT
|By Valeria Fugate
We spoke to U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis Thursday morning Who discussed the repeal of the 1991 & 2002 Authorization of Military force in Iraq and her views on Trump.
Updated: Mar. 24, 2023 at 3:32 PM CDT
|By Valeria Fugate
This year marks the 50th anniversary of thanking service military members and bosses for their service.On Thursday a bunch of bosses got a great big thank you. The National Guard and Reserve Member Employees sponsored their bosses for a “Boss Lift.”
Updated: Mar. 22, 2023 at 11:25 PM CDT
|By Valeria Fugate
The Wyoming Prescription Drug Transparency Act, created during the last Legislative session, was meant to stabilize the pharmacy industry and keep community pharmacies open.But pharmacy experts claim the bill was “gutted” by Gov. Mark Gordon with line vetoes before it was signed. Maintaining a dysfunctional industry status quo.
Updated: Mar. 21, 2023 at 7:12 PM CDT
|By Valeria Fugate
As new laws continue to get passed or signed into law by Gov. Mark Gordon. Another hot topic bill hits the ground regarding Title 9 Civil Rights legislation and athletes.
Updated: Mar. 21, 2023 at 6:52 PM CDT
|By Valeria Fugate
As we get closer to summer, some folks are already thinking about vacations and trips they’d like to take. But what if you needed help, and what if a rule stopped someone from getting paid for giving you the support you needed?On Tuesday, protesters came to the Capitol steps asking for equality for persons with disabilities.
Updated: Mar. 21, 2023 at 10:35 AM CDT
|By Valeria Fugate
Well, thanks to the pandemic, emergency responders knew precisely how to handle a recent emergency and got everyone the safety and health care they needed. On Saturday, the Veterans’ Affairs Cheyenne Health Care System received a call from the Emergency Management Agency for Cheyenne and Laramie Counties at 2 pm.
Updated: Mar. 21, 2023 at 10:34 AM CDT
|By Valeria Fugate
As Gov. Mark Gordon continues to sign legislative bills into law, one of the two abortion bills has garnered national attention. Making Wyoming the first state in the nation to outlaw medicines used in chemical abortions.
Updated: Mar. 8, 2023 at 10:43 AM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
Jeff Henne owns waller hall research...A small business market research company in big horn county.When he found out about the small business opportunity program through the small business association or SBA he took action.
Updated: Mar. 6, 2023 at 5:39 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
The Wyoming Department of Transportation’s 511 travel website registered over 2 billion hits on their site in 2022.This is the most hits in one-year WYDOT has seen since the department started tracking them.The website shows both forecasted and real-time weather-related road impacts.
Updated: Mar. 6, 2023 at 5:28 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
With the legislative session in our rear-view mirror, Wyoming will start seeing the decisions made there come to fruition.One of those decisions pertains to a Platte County Rancher who leads a successful Technical College in Laramie and has been named the newest trustee to the University of Wyoming Board.
Updated: Mar. 6, 2023 at 4:56 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
As legislators close out the 67th Legislative session, lawmakers move their bills toward the Governor’s desk on Friday. Tax relief is on the way, and the property tax residential property class will be how residents can get it. The bill initially targeted the elderly and poor to provide tax relief, and now it is for everyone who lives in Wyoming.
Updated: Mar. 6, 2023 at 4:24 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
As the legislature finishes its busy work, Gov. Mark Gordon was just as active in signing new bills into law. The Governor signed the 12-month postpartum bill into law on Friday.“How important it is that we support mothers. This is truly a pro-life bill, and more than that, it is also a way to give our kids a great start,” said Gordon.
Updated: Mar. 6, 2023 at 3:57 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
As the 67th Legislative session closes, lawmakers move the latest bills to the Governor’s desk. The Student Eligibility in Interscholastic Sports bill moved toward the Governor’s desk for signing on Friday. This bill prohibits biologically male students from competing on a team designated for female students.
Updated: Mar. 3, 2023 at 12:01 AM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
On Thursday, lawmakers move their bills across the finish line as Legislators wrap up their final week. The Life is a Human Right act, and the Prohibiting Chemical Abortions bill were heard today and voted on concurrence. This is where both chambers agree and sign off on the final draft of the bills.
Updated: Mar. 2, 2023 at 12:16 AM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
On Wednesday, there was a little controversy in the House chambers as lawmakers rehashed the budget in a bit of a ping-pong of legislation. In an active maneuver of keeping each branch in its place, the House vetoed Governor Mark Gordon’s veto.
Updated: Mar. 1, 2023 at 11:37 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
As the closely watched abortion bills round toward the end of their journey through the chambers, many Lawmakers are anticipating that the abortion legislation will cross the finish line with ease. The Prohibiting Chemical Abortions bill was on its third reading in the house on Wednesday. This bill pertains to drugs that are used to conduct abortions.
Updated: Feb. 28, 2023 at 6:53 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
On Tuesday, Legislators looked at how they could help care for the state’s children and methods to keep pharmaceuticals affordable and competitive in the state. The Wyoming Prescription Drug Transparency Act regarding the Pharmacy Benefit Managers or PBMs was heard in the House chambers for its second reading.PBMs are corporate entities that control the pharmacy market and drug prices.
Updated: Feb. 27, 2023 at 11:20 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
The Prohibiting Chemical Abortion bill passed in the House Committee of the Whole on Monday. The drug “Misoprostol” was reintroduced onto the banned drugs list by lawmakers today. Medical professionals previously argued this drug should be taken off the banned list because it has many uses.
Updated: Feb. 27, 2023 at 10:34 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
As trans issues cross the legislature on Monday, lawmakers and experts discuss the Student Eligibility Interscholastic Sports bill. This bill looks to separate athletes by biological gender, according to lawmakers, in hopes of preventing any unfair advantage.
Updated: Feb. 24, 2023 at 6:58 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
As legislation works to protect women and children, one new bill may help protect both while moving through the judicial system. At the same time, another hope for clean energy gets dashed by lawmakers.”Many domestic violence survivors sometimes leave the county or the state and so asking them to have to appear before a judge ina physical court can cause problems for the victim and making them travel back,” said Karlee Provenza, H.D. 45.
Updated: Feb. 24, 2023 at 6:37 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
On Friday, the Wyoming Stable Token Act is a bill that would create a virtual digital currency redeemable for one U.S. dollar, held in trust by the state of Wyoming.The bill will also create a commission to authorize the Wyoming Stable Token.”It’s a really good opportunity for the state of Wyoming and very exciting for us to be once again the first and the leader of digital asset space,” said Sen. Chris Rothfuss, S.D. 9.
Updated: Feb. 23, 2023 at 7:30 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
In the Thursday Committee meeting, lawmakers looked into backing state funds not just with U.S. dollars but with gold and qualifying this potential state tender to its highest value if lawmakers sign on. ”We sent the signal in 1819 with the legal tender act, but I think it sends a signal we’re open for business in this space much like we have with blockchain as well and cryptocurrency, said Rep. Steve Harshman, Chair of House Revenue Committee and H.D. 37.
Updated: Feb. 23, 2023 at 6:56 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
As legislators start to bring the 67th Legislative session towards an end, they are beginning to wrap up a few hot-topic bills. The Prohibiting Chemical Abortions bill went to the House Revenue Committee Thursday morning. This bill outlaws drugs used for abortions, providing criminal penalties, definitions and exceptions.
Updated: Feb. 23, 2023 at 5:38 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
On Wednesday, the Senate Labor, Health and Social Services Committee discussed the 12-month Postpartum Medicaid bill. Experts, medical professionals and parents gave heartfelt testimony, including two high school students who testified to the money saved and statistics for postpartum care. Most testified that maternal health care affects whole families and multiple generations.
Updated: Feb. 21, 2023 at 7:31 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
The Capitol was busy with neighboring, and local visitors Tuesday. Legislators welcomed discussions on the floor of the capitol that included strengthening trade relations and making sure all Wyomingites have access to health care.
Updated: Feb. 21, 2023 at 7:06 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
After a financial dry spell in Wyoming, Lawmakers say relief is on the way. Thanks to the budget surplus, some of the hardest-hit sectors finally be restocked and the extra will be saved for the future.With less than two weeks left in the Legislative session, we talked to lawmakers about budget and finance.
Updated: Feb. 20, 2023 at 7:00 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
Foy Jolley Jr. is a retired Airforce veteran. He toured Thailand and Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 and was stationed at the Yokota Airbase in Japan from 1969 to 1972. Finally, moving to Wyoming in 1972, where he was stationed at the 90 Missile Wing S.A.C.He retired from the military in 1977 and joined the Wyoming State Capitol Security Police.
Updated: Feb. 17, 2023 at 9:46 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
With Wyoming’s strong ties to our military, Legislators followed this up by ensuring all military families and kids are covered in their education and resources.The Purple Star Schools bill received and passed its second reading in the Senate on Friday.This bill would connect kids’ education from state to state. Keeping consistency when military kids move with their families.
Updated: Feb. 16, 2023 at 9:48 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
There is nothing like a little music to rally the troops and lift spirits, and that’s exactly what a duo of hardy musicians did at the Capitol Thursday morning, in honor of their snowed-in team and first responders.
Updated: Feb. 16, 2023 at 9:23 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
One of the most significant tasks legislators have outside of helping to create bills and sideboards for legislation is keeping everything within budget. Well, that is exactly what lawmakers are doing and making sure Wyomingites have a little extra stored away for tough times. As we head towards the tail end of the 67th Legislative session, we get a recap from lawmakers about what’s happened so far.
Updated: Feb. 15, 2023 at 11:34 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
After the tragic death of a local 13-year-old boy stuck by a car on his way to school, authorities felt that crosswalk safety was an issue that needed to be addressed in this legislative session. Now lawmakers are looking to codify laws to ensure that kids and everyone can stay safe while crossing the road. The House Judiciary Committee held a meeting Wednesday to discuss funding for crosswalks across the state.
Updated: Feb. 15, 2023 at 10:13 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
On Wednesday, we spoke with lawmakers about the 988 suicide prevention bill and under-aged marriage. The Senate passed the 988 Suicide Hotline bill in its 3rd reading but with amendments. They are proposing the Department of Health seek private funding and charitable tax exemptions.
Updated: Feb. 14, 2023 at 9:48 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
Football and Cowboys are as Wyoming as you can get, and today, the head of both visited the Capitol on Tuesday. The head coach for the University of Wyoming football team was out to wrangle support for the school and Wyoming youth.
Updated: Feb. 14, 2023 at 9:11 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
As increasing reports of missing Indigenous women splash across news headlines, the Wyoming Legislature is doing something about it with a new bill.The Senate looked at the Missing Person’s Alert System bill on Monday.
Updated: Feb. 14, 2023 at 7:04 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
As legislators move into the 6th week of the 67th legislative session lawmakers looked at taxes and annexations.The property tax exemption for the elderly and infirm bill passed the House Revenue committee Tuesday.This bill would amend the Wyoming Constitution and allow folks that are infirm or on fixed incomes to stay in their homes.
Updated: Feb. 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
On Monday committees focused on the 988 suicide prevention. The 988 Suicide Prevention Bill just got a shot in the arm by lawmakers on Monday. The bill just passed the Senate Labor Health and Social Service Committee 3 to 2 and goes to the general file in the senate. Lawmakers are looking to codify best practices and financial infrastructures for these hotline centers.
Updated: Feb. 10, 2023 at 7:00 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
As we close out the 5th week of the Legislature. Lawmakers look at vulnerable adults and skill-based games. As the legislative crossover continues, the Senate takes a quick breather while the House continues to finish up loose ends. In the house, the Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults bill looks to protect the elderly from being scammed or misused and having their bank accounts drained.
Updated: Feb. 9, 2023 at 7:00 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
As legislators finish up cross over, which is where they finalize the third readings of their own chamber bills in preparation to move them across to the other chambers we spoke to some officials about what bills still need to get done. On Thursday Legislators focused on Apprenticeship programs and innovation. As shortages in workforce rising costs of living, student debt, layoffs and recession loom.
Updated: Feb. 9, 2023 at 7:30 AM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
As lawmakers finish up third readings in the house., Legislators look at Education, Medicaid and Security.Election security passed on the senate docket on the third reading, this bill looks to codify the rules for securing the accuracy and practices within elections.The bill also shortens the early voting period from 45 days to 28 days which according to lawmakers is still above the national average.
Updated: Feb. 7, 2023 at 11:55 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
Students from the Gender and Sexualities Alliances came together from across the state to learn about the legal process, law-making and their rights. ”It should be a conversation between the children and their parent and when it comes down to it, no matter what the parents decide. I dont think that the wyoming legislature has a place within those families and those conversations,” said Jordan Kennedy, GSA Student.
Updated: Feb. 7, 2023 at 11:29 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
On Tuesday legislators focused on women and children. In the House chambers, lawmakers discussed the Medicaid 12-month postpartum coverage and Life is a human right act, bills. The postpartum bill would extend continuous care for Medicaid-eligible mothers and infants with mental health and medical resources post-birth.
Updated: Feb. 6, 2023 at 9:48 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
If you are a Wyomingite that is frustrated at how the Biden administration is running the nation you are not alone. In fact, several states have gone out of their way to create legislation that would give state lawmakers more say, and today Wyoming is joining them in getting a little closer to that end.
Updated: Feb. 6, 2023 at 9:04 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
In light of the Chinese spy balloon that got shot over U.S. territory, we asked Wyoming lawmakers what they are doing to help keep Wyoming assets secured.Wyoming’s Senator Cynthia Lummis visited the Legislative chambers on Monday as the House and Senate completed the Committee of the Whole.Lummis spoke about what lawmakers are doing to secure Wyoming’s assets and citizens.
Updated: Feb. 3, 2023 at 7:56 AM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
There was a lot of commotion today in the legislature on Thursday as folks got heated over some hot-topic bills. Thursday morning, the senate signed off on the third reading of the child abuse-change of sex bill. It passed 22 to 9.The moment came to a head when a mother shouted insults from the gallery to the floor as the bill got voted through.
Updated: Feb. 3, 2023 at 7:32 AM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
Thursday was a big day in the legislature. We celebrated Military day and the Diversification of business in the state.” The capitol celebrated Military day with the life of Major Theodore Williams Gostas, a veteran who overcame atrocities by making something beautiful out of something ugly.
Updated: Jan. 31, 2023 at 7:00 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
On Tuesday, both legislative bodies started to review supplementary budgets and amendments. This week lawmakers will dive deeper into the $800M in state funds to allocate to services, programs or savings.
Updated: Jan. 30, 2023 at 6:51 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
On Monday, the House Judiciary Committee took public comment on The Life is a Human Right Act. This bill prohibits abortion and would create new statutes, specifies criminal and regulatory penalties, removes obsolete provisions, and codifies the fetus’s legal rights from conception. Exceptions include spontaneous abortion and ectopic pregnancy and would become effect July 1, 2023.
Updated: Jan. 30, 2023 at 4:41 PM CST
|By Valeria Fugate
The Senate Labor, Health and Social Services Committee met Friday morning to discuss the child-abuse change of sex bill. This bill would charge parents with child abuse if they assist their under-aged, in changing their gender permanently.
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