Jim Geringer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Geringer
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Geringer in 2010
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| 30th Governor of Wyoming | |
| In office January 2, 1995 – January 6, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Mike Sullivan |
| Succeeded by | Dave Freudenthal |
| Member of the Wyoming Senate | |
| In office 1989–1995 |
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| Succeeded by | Curt Meier |
| Constituency | Platte County (1989-1992) 3rd district (1993-1995) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 24, 1944 Wheatland, Wyoming, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Sharyn Geringer
(m. 1967) |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Kansas State University (BS) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1967–1991 |
| Unit | United States Air Force Reserve |
James Edward Geringer (born April 24, 1944) is an American politician. He was the 30th Governor of Wyoming. He served in this role from 1995 to 2003.
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Early Life and Education
Jim Geringer was born and grew up on a farm. This farm was located in Wheatland, Wyoming. His father, Gottlieb Geringer, came from a German community in Russia. His mother, Edla Malin, had Swedish family roots.
Jim went to Kansas State University. He studied mechanical engineering there. He was also a member of the Triangle Fraternity. After college, he served for ten years in the United States Air Force. He then retired from the Air Force. For a short time, he worked at a power station in Wheatland. Later, he bought his own farm.
Jim Geringer's Political Career
In 1982, Jim Geringer began his political journey. He successfully ran for a seat in the Wyoming House of Representatives. He was a member of the Republican Party. After serving in the House for six years, he moved to the Wyoming Senate. In 1988, he won the seat for Platte County.
Later, the state legislature changed how it divided up areas. It switched from county-based areas to specific districts. In 1992, Geringer was elected to represent the 3rd senate district. Then, in 1994, he was elected as Wyoming's governor.
Governor of Wyoming
As governor, Jim Geringer was generally a conservative leader. This means he often supported traditional values and limited government spending. During his time, he helped pass several important laws. These laws included:
- Rules for group lawsuits (class action lawsuits).
- Changes to laws about debt (bankruptcy reform).
- Stronger laws against crime.
- Allowing new types of public schools called charter schools.
- Lowering taxes for people and businesses.
However, he sometimes disagreed with his own Republican Party. For example, he supported environmental protection rules. He also supported the Equal Rights Amendment. This amendment aimed to ensure equal legal rights for all American citizens, regardless of sex.
In 1997, Governor Geringer expressed concerns about content on America Online. He called for a boycott because he found certain online materials offensive. The content was later removed.
After Being Governor
After his time as governor, Jim Geringer continued to work. He joined a company called ESRI. This company is known for its mapping software. He became their director of policy and public sector strategies.
Jim Geringer also helped start Western Governors University (WGU). This is an online university. He is currently the chairman of the WGU Board of Trustees.
