This study examines the perceptions of legislators in Natrona County, Wyoming, concerning the impact community college attendance has on a student's future earning power. Eight congressmen and four senators were interviewed between November 30, 2000, and January 31, 2001. Results included: (1) nine legislators held perceptions that could be classified as clear and convincing about the role education plays in the ability to enhance earning capacity, yet none offered an estimate as to how much that difference might be; (2) six legislators provided dialogue that clearly identified a belief in a graduated benefit to attending college; earning power was likely impacted by attending, and the longer a student attended the more enhanced the earning power; (3) the fewest number of legislators indicated that there might be a monetary benefit to attending college, but they offered some type of qualification for this position; and (4) five legislators discussed their positive perceptions of Casper's role in providing opportunities for improving job skills. This report also presents a student wage study that is compared with the legislators' perceptions, demonstrating that: (1) there is a clear benefit to graduating from a community college; and (2) there is also a graduated and qualified benefit to attending college. (Includes 11 tables and 4 figures, with legislator quotes.) (EMH)