Now, the state’s elected officials just have to figure out how to spend it.
Gov. Mark Gordon has announced his priorities for the funds health and social services, education and workforce and economic diversity and development efforts. Despite that, lawmakers and Gordon’s cabinet still need to fully understand federal guidance around how those dollars can be used, and agree on how best to spend them.
“[The governor] talks to lawmakers a lot,” Renny Mackay, Gordon’s policy advisor, said. “As the guidance comes out, we’ll dive more into what’s possible and what is not.”
Those challenges will be manifest. Unlike most states, Wyoming’s tax revenues have in the first five months of 2021 failed to recover from the damage of last year’s COVID-19 pandemic, according to April projections from the state’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Group. The economies of major metros like Casper have also been slow to rebound to pre-pandemic levels, according to state numb
Wyo emerges from session with no long-term budget, ed solutions greenriverstar.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from greenriverstar.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Wyoming lawmakers to debate marijuana legalization
A marijuana legalization supporter at rally outside the Wyoming Capitol. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City File)
Supporters of a sweeping bill to legalize and regulate marijuana anticipate a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on Friday, where they hope to dispel myths and stereotypes held by resistant lawmakers.
Twelve representatives and two senators co-sponsored House Bill 209 – Regulation of marijuana, which would license the cultivation and sale of marijuana and tax cannabis products, including “edibles” and infused drinks. Chief sponsor Rep. Jared Olsen (R-Cheyenne), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, brought the bill only months after a majority of state residents said they support allowing adults to use marijuana without penalty.
Guns, Abortion, and Election Law: Week One of the Session county17.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from county17.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
By Greg Hirst on February 14, 2021
Dr Alexia Harrist speaks during a COVID-19 briefing on Sept. 9, 2020 (courtesy of Wyoming Public Broadcasting YouTube)
Lawmakers have introduced a handful of bills aimed at diluting the powers of the state health officer and providing more legislative, gubernatorial and municipal oversight of public-health orders.
Meanwhile, the state’s COVID-19 infection numbers improved again this week. For seven consecutive days, there were fewer than 50 hospitalizations statewide, the first time that’s happened since October.
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Prompted by these trends, Gov. Mark Gordon relaxed restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings, as well as capacity limits for sporting events, artistic performances, restaurants and gyms. Gordon extended the statewide face covering order. The new orders will go into effect Monday.