By Peter Long
(Cheyenne, WY) The Wyoming Legislature concluded the 66th General Legislative Session Thursday, April 8. The session included 34 working days despite challenges created by the Coronavirus pandemic and snowstorms last month.
A near-record 441 bills were introduced during the abbreviated session, which saw a significant increase in public engagement through virtual participation options. Lawmakers passed 178 bills in total. Of the 161 pieces of legislation introduced in the Senate, 77 passed both chambers. The House introduced a total of 227 bills, 101 of which earned the approval of both bodies. Legislation that passed both houses has either been acted on or is awaiting action by Governor Mark Gordon.
◆ Budget included $430 in reductions, No tax increases.
On Monday, March 30, the Wyoming Legislature approved a balanced budget that significantly reduces government spending in response to historic revenue shortfalls created by the pandemic and declining coal, oil and natural gas production and prices. The bill (HB 001) passed with broad bipartisan support in both the House (57-4) and Senate (26-3).
The bill includes approximately $430 million in spending reductions about 96% of the $446 million recommended by the Joint Appropriations Committee. It contains no tax increases.
At the same time, the bill preserves funding for services critical to Wyoming’s vulnerable populations and investments to continue to strengthen and grow our economy, including: the Department of Health and the Department of Family Services; the University of Wyoming and the state’s Community Colleges;
Gordon signs supplemental Wyoming budget; will cut $430M, eliminate 324 state positions oilcity.news - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from oilcity.news Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
By Brendan LaChance on February 5, 2021
A statue on the grounds of the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne with the newly rebuilt Herschler Building in the background. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
CASPER, Wyo. At least 33 pieces of legislation have been passed by both the Wyoming House of Representative and Senate during their eight day virtual session.
Friday marks the last day of the eight-day virtual session but the legislature will reconvene in March to continue the 2021 General Session.
The legislature have passed bills touching on everything from energy policy to animal abuse statues to alcohol regulation to health policy.
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