KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, SportsBudget Discussions Begin

Budget Discussions Begin

The $3.2 billion state budget proposal was introduced Tuesday in both the Wyoming House and Senate.

The budget bill went through it's first reading on Tuesday and will finish up first reading Wednesday.

Wyoming's budget is tight this year and legislators understand they will have to stick very close to the recommended budget.

"We need to be conservative. We need to hold the line where we are. Take the Joint Appropriations Committee's recommendations and be very careful to stay within the lines of what they recommend," said Representative Ed Buchanan the Wyoming House Speaker.

With natural gas prices continuing stay at about $2.50 per mcf, well below the $3.25 per mcf that the budget is based on, questions have risen whether the budget would need to be lowered again.

"We'll be able to keep the budget. We have contingencies. We have accounts that are set up just for fluctuations like this," said Representative James Byrd.

Some representatives think it's time to diversify the economy and stop relying so much on minerals.

"Here in southeast Wyoming we have the perfect climate for data centers. We have a robust work force so if we attract those kind of companies down here. The tax base that they would create," Byrd said.

There's going to be lots of amendments, starting during second reading, that will attempt to be added after being rejected by the appropriations committee.

"When we get to that point I think you'll see things with regard to the Department of Health, some education amendments specifically maybe Community Colleges," Buchanan said.

A lack of pay increases to educators being included in the budget was disappointing, but if energy prices stay low or go lower, it's going to erode school foundation program funds and capital construction money.

"What sense does it make to do an increase in a standard budget let's say for salaries which we all would love, but then turn around six months later and make a reduction of 4%?," said Rosie Berger, Chairman of the Joint Appropriations Committee.

Confidence is high they will come up with a budget that everyone can agree on.

"We have a little wiggle room. We can substitute and make some changes and I think by the end of March 9 we will have a balanced budget," Berger said.

The House will begin that second reading on the bill later this week followed by third reading on Monday.