62nd Legislature
Budget Session Kicks-Off with Bi-Partisan Press Conference
Cheyenne, Wyoming
— The Majority of the
Wyoming State Legislature outlined plans today to deliver a smart, responsible
budget that invests in Wyoming’s local communities, workforce and future.
The 62nd
Wyoming State Legislative session kicked-off today with a bi-partisan press conference
focused on the budget, capitol restoration, infrastructure investments, and protecting
and enhancing Wyoming’s extractive industries.
The legislative
session will focus on producing a conservative budget that keeps Wyoming
fiscally sound and economically dynamic. The proposed Fiscal Year 2015/2016 budget
holds the line on spending while making targeted investments for the state’s future.
“Our focus is on Wyoming’s future – protecting our finances,
growing job opportunities and giving our local communities the resources they
need to prosper for years to come,” said Senate President Tony Ross.
Lawmakers credited
good fiscal management for not having to make sharp budget cuts this year, but
cautioned against increased spending.
“The reason our
state is in the financial position we are is because the legislature has
consistently been good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Eli Bebout.
“Now is not the time to change course.”
This morning
Governor Mead delivered his annual State of the State Address to a Joint
Session of the Wyoming Senate and House of Representatives. Legislators
applauded Governor Mead’s leadership in delivering a sound budget to the
legislature.
“We look forward to working with Governor Mead in the coming
weeks and delivering a budget that prepares
Wyoming to be a player in the world economy,” said House Speaker Pro Tempore
Rosie Berger.
Another top priority for lawmakers is the restoration and
renovation of the State Capitol. The Capitol is nearly 130 years old and in
dire need of repair. In its current state, the Capitol is vulnerable to fire
and fails to meet a number of important safety codes. In addition to safety
concerns, essential updates and repairs are needed to maintain several historic
features of the building.
“The Capitol is a symbol of our state and a part of
Wyoming’s history, a part worth preserving,” said Ross. “Ensuring the public
has adequate access to the State Capitol and legislative process is essential.”
The legislature has been planning to restore and renovate
the Capitol for nearly a decade, putting aside millions of dollars for the
work.
With the aim of ensuring steady revenues going forward,
legislators reiterated their commitment to protecting and promoting Wyoming’s
mining industry. Among other energy-focused efforts, plans are underway for a study
of an energy mega-campus designed to be a one-stop shop for commercial scale
industries in Wyoming. Modeled on the Alberta Canada Nisku Industrial Park,
this project will help Wyoming move away from export reliance and into a
value-added economy.
“The health of our extractive industries has a direct and
immediate impact on our ability to fund programs and needs across the state,
and keep individual taxes low,” said Lubnau. “Ensuring a viable future for the
mining sector is our responsibility and essential to a fiscally sound future. “
