Cheyenne, Wyo. – The general session of the 64th Wyoming State
Legislature hit the halfway mark today, marking
a month of work by both chambers focused on addressing education funding
shortfalls, delivering a balanced budget and promoting economic development and
diversification.
“I’m pleased to report that the
first half of the 64th General Session has been all about ‘Working
for Wyoming,’” said Senate President Eli Bebout. “We’ve taken a conservative
approach to budgeting and spending, one that takes a long-range view to
protecting Wyoming’s budget against future revenue dips – with the ultimate
goal of creating a sustainable budget. We’ve passed important legislation to
promote economic development and diversity. And we’ve worked to limit
government overreach to protect and promote Wyoming small business owners who
are also feeling the pain of this economic downturn.”
“I’m tremendously proud of the
House of Representatives,” said House Speaker Steve Harshman. “Our members have
worked tirelessly over the past month on some tough issues. However, we have
worked legislation through the process and moved forward a number of bills that
help to rein in spending while spurring economic development and job creation.”
“Our young people - the future
generations of Wyoming community leaders, business owners and stewards of our
land – remain at the forefront of all that we are doing this session,” said
Speaker Harshman.
Collectively, the House and Senate
have introduced over 460 bills. The House of Representatives has passed more
than 125 bills while the Senate has passed more than 100 bills. Today marks the
last day bills can pass first reading to be further considered by the
legislature. The general session tentatively continues through March 3 and will
reach crossover Tuesday, February 7, which signifies the last day for third
reading on all bills in their house of origin.
The House and Senate have moved
forward a number of key measures so far this session, including:
● Senate File 132, ENDOW initiative. This legislation to establish the
‘Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming’ (ENDOW) initiative passed
the Senate and awaits further consideration in the House.
● House Bill 253, Economic Development Account Funding. This bill to
promote economic development and diversification across Wyoming passed the
House and awaits further consideration in the Senate.
● Senate File 156, State government efficiencies. This legislation
establishes the Wyoming Spending and Government Efficiency Commission and has
passed second reading in the Senate.
●
Senate File 167, Worker's
Compensation-Rate Discount, Modification & Credit. This legislation gives a
small reprieve to small business owners and has passed the Senate and awaits
consideration in the House.
● House Bill 19, Sales from Remote Sellers. This legislation aimed at
leveling the playing field for Wyoming’s small businesses passed the House and
is pending further consideration in the Senate Revenue Committee.
● Senate File 165, School Finance-Education Funding. The Senate approach
to addressing the state’s education funding shortfall has passed the Committee
of the Whole in the Senate.
● House Bill 236, School Finance-Omnibus Education Funding. The House
approach to addressing the state’s education funding shortfall has been
approved by the House Education Committee and is on General File.
● House Bill 0001 and Senate File 0001, General Government
Appropriations. These identical general budget bills have been introduced in
their respective chambers and will be debated next week.
###
