NEWS RELEASE
Majority of the Wyoming House of Representatives
House and Senate Republicans Take on Critical Topics During 66th Budget Session
Republican leadership calls for focus, prioritization
CHEYENNE – Today, House and Senate Republicans will commence the 66th Legislative Budget Session focused on developing a fiscally responsible budget, local government funding, legislative redistricting, appropriating American Rescue Act monies and capital construction proposals among other important issues.
“After an active interim, legislative members are ready to convene in Cheyenne to do good work for the people of Wyoming,” said Senate President Dan Dockstader. “This year is a budget session, so we only have 20 days to work through some big tasks and we are going to have to stay focused.”
One of the primary tasks during the Session is the development of the budget.
“We are in a better position than we thought we would be since new estimates show a little more than half a million dollars more for the budget. But we will still need to be thoughtful about how we utilize the funds. The market is still pretty volatile and as we know, the economic landscape is changing, which creates budget uncertainty,” said Senator Dockstader.
The proposed schedule focuses on ensuring the general appropriations and redistricting bills receive as much time as possible to consider. The redistricting and budget measures do not require an introductory vote.
“Every 10 years the Legislature is required to undertake the redistricting process to match population shifts,” House Speaker Eric Barlow said. “This process is a robust effort with lots of input and back and forth. At times tensions have been high, and I expect there will be a hardy debate on the floor, but I have full confidence we as the legislative body will arrive at the best possible outcome we can considering all the varied interests throughout the state.”
Other priorities include appropriation of American Rescue Act (ARPA) monies, local government funding and capital construction proposals.
“The ARPA dollars are an opportunity to do good things for Wyoming,” said Barlow. “Good stewardship of these monies is of the utmost priority. We are committed to using these funds strategically to continue to create prosperity for Wyoming’s people.”
Legislators will focus the first week of the session discussing redistricting and other high priority bills in their first house. The budget bill consideration is planned for the second week.
Bills other than budget bills require a two-thirds vote to be introduced in a Budget Session.
All House and Senate meetings are open to the public. Proceedings will be livestreamed on the Legislature’s website: www.wyoleg.gov.
