Clouston: Education Savings Account Bill Advances to Senate

Measure empowers Wyoming families with education choice

CHEYENNE – Representative Ken Clouston (HD-32) was joined by many of his colleagues in the Wyoming House of Representatives Monday to advance HB0166 Education savings accounts-1 to the Wyoming Senate. 

The legislation is written to provide some funding to families, based on a tiered income system, to assist them in making a choice outside of public education. It provides $1,000-$5,000 for students and can be used for tuition, a computer, education software, extra-curricular activities such as taking band, art, career technical education classes at a public school, taking the ACT test, or transporting a student with special needs to a medical appointment.
 
HB0166 has been heavily studied and negotiated throughout the interim and the Legislative Session. 
 
“This bill gives families the choices they want and need to make the best decisions for their children and family,” said Representative Clouston. “At the same time, I remain a strong advocate for Wyoming’s public education system, and I am incredibly proud of our school system. In 2022, the National Center for Education Statistics testing ranked Wyoming fourth overall in the nation, and the very best of the western states. This bill allows our Superintendent of Public Education to set up the Education Savings Account program in a practical and measured manner while maintaining the integrity of Wyoming’s public education system.”
 
Additionally, recognizing the significance of pre-kindergarten education and the long-term benefits of programs for pre-school children, the measure also provides education opportunities for 4-year-olds.  
 
“Please support this bill in your community, support Wyoming families, and give these families some of the education choices that they have been asking for,” Clouston added.
 
The bill passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 44-18. It now moves to the Wyoming Senate. 
 

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Stith Amendment Imposes Conditions on Kelly Parcel Sale to Prevent Full Implementation of Troublesome BLM RMP Preferred Alternative

Amendment Fights for Oil and Gas Leasing, Rights of Way in BLM RMP Outcome

 

CHEYENNE – Yesterday, on third and final reading of the state budget under consideration by the Wyoming State House of Representatives, Representative Clark Stith (R-Rock Springs) successfully sponsored an amendment that would only allow the sale of the Kelly Parcel if the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Resource Management Plan (RMP) outcome does not include certain elements in the federal agency’s preferred option, Alternative B. 

 

The Kelly parcel is a state-owned section in Grand Teton National Park.

 

Before the Governor approves the sale of the Kelly Parcel to the Department of the Interior, the amendment requires the Governor to first take into consideration whether the Rock Springs planning area will remain open for oil and gas leasing and rights of way. 

 

“This amendment takes the fight to the bargaining table. The Kelly Parcel is a valuable piece of land, and the federal government wants to see this sale through,” said Representative Clark Stith. “This amendment leverages the Kelly Parcel to protect Wyoming from the harmful consequences of the BLM’s RMP Alternative B.”

 

Southwest Wyoming House members expressed support for the amendment.  

 

According to Speaker of the House of Representatives Albert Sommers, (R- Pinedale), “We don’t control how the federal government behaves, but this restores the balance in the discussion with the federal government over the future of Southwest Wyoming.” A Sommers amendment that was also successfully passed retains grazing and hunting on the land in perpetuity.

 

“This amendment kills two birds with one stone. By the BLM’s own calculations, the current impact of Alternative B would cost the economy of Southwest Wyoming over $1 billion dollars. Ensuring these resources can be developed is of utmost important to us in Wyoming and our nation’s energy independence,” Representatives Cody Wylie, (R-Rock Springs), J.T. Larson (R- Rock Springs) and Tony Niemiec (R-Green River) Rep. Ryan Berger (R-Evanston) Rep. Jon Conrad (R-Mountain View), Rep. Bob Davis (R-Baggs) and Rep. Scott Heiner (R- Green River) said.

 

How the Wyoming Senate deals with a potential sale of the Kelly Parcel in its version of the budget bill remains to be seen. 

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Wyoming Legislature Honors Fallen Sergeant Nevada Krinkee

    Wyoming Legislature Honors Fallen Sergeant Nevada Krinkee

Joint Resolution Recognizes the Sacrifices and Service of Wyoming Law Enforcement

 

For Immediate Release February 16, 2024 Albert.sommers@wyoleg.gov Ogden.driskill@wyoleg.gov

 

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Legislature formally honored Sergeant Nevada Krinkee of the Sheridan Police Department today with a Joint Resolution signed by all members. Sgt. Krinkee, a more than six-year veteran of the Sheridan Police Department, was killed in the line of duty on February 13. 

 

The resolution notes:

 

“WHEREAS, during his service in the U.S. Army, Nevada earned multiple awards and decorations, including an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Army Commendation Medal (4^th Award), Army Achievement Medal (4^th Award), Combat Infantryman Badge, and Jumpmaster Wings; and

 

“WHEREAS, Nevada joined the Sheridan Police Department in October 2017 at the age of twenty-six; and

 

“WHEREAS, Nevada made an immediate impact on the Sheridan Police Department and Sheridan community through his work as a patrol officer, and was quickly promoted to the rank of Corporal, and then, Patrol Sergeant; and

 

“WHEREAS, Nevada’s leadership set an example for his colleagues at all levels of the Department; and

 

“WHEREAS Nevada was married to Karla, a Corporal with the Sheridan Police Department, and Nevada and Karla recently welcomed their first child, Bella; and 

 

“WHEREAS, Nevada tragically lost his life on February 13, 2024, while serving the community he called his home; and

 

“WHEREAS, Nevada’s legacy to the Sheridan Police Department and Sheridan community is integrity, selflessness, and servant leadership.

 

“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE UNDERSIGNED MEMBERS OF THE SIXTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOING that, on behalf of the State of Wyoming, we hereby honor the life, serve and legacy of Patrol Sergeant Nevada Paul Krinkee.”

 

“Sergeant Krinkee represented the best of law enforcement and the best of our community. A husband, young father, and dedicated officer, Sergeant Krinkee served Sheridan and Wyoming honorably. It is with heavy hearts and the utmost solemnity that we mourn his passing,” Senate Vice President Dave Kinskey, Senator Bo Biteman, Representative Cyrus Western, Representative Barry Crago, Representative Mark Jennings and Representative Ken Pendergraft said.

 

“His ultimate sacrifice reminds us of the selfless commitment men and women of law enforcement make every day to keep our communities safe. It will not be forgotten. Our prayers go out to Sergeant Krinkee’s wife, Corporal Karla Krinkee, and daughter, and their families during this dark hour.” 

 

Legislators wore blue lapel pins in remembrance of Sgt. Krinkee and to honor Wyoming’s men and women of law enforce.

 

“The tragic loss of Sergeant Krinkee is felt across our entire state,” said Senate President Ogden Driskill. “We are grateful to our men and women who serve in law enforcement, who every day put their lives in harm’s way protect us and keep us safe. We are proud to honor Sergeant Krinkee and all those who serve. They have the full respect and support of the Wyoming Legislature.”

 

“We never expect this kind of senseless violence to strike in Wyoming,” said Speaker of the House Albert Sommers. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our law enforcement and first responders, who put our safety ahead of their own. Sergeant Krinkee embodied that bravery and dedication to the fullest. He served our state admirably. We are thinking of and praying for his family, and hope they are comforted knowing his sacrifice and service will long be remembered.” 

 

 

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Budget, Property Tax Top Priorities During Legislative Budget Session

By Albert Sommers and Ogden Driskill

 

This week, we gaveled in the House and Senate chambers for the Budget Session of the 67th Wyoming Legislature. It is an honor to preside over these esteemed institutions, and we are humbled to represent the hardworking men, women, and families of our great state. Our work is cut out for us, and we have a short window to get it done. 

 

During the truncated 20-day Budget Session, which convenes on even years, legislators’ primary charge will be to pass a balanced budget. That began on Day One. Legislators were provided a copy of the draft budget, which was created through weeks of hearings and mark-ups in the Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC). The committee’s budget saves more than the governor recommended, saving $310 million in general funds and $200 million in education savings, while spending $30 million less than the governor’s proposal. Members of the JAC deserve recognition for their hard work to get here. 

 

Of course, both chambers will debate and amend this draft further. It’s a long road before the process is finished. Our top priority will be to ensure fiscal accountability and good stewardship of taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. Fiscal conservatism has served our state well through good times and bad, and we mean to uphold that standard. That means prioritizing long-term savings for future generations, being prudent with spending, and balancing the budget, as the Wyoming Constitution requires. 

 

Let’s also be clear. Wielding the budget as a political litmus test or for ideological chest-thumping is not being conservative. That’s obstructionism. That brand of politicking may fly in DC but not here in Cheyenne. There are many areas where we must invest – property tax relief, Wyoming’s energy and mineral industries to meet market demands, infrastructure, and caring for our most vulnerable citizens. These needs are too great and too important to our long-term economic growth to take a back seat to political showboating. The bottom line is we must put our state and our constituents ahead of politics and game playing.

 

We know the people in our districts are very concerned about property tax reform. The influx of new residents into Wyoming has brought to light the need for real property tax solutions. Home and property values have skyrocketed in certain areas of the State, driving up residential property taxes. Despite having some of the lowest property taxes in the country, the burden has fallen hard on long-time homeowners. It has put purchasing a home out of reach for many young people and driven up rents. 

The Revenue Committee drafted several promising bills during the interim, which will be offered to both the House and Senate. Those include legislation to create exemptions for long-time homeowners and retirees and a cap on annual rate increases at five percent. Last year during the General Session, the Legislature passed a constitutional amendment that would create a residential property tax class, which, if approved by voters in this fall’s election, would allow the Legislature to break out a more appropriate residential property tax rate. It also passed a property tax refund program, which enables more low-income property owners to qualify for relief funds. 

 

Property taxes are our top priority, as we know they are for many residents. We plan to introduce these bills at the front end of the session and look forward to working with our colleagues to get them past the finish line. This is one of many areas that we hope and trust legislators can find consensus, because it is too important to kick down the road.

 

There are many more bills slated for consideration over the next four weeks. The biggest challenge will be allocating time on the floors to work through every member’s priorities. We invite the public to help inform the process by reading and understanding legislation, providing testimony, and offering input. After all, we are a citizen legislature, and our job is to represent you, our constituents.

 

As we launch into the legislative session, we look forward to working with our colleagues, regardless of political differences or affiliations, to advance Wyoming’s interests and set our state on a continued path of growth and prosperity. 

    

Albert Sommers is the Speaker of the House and has served In the Legislature since 2013. Ogden Driskill is the President of the Senate and has served in the Wyoming Legislature since 2011.

 

 

 

 

Appropriations Committee Trims Governor’s Proposals By Over $100 Million  

Bob Nicholas, Chairman, House Appropriations Committee

Tara Nethercott, member, Senate Appropriations Committee

 

After weeks of budget hearings and markup, the Wyoming Legislature’s joint appropriations committee finalized a draft budget, capital construction and other bills that trim approximately $102 million from the governor’s proposals for the 2025-26 biennium. Of this $102 million, $35 million is general fund reduction in the budget bill, $62 million represents less for capital construction and there is $5 million less for distribution to local governments. The committee’s budget also saves more than the governor recommended, socking away $310 million of general funds and $200 million in education savings.  

Overall, the joint appropriations committee is recommending a budget for 2025-26 that spends $370 million less than the current 2023-24 budget. It also leaves $72 million of expected general fund revenue that is unallocated, i.e., revenue that the state is expected to receive but which the proposed budget currently neither spends nor saves. The full House and Senate will likely have their own ideas for those funds (as well as for the rest of the budget), as it should be.  

Budgets are about more than money, of course. They are fundamentally about people. The appropriations committee’s priorities are reflected in generous funding for the most disadvantaged in society – people in nursing homes, prenatal care for qualifying women and developmentally disabled adults, among others.  

The large influx of Covid related federal funds (Cares Act, ARPA) is, however, no longer available to shield the impacts of inflation. The committee’s proposed budget nominally spends about $3.8 billion of general funds. After adjusting for inflation and after savings are removed (which technically count as “spending” on the fiscal profile), real spending in this budget for 2025-26 is lower than the budget passed in March 2020 just before the pandemic hit the state’s economy.   

There are some additions in the budget. For example, the proposed budget adds 8 new full-time positions in the Department of Environmental Quality, mostly in the air quality division.  That may sound like “growing government” but without them, the 75 new air quality rules being promulgated by the Biden Administration will result in air quality permits not being issued in a timely manner. Lack of air quality permits could delay large industrial projects, such as a new trona mine in Southwest Wyoming that is expected to create nearly 600 new mining jobs. We believe that bolstering DEQ’s ability to process air quality permits is worth the investment. After all new positions are accounted for, the number of state government employees will be lower than in March 2020.

The committee’s budget also entrusts the governor with access to $200 million from the legislative stabilization reserve account (LSRA) for very large energy projects. This would be money, for example, to match federal grants for the Dry Fork coal fired electric generation plant to bolt on a carbon capture and sequestration unit. It is about investment -- to save not just jobs in Campbell County but the coal industry more broadly. If the federal money does not show up, then the money stays in the LSRA.

The proposed budget also has substantial money for maintenance and construction of schools. In addition to spending approximately $363 million for school major maintenance, design and construction, it also sets aside an additional $200 million for future school construction.  

So why is our budget lower than the governor’s? There were certain areas where we thought cuts could be made without compromising services to the people of Wyoming. After passing two consecutive pay raises for state employees in 2022 and 2023, we believed that the additional proposed $42 million for a third pay raise could be trimmed by $31 million. This levels up to market the pay that can be offered for currently vacant positions and offsets the expected increase in retirement contributions that state employees will need to make to keep the retirement fund on an even keel. We also slashed $15 million from the Wyoming Innovation Partnership but were able to put $9 million into a matching grant program for the community colleges and also fully fund the community colleges’ request for an inflation adjustment ($16 million).  

This budget represents our good faith effort to spend and save responsibly. We look forward to ideas from you and from our colleagues on how to make it better.       

Bob Nicholas (HD07) is the House Chairman of the Joint Appropriations Committee.

Tara Nethercott (SD04) is a member of the Joint Appropriations Committee.