Management Council: Budget Session Must Remain Priority

Committee Sponsors Bill to Give Legislature Flexibility, Options to Address Court Ruling

February 10, 2014

 

Cheyenne, Wyoming — The Management Council of the Wyoming State Legislature took furthers steps today to expand their options, including the possibility of a special session, to address the recent decision by the Supreme Court to overturn Senate File (SF) 104.
 
The Management Council, comprising of the top legislative leaders, unanimously sponsored a bill that outlines the process by which the special session could occur and designates a study conducted by a legislative Super Committee consisting of the Management Council and the co-chairman of the Joint Appropriations Committee and Joint Education Committee. The study must be completed on or before 90 days after the district court ruling has become final.
 
With potentially numerous statues impacted by the passage of SF 104, including the Fiscal Year 2015/2016 budget bill, legislators requested sufficient time to disentangle all of the interwoven statues and work with the Joint Appropriations Committee and the Joint Education Committee to manage the workload.
 
Leadership stated that the 20-day session must be focused on prioritizing the State’s budget needs, and a separate special session will be necessary to address SF 104.   
 
“We are committed to enabling a transparent and balanced process,” said Senate President Tony Ross. “This is obviously a complex issue, so allowing adequate time and flexibility for discussion is imperative.”

The bill sponsored today will require 2/3 approval in the Senate where it will then go through the regular legislative process. The last day to file bills for introduction is Wednesday, February 12^th.
 
“Our charge is to provide Members with the tools they need to work through this challenging issue,” said Speaker Pro Tem Rosie Berger. “A special session may be necessary to adjust SF 104 based on the final rulings from the district court.”

Wyoming Legislature Pledges to Deliver ‘Smart, Responsible Budget’

62^nd Legislature Budget Session Kicks-Off with Bi-Partisan Press Conference

February 10, 2014 

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 62^nd 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. “

Management Council: Budget is First and Immediate Priority

Decision on Possible Special Session to be considered Monday

February 7, 2014

Cheyenne, Wyoming — With the state's budget as the immediate priority, the Management Council of the Wyoming State Legislature today put in place a process to address the recent decision by the Supreme Court to overturn SF 104.

During a public meeting today with Wyoming Attorney General Peter Michael, the Management Council, comprising of the top legislative leaders, set Monday, February 10 as the decision to consider a future legislative special session on the Wyoming Supreme Court's recent ruling on SF 104. Members voiced concern that a short 20-day budget session on the budget must deal with immediate priorities of state budgeting.

On this coming Monday, the Management Council will discuss if a special session later this year will occur.

“It’s our responsibility to look at all of our options,” said Senate President Tony Ross. “Members need to have adequate time and complete information to make smart, balanced decisions. This is a complex issue and, as a result, will require more time than our short budget session allows.”

"We are committed to functional, responsible government -- period," said Ross. 

Regarding a special session, concerns were raised over the impact of the Supreme Court decision on the budget pending for Fiscal Year 2015, which will go into effect on July 1, 2014.

“I am proud of the Management Council’s decision to develop a process to address the recent Supreme Court ruling,” said House Speaker Pro Tempore Rosie Berger.

The Management Council is scheduled to meet again Monday, February 10 following adjournment.