Wyoming legislature hits half-way point
The General Session of the 65th Wyoming State Legislature has reached its half-way point. Monday was the last day for bills to be reported out of their house of origin.
“As a citizen legislature, we have a finite amount of time during the legislative session to consider bills,” said House Majority Floor Leader Eric Barlow. “As Majority Floor Leaders, we work hard to ensure every lawmaker has the chance to bring to light the issues they feel are important while prioritizing bills reflective of the shared priorities of lawmakers. This includes financial stability for our General Fund and school obligations, efficient government operations, fortifying economic opportunities with education for our children and job training for our workforce, healthcare options that improve access and affordability and, finally, clearing the way for our core industries to thrive.”
A total of 499 bills were filed in the Wyoming Legislature this session, 326 in the House of Representatives and 173 in the Senate. As of Monday afternoon, 291 bills remain active in the House and 137 files in the Senate. Wednesday, February 6 is the last day for third reading on bills in their body of origin.
On Monday, the Wyoming House Revenue Committee approved the Wyoming Budget Stabilization Act on a 5-4 vote.
Supporters said it would fix a fiscal dilemma in which the state collects enough revenue to fund state government through a boom-bust cycle.
In boom periods, there have typically been large increases in discretionary spending. And, during bust periods, lawmakers often look to tax increases to make up shortfalls.
The new bill would cap expenditures, establish a formula for a cash budget, and require zero-based budgeting on every agency within a five-year cycle.
