Gov. Mark Gordon has released a “conservative” budget proposal that he’ll present to state lawmakers early next year. He said it funds some of Wyoming’s most pressing issues, including property tax relief, mental health and economic development.
“It focuses on needs and not wants, but addresses the pressing challenges of today – a continuously overreaching federal government; workforce shortages; inflation; an unacceptably high suicide rate; and property tax relief for the truly needy,” Gordon said in a statement.
The budget is for the fiscal period from 2025 to 2026. While the state has enjoyed strong revenues in recent years – bolstered by high natural gas prices and federal pandemic relief dollars – Gordon said the long-term revenue future of Wyoming is more uncertain. The governor wants to set aside a good amount of money into savings accounts.
“In totality, this budget proposes living within our means, not just in this biennium, but in those to come,” Gordon said. “It keeps ongoing spending at a level we can sustain.”
The proposal allocates $20 million to expand the state’s Property Tax Refund Program. It also funds community and youth mental health services, invests in economic development programs and adds capacity for the 988 suicide prevention hotline. The state plans to fight against the federal government in court and is setting aside money for legal fees.
In terms of cuts, those may come from programming for seniors, those in long term care and people with developmental disabilities, according to the publication WyoFile.
Lawmakers will begin debating the state’s next budget during the 2024 legislative session in February.