Wyoming's top state officials are starting to think about how the state can return to normalcy. During a press conference, Governor Mark Gordon said when that eventually happens, the state's economy will have to change.
Gordon said the Wyoming Small Business Association and Wyoming banks have approved federal loans that will help small businesses and nonprofits stay afloat.
"5,730 loans totalling more than $706 million and these dollars in turn will be used by these small businesses and nonprofits to keep their employers working during this crisis," said Gordon.
The governor asked that all state agency directors begin to identify opportunities to immediately reduce spending. He stressed that the state's economy and in turn budget will greatly be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Our economy is going to be different. It's a year, year and half before we see those activities come back. People aren't traveling, flying that's a big impact on oil," he said.
Gordon said he's in discussion with governors from surrounding states on how to lift restrictions without increasing the spread of the coronavirus.
Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Kamila Kudelska, at kkudelsk@uwyo.edu.