The Wyoming House and Senate continued work on the state budget by considering a number of amendments. While most were rejected, the House restored money to the Wyoming Department of Health budget and returned a few million to community colleges and the University of Wyoming.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Bob Nicholas said thanks to high oil prices and other improvements, the state financial picture has improved.
"While we were once $870 million, or really closer to $980 million, deficit on the general fund side, we are now plus $50 -million and likely will be $100 million by the end of the biennium," said Nicholas.
In the Senate, amendments to restore funds to the home services program for the elderly and other programs were defeated. The House and Senate will consider final amendments to the budget on Friday.