Legislators have mixed reaction to the Governor’s budget proposal
This week Governor Matt Mead told the legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee that he is proposing cutting 60 million dollars out of the current state budget and he wants to eliminate a number of vacant government positions. He also wants to build the legislative savings account up to $3 billion, raise gas taxes by ten cents a gallon and he opposes expanding Medicaid services in the state. Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck reports that legislators have mixed reactions about the governor’s key proposals.
After roundtable, outlook for coal better than presumed
Tim Considine is a professor at University of Wyoming and director of the Center for Energy Economics and Public Policy. He’s done research on petroleum markets and written about Powder River Basin Coal. He helped organize a roundtable discussion about coal called “Powder River Basin Coal: Domestic Challenges and International Opportunities,” which took place yesterday, in Gillette…He said the industry has been facing challenges like ongoing uncertainty in regulations, yet coal exports are at record levels. He told Wyoming Public Radio’s Irina Zhorov that for him, there was more good than bad.
Fiscal Cliff Not All Doom and Gloom
While the fiscal cliff has cast a dark shadow over the nation's economy, for some, there's what you might call a platinum lining. Individuals or families, who own estates or businesses worth five million dollars, can cash in on what appears to be a chance of a lifetime. But the clock is ticking. Rebecca Huntington has more.
State Treasurer optimistic about Wyoming’s financial outlook
State Treasurer Mark Gordon took over his new duties a few weeks ago, following the death of Joe Meyer. Gordon has an extensive background on issues involving finances to state lands. He tells us that Wyoming’s portfolio looks good
State Librarian says libraries are keeping up with the times but fear budget cuts
The Wyoming library system has been working hard to keep up with residents’ needs in the digital age, but they might have some trouble if the legislature approves sweeping budget cuts in January. Wyoming Public Radio’s Rebecca Martinez spoke with Wyoming State Librarian Lesley Boughton about it. Boughton says she says the Wyoming library system works well because of how it was created.
Wyoming’s Congressional delegation shows interest in immigration debate
With the federal election concluded, many members of Congress are back to disagreeing over the issue of immigration reform. Wyoming's delegation has an interest in the debate. Matt Laslo has more from Washington...
Wyoming Liquor Division expands options to accommodate diversepalates
Business has been booming for the Wyoming Liquor Division. The arm of the state Department of Revenue distributes all wine and liquor to retailers across the state. Over the last 7 years, there’s been a huge increase in the amount of alcohol sold… and the revenue going back to the Cowboy State. Wyoming Public Radio’s Rebecca Martinez reports.
Wyoming's cowboy poets sing about the hunt
Wyoming is still a frontier of sorts, a place where many continue to hunt in wide open spaces. And sometimes they sing about it, too. Wyoming Public Radio’s Irina Zhorov reports that Julian Saporiti is collecting those cowboy poets’ songs to share with others.
