Joint Appropriations Committee

When you think about how the state of Wyoming spends its money, where it all goes and why it goes where it goes, things can feel pretty abstract. Those cash questions got real this month.

Employee salaries came up as a common theme throughout the day. Departments say higher wages will allow them to be more competitive in the market.

The 2024 fire season is still fresh in the minds of legislators. They want to avoid spending that much money again, and some are willing to pay now if it means fewer costs later.

Lawmakers heard from two agencies with similar goals of reducing administrative costs.

Legislators said they were there to look at which elements of one of the state’s largest agencies are the “proper role of government.”

Wyoming’s Appropriations Committee held a hearing on wildfire management that focused on improving rapid response and supporting local fire crews. Experts also raised concerns about cheatgrass’s role in increasing wildfire risk. Officials emphasized the importance of adequate state resources and partnerships with federal and local agencies.

A legislative committee turned down a request for more funding for centers that support kids with disabilities. Advocates are worried about what that could mean on the ground.

In his proposed supplemental budget, Gordon is asking for $692 million, of which $130 million in one-time funding would go toward recovering lands and infrastructure damaged by this year’s burns. Another roughly $50 million is being requested to repay and expand firefighting accounts.

Wyoming community colleges urged the legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee this week to support the governor’s request for pay hikes.

The Wyoming Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee recommended giving school districts some extra money to help deal with increased costs for supplies and gas prices.