supplemental budget

That includes money to restore land damaged by wildfires. Wyoming’s last wildfire season was “historic,” according to the governor, who asked for $130 million for wildfire aid.

Several senators told Wyoming Public Radio this is the first time in recent memory that the chamber has declined to pass a supplemental, which is ordinarily meant for unexpected circumstances in years between budget sessions.

Last month, the Joint Appropriations Committee slashed Gov. Mark Gordon’s funding recommendations for things like water monitoring, rate increases for healthcare workers and additional lawyers for the attorney general’s office. This week, some legislators tried bringing those funds back during second reading.

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.

Senators and representatives on the Joint Appropriations Committee are reviewing the governor’s budget proposals and will either strike funding they disagree with or approve it. This year, eight of the committee’s 12 members are new to it.

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 brought in more money than expected this year, which officials say is due to extra revenues from high energy prices. On Friday, Nov. 18, Governor Mark Gordon released a new plan for how to use the extra funds.

Governor Mead’s supplemental budget request released Monday includes 15 million dollars for an inflation adjustment for Wyoming’s K-12…