House ends grueling week by passing its budget bill

The budget has been top of mind for Wyoming legislators the past week, Rep. Martha Lawley (R-Worland) reported. Second and third reading amendments were completed in the House, with each reading bringing over 120 amendments. 

Lawley’s contribution included three proposed amendments: to restore IT funding to the Department of Family Services, to restore funding to the University of Wyoming Athletics Department, and to provide additional career and technology education funding for community colleges. Of these, only the UW amendment, increasing the general fund allotment by $6 million, was adopted, on its second reading. 

Lawley also spoke in support of an amendment introduced by Rep. Steve Harshman (R-Casper) that would have restored UW’s block grant funding on the condition that the university conduct a review of its structure and explore cost saving opportunities, requiring the college to save $5 million or face the original proposed $40 million cut. 

“I would have loved for the (Joint Appropriations Committee) to have these kinds of conversations with the university on the record,” Lawley said in support of Harshman’s amendment. “I am seeing a troubling trend here of a lack of transparency and discussions of private conversations.”

She maintained that Harshman’s amendment would be a more reasonable, responsible approach to UW. Despite the amendment passing, 31-29, it was soon after nullified by an amendment introduced by Rep. John Bear (R-Gillette) that would cut $20 million from the university with the same stipulation of a comprehensive review. 

“We had a grueling schedule this past week in the House. Several nights we worked past
midnight, and we had a long 12-hour day on Saturday. At around 8 p.m. Saturday night we completed third reading amendments and passed the House Budget Bill,” Lawley said. 

A joint conference committee will be formed of five legislators from each chamber to reconcile differences between the House and Senate budget bills.

“Getting a budget over to the Senate was our most important work,” Lawley commented. “Even amendments that were proposed but not passed created the opportunity for important discussion we need to be having.”

As an aside, Lawley’s sponsored House Bill 117 passed the House on Saturday and was referred to the Senate Labor and Health Committee, with a few small technical amendments. The bill would require medical providers to issue a written statement of risk and right to withhold or withdraw consent to women seeking an abortion and is expected to be seen in the Senate committee this week. 

“There is no question this session has been challenging,” Lawley said. “Even so, it is still an honor to serve the people of House District 27.  I appreciate all the engagement I have had from the people of HD 27 during this important time for Wyoming.”

Lawley’s Facebook page, “Representative Martha Lawley WY State House” provides updates throughout the session, and Lawley can be reached by email at Martha.Lawley@wyoleg.gov.