Governor Calls First Round of State Budget Cuts ‘Devastating but Necessary’

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has finalized the first round of state budget cuts. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

Governor Gordon at a news conference Wednesday, announced state budget cuts totalling more than $250 million, with an additional $80 million in cuts to maintenance of state buildings and those at the university and state’s community colleges. Gordon said the 10 percent cuts to state agencies, boards and commissions will have significant effects on Wyoming communities and citizens.

Governor Gordon said that the cuts are devastating, but necessary given the State’s fiscal picture.

The Department of Health, with the state’s largest budget, will see a 9% cut totaling approximately $90 million. Department of Health programs facing cuts and elimination include those that serve senior citizens, disabled individuals and those with very low incomes.The Department of Family Services is eliminating vacant positions in the state office and field offices across the state, including at the Boys School in Worland and the Girls School in Sheridan. The Department of Corrections will also see significant cuts to programs that keep the public safe. Parole agents will now be required to supervise additional offenders, and programs that help inmates re-enter Wyoming communities and not reoffend will see reductions in funding.