Economic forecast grim for Wyoming
The latest economic numbers for Wyoming present a harsh reality check. The good times are over.
A state report released Tuesday forecasts a $185-million drop in revenue over the next three years. The decline is detailed in the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group’s October Report.
Revenue for K-12 schools is expected to shrink $4 million through 2022.
Anticipating the grim outlook earlier this month, Governor Mark Gordon said the state will have to reckon with a new economic reality.
In a written statement yesterday, Governor Gordon said Wyoming is not facing a boom-and-bust cycle. The governor said the numbers may reflect “a fundamental change that will affect how we can fund government.” He added that we will need “new holes in our belt.”
The fear is that yesterday’s report is the top of a slippery slope. The push toward renewable energy nationwide at the expense of carbon-based fuels like coal is driving the decline. Wyoming’s revenues may face a sharper falloff in years to come.
Earlier this month, the governor said lawmakers will have to make tough decisions when they meet next year, and everything is on the table.
The governor said yesterday that the usual steps of cutting wasteful spending and eliminating fraud will not be enough to address shortfalls the state’s general fund will see.
The legislature will meet in a four-week budget session beginning February 10th.
School resource officer reports on incidents
Since joining the Carbon County School District One staff at the beginning of the academic year, the school resource officer has responded to 67 incidents.
The district plans start including the Little Snake River Valley’s school in the officer’s rotation.
Seniors invited to smart phone tutoring event
Your smartphone can do cool things, like monitor your heart rate, project a road map on your windshield at night and even measure distances on a golf course. Kids know all the tricks, while seniors are often left out of the fun.
Older folks who want to get more out of their smart phone are invited to a free tutoring event next week.
AARP is putting on the presentation and local students will provide one-on-one pointers to help you get the most out of your phone, tablet or other devices. Cali O’Hare has more.
WGFD seeks public comment on proposed regulation changes
Wyoming Game and Fish has opened a public comment period for proposed changes to some regulations, including shed hunting.
The state wildlife agency will host public meetings on the changes in Saratoga and Rawlins. Emma Diercks reports.
WYO 130 over Snowy Range closed for season
Snowy Range Road (WYO 130) over the high country of the Snowy Range has closed for the season.
The exact closure is between mile marker 48 above Ryan Park on the west and mile marker 36 near Green Rock on the east.
The road first closed on Oct. 20 and has remained under an extended closure due to hazardous winter conditions, large snowdrifts, and poor visibility.
WYDOT decided to close the road for the season this week after additional winter storms caused conditions to deteriorate further.
WYO 70, the other seasonally-closed road in Southeast Wyoming, remains open after being placed under an extended closure from Oct. 20-25.
Sports: Miners win 6 Man East second year in a row
The H.E.M. Miner football team won the 6-Man East conference by going a perfect 8 and 0, and will have home field advantage during the first round of the playoffs. Joey Saverine has the story.
More Highlights:
- Cowboy football will use bye week to get healthy before facing Boise State
- Broncos to start Brandon Allen who has yet to take a regular season snap
