New Legislative Leaders Concerned About Financial Future

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The incoming leaders of the Wyoming Legislature say they intend to keep a close eye on factors affecting the state's financial future as they preside over the general session that opens Tuesday.

Both House Speaker Kermit Brown and Senate President Phil Nicholas are Republicans and both work as lawyers in Laramie. The veteran legislators say they're committed to running the Legislature in an orderly manner.

Brown says he wants to run a legislative session that people in Wyoming can be proud of.

Nicholas says he expects lawmakers will concentrate on how falling energy prices threaten Wyoming's economy. He says lawmakers need to consider how to manage the state's $2-billion "rainy day fund" while still funding education and other ongoing commitments.