Wyoming Lawmakers Deadlocked On Local Money

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming House and Senate remain deadlocked over how to allocate $105 million in state funds to counties and local governments.

A conference committee of lawmakers failed to agree on a proposed distribution formula on Tuesday night.

Senate President Phil Nicholas, a Laramie Republican, didn't appoint a new negotiating team on Wednesday. Lawmakers say it remains unclear how the issue will be resolved.

The House team on Tuesday objected to provisions of the Senate's proposed distribution formula that would give a greater share of the funds to so-called hardship communities that have limited tax revenues. The Senate proposal would reduce funding for Casper and other larger cities.

Both the House and the Senate agree with taking the local government funding out of the state's $1.8-billion "rainy day" fund.