Governor Gordon Signs Supplemental Budget, Praises Lawmakers
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has signed the supplemental budget passed by the 2023 Wyoming Legislature.
While the main budget for Wyoming government operations is passed by the legislature during the month-long budget sessions held during even-numbered years, lawmakers also pass a supplemental budget during General Sessions.
This year the legislature was in the relatively unusual position of having extra money to work with, entering the session with a $2 billion surplus.
The governor issued a statement on Friday praising the budget overall:
“I congratulate the Legislature for its work on my budget recommendations,” Governor Gordon said. “It is gratifying that the budget submitted to me is closely aligned with my original recommendations. Where we disagreed, or where they overstepped the separation of powers embedded in our Constitution, I exercised my veto authority. The fiscal condition of the State remains strong."
In the letter, Gordon praised lawmakers for following the guidelines he had laid out for the budget in his supplemental budget proposal.
"one that sets aside funds for leaner times ahead and addresses the inflationary pressures facing Wyoming citizens and the concerns of the state’s most vulnerable and those living on fixed incomes. Most notably, this budget provides for more property tax relief for citizens.''
Gordon also wrote "for every dollar of state revenue spent in the supplemental budget, it saves roughly $3.50. In addition to savings, the Supplemental Budget makes strategic investments in Wyoming. These include additional funding for the Property Tax Refund Program, support for the state’s energy industries and a market adjustment for state employees and teachers to offset the impacts of inflation.
The governor said the budget is ''one that sets aside funds for leaner times ahead and addresses the inflationary pressures facing Wyoming citizens and the concerns of the state’s most vulnerable and those living on fixed incomes. Most notably, this budget provides for more property tax relief for citizens.''
The governor did use his line-item veto authority on several items in the budget,
Really Unique Places To Stay In Wyoming