CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A proposal to raise the state sales tax got a chilly reception in a legislative committee looking at what to do about Wyoming's looming education funding crisis.

The Senate Education Committee on Tuesday kept education spending cuts on the table but removed a half-cent sales tax increase from a plan to address the more than $360 million shortfall.

The increase would have kicked in after funding in a state savings account fell below a certain level. Committee members, including Republican Sen. Affie Ellis of Cheyenne, say legislators in the future should have flexibility to address the problem as they see fit.

Democratic Sen. Chris Rothfuss of Laramie says if anything, Wyoming needs more revenue for education immediately.

The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

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