01/26/2017
NEWS RELEASE
Majority of the Wyoming State Legislature
January 26, 2017
House Moves Forward Public Process to Address Education Funding Shortfall
Education Committee Calls for Public Comment on Comprehensive Funding Bill
Cheyenne, Wyo. – With the goal of ensuring robust public input addressing the state’s education funding shortfall, House leadership announced a public meeting will be held this Monday evening at Cheyenne East High School with ample time built into the agenda for public comment.
“The tough reality is, we are facing a $1.8 billion education funding shortfall over the next five years,” said House Education Committee Chair David Northrup. “We can’t cut our way out of this problem, and we can’t tax our way out of this problem. We have to work our way through it, and we continue to want public input to guide us through this process.”
“House Bill 236 is a comprehensive approach to tackling this challenge that incorporates the feedback and input of citizens and stakeholders across Wyoming,” said House Speaker Steve Harshman. “Working for Wyoming means working with Wyoming – with Wyoming citizens and with Wyoming solutions. Ensuring individuals have the opportunity to have their voice heard on this important issue is critical.”
The House Education Committee will host a meeting on Monday, January 30 at 6:00 p.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and offer comment. The meeting was moved from the Jonah Business Center to the high school to accommodate any and all citizens who wish to attend. Details are as follows:
House Education Committee Hearing
Topic: House Bill 236, School Finance Omnibus Education Funding
Date & Time: Monday, January 30, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
Location: East High School, 2800 E Pershing Blvd, Cheyenne
Agenda:
6:00 pm: Roll Call & Call to Order
Presentation of HB 236
Questions from Committee Members
6:30 pm: Chair Opens Meeting to Public Comment
6:30-7:15 pm: Public Comment on Budget Reductions
7:15-8:00 pm: Public Comment on Revenue Increases
8:00-8:30 pm: General Bill Comments
8:30 pm: Public Comment Closes; Committee Resumes Bill Debate
To ensure as many individuals as possible are able to give public comment, testimony will be limited to two minutes per person. In addition, Chair Northrup has asked individuals to make their public comments during the appropriate allocated time as noted above.
In addition to public testimony, lawmakers are encouraging citizens to submit written comment via the Wyoming State Legislature’s website.
