Staff 4-26, 2016
State Representative Mary Throne from Cheyenne says the latest CREG report is a huge concern, but probably not unexpected. Due to a decline in the energy industry, the CREG report estimates that State revenues will be around $130 million below forecast, causing Governor Matt Mead to call for State agencies to prepare for 8% budget cuts. Throne says she thinks that will be difficult.
Throne says pulling back on some construction projects, and increasing investments, could help the State’s budget. But she says they need to start the discussion on what is needed for the state.
Throne says Medicaid expansion would help the budget situation, but that approving that would take a special session before the next legislative session. She doesn’t think that will happen.
