Legislators give a recap on the session

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - One of the most significant tasks legislators have outside of helping to create bills and sideboards for legislation is keeping everything within budget.

Well, that is exactly what lawmakers are doing and making sure Wyomingites have a little extra stored away for tough times.

As we head towards the tail end of the 67th Legislative session, we get a recap from lawmakers about what’s happened so far.

We spoke to the President and Speaker of both legislative bodies to get their take on the session.

”We’ve actually done our work in a very expeditious fashion . what they need to know is the bodies are working hard for them to enact really good policies for the state of wyoming.” Sen. Ogden Driskill, President of the Senate -S.D. 1

For the first time in 20 years, the budget is done early in the session.

Legislators will put about $1.4B into savings; almost half of that will go into permanent savings, and the other will go into reserve accounts.

This two-pronged approach is meant to secure against any future financial tough times.

“We’ve saved 3 to 1 to what we’ve spent in this budget which is pretty amazing.” said Rep. Albert Sommers, Speaker of the House - H.D. 20

Next, capitol construction moves through the house appropriations committee...

It’s expected to collect about $500M and will fund community colleges and the University of Wyoming projects., like the dorms and the pool.

Finally, the Underaged Marriage bill was heard in Senate. Wyoming is one of eight states that currently allow minors under 16 years to marry.

Lawmakers discussed the importance of protecting children from child predators.

”Those who find themselves in circumstances needing to maybe escape the eyes of the law will take a child bride out of the state to one of the states that allow children to be married. Marry them really in order to cover up a crime,” said Sen. Tara Nethercott- S.D. 4

The bill was voted through 23 to 7 and has now passed both the House and Senate.

There are about two weeks left in this legislative session.

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