GREEN RIVER – The Sweetwater County Democratic Party held their weekly luncheon Friday, September 13 at China Garden. The guest speaker was Stan Blake, Representative for House District 39. He spoke to the group about the accomplishments of the 62nd legislature.
Their goals were a balanced budget, limited government, provide an atmosphere for a stronger economic future and provide a premier educational system. Representative Blake said the State has 5.5 billion dollars in the permanent mineral trust fund and 1.6 billion dollars in the ‘rainy day’ fund.
He briefly discussed the ‘Medicaid Expansion’ bill (Senate File 60) that was initially started to expand Medicaid, but, after revisions in the Senate, actually cut aid to those presently reliant on the program. Rep. Blake supported and voted for this bill until these changes were made.
The Fuel Tax, which Rep. Blake voted against, was advertised by supporters to raise revenue for road and highway repairs without raising the ‘at the pump’ prices for gasoline. He pointed out that fuel prices have risen since the tax took effect.
The bill, SF104, that restructured the State Department of Education was discussed. The legislation, which removed the elected position of the Superintendant of Public Instruction, preserved the Constitutional duties of the office in the appointed position. The position is now filled by the Governor appointing a person from three choices provided by the Wyoming Board of Education. This should take politics out of the department. Rep. Blake voted for this legislation, and allowed that the elimination of the elected position had been discussed well before Cindy Hill was elected.
Rep. Blake reported that, for the University, 55 million dollars were allocated for an Engineering building, 5 million for the Arena Auditorium and 2.3 million for the Wyoming Equality Network. 8.1 million was allocated for State Employee compensation.
The ‘Lottery Bill’ was passed and the State may have the lottery as soon as next June. The first 6 million of revenue from the lottery will be distributed to municipalities and subsequent revenue to education. There will be no ‘instant-win’ or scratch tickets in Wyoming – only power-ball type lottery tickets.
Distribution of Abandoned Mine Land funds was discussed. The Arena Auditorium received 10 million dollars, the Wyoming\GE gasification project was given 1.05 million and 1 million was provided to the University of Wyoming to purchase vehicles and facilities to use natural gas powered vehicles.
The intent of the overwhelmingly Republican legislature was, in terms of energy development, to ‘Let the government get out of the way’. Although Rep. Blake is not opposed to energy development, he believes that there are presently enough leases in place to keep the petroleum industry busy. As he pointed out, the United States is a net exporter of hydrocarbons. There was also a move to give the State ‘primacy’ in environmental issues.
An attempt was made to protect some sensitive areas in the Red Desert. These efforts failed due in part to the ‘checkerboard’ ownership of much of the lands along the UP corridor. Rep. Blake stressed that he believed that areas in the Red Desert and Little Mountain need protection and further protection is needed for the Wyoming Range.
For Capitol Restoration, 725 thousand dollars were set aside. Laws were also passed to make human trafficking illegal. Also, legislation was passed to monitor implementation and impact of the Affordable Care Act.
Leighton Wessel reported that a 23 year old man won the ‘Rifle Raffle’. He had purchased the one ticket despite his wife’s advice, and was ecstatic when he got the news of winning.
The Sweetwater County Democratic Party holds a weekly luncheon every Friday, alternating between China Garden in Green River and Coyote Creek in Rock Springs.
From a press release
