Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has presented a $692 million supplemental budget proposal to the Legislature, aiming to address critical challenges such as wildfire recovery, Medicaid rate adjustments, and other key state needs, Casper Star-Tribune reports.
The proposed budget reflects a Republican commitment to fiscal responsibility while responding to pressing emergencies and ensuring long-term stability for the state.
The devastating wildfires of 2024, which burned nearly 850,000 acres, have left Wyoming in dire need of resources for recovery and prevention. Governor Gordon proposes dedicating approximately $140 million to replenish firefighting accounts, restore damaged lands, protect watersheds, and rehabilitate wildlife habitats.
This funding includes $130 million for initiatives such as combating invasive grasses, stabilizing watersheds critical to affected communities, and aiding impacted families and businesses. Wyoming is currently one of five Western states without a state-funded disaster recovery program, making this investment particularly vital.
To support Wyoming’s coal industry and protect the state from federal overreach, Gordon is requesting an expansion of the Coal Litigation Fund from $1.2 million to $7.5 million. These funds would enable Wyoming to continue legal battles against federal policies that threaten coal production and natural resource management.
“My administration remains committed to defending Wyoming’s rights to access and manage its natural resources,” Gordon said.
The Governor emphasized that renewed support for coal would help maintain economic stability and protect jobs in the state.
Healthcare access in Wyoming has been eroded by recent closures of labor and delivery services in multiple counties. To counter this, Gordon is recommending an increase in Medicaid rates for providers.
The budget allocates $2.39 million for obstetrician services, $1.66 million for behavioral health rebasing, and $672,000 for in-home healthcare services. Half of this funding would come from state resources, with the remainder matched federally.
Governor Gordon noted that inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates have strained hospitals, threatening their ability to offer essential services.
“We must ensure Wyoming families can access care without having to travel out of state,” he said.
Nearly $458 million of the proposed budget is allocated to construction, with a significant portion directed towards education. Projects include the demolition and construction of Campbell County High School and transportation facilities, with $181 million earmarked for these initiatives.
Other infrastructure plans include $79 million for a veterans’ home in Buffalo, $36.6 million for a new gun range at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy, and $26.61 million for projects at Laramie County Community College.
Governor Gordon framed the supplemental budget as a responsible response to unforeseen challenges, emphasizing that it is designed to control operational spending while addressing emergencies.
“Supplemental budgets should address emergencies and unanticipated needs only… This proposal reflects Wyoming’s commitment to sound fiscal management, while ensuring we address the critical challenges our state faces,” Gordon stated.
With this budget, Republicans are aiming to balance financial prudence with targeted investments in Wyoming’s future, from recovering wildfire-impacted areas to ensuring healthcare access and bolstering the state’s energy sector. The Legislature is set to evaluate and vote on the proposal during its January session.
