March 16, 2023 Meeting Summary

Presiding: Murray Schroeder

Meeting Room setup/takedown and general problem solving: Tom Mangan & Ron Van Ekeren

Professor’s Quote: Ollie Walter

Introduction of Guests: Dave Hansen

Guests: Jerry Devin introduced his wife, Irene; Keith Downey

Junior Rotarians/RYLA/Young RYLA: Amanda Nilsson

Rotaract/Interact Students:

Humor: Steve Morgan

Foundation Drawing: Klaus Hanson won $10 with $762.50 in the jackpot.

O’Dwyers Drawing: Craig Cook

 

 

Rotarian of the Week: Murray Schroeder nominated Steve Morgan for his joke.

 

Special Presentation: Tom Mangan celebrated a birthday with a donation to the club foundation.

 

Songs: Happy Birthday

 

 

Introduction: Tim Sullivan

 

There were 497 bills and resolutions at the Legislative Session this year, and 196 of these passed. There were 25 new House members, which is a lot.

 

The session amounted in the biggest surplus and revenue possibly in history with the Legislature putting $1.4 billion into savings. The House and Senate also came to an early budget agreement, which is uncommon. Half of this money was put into permanent funds and half into new budget bills.

 

A tax relief bill looked at reducing property tax, but the Wyoming Constitution notes that all properties must be taxed at the same level. The Legislature would need to change this in order to change the tax levels for individual residences versus commercial and industrial properties.

 

For UW, the Legislature approved $40 million for the new dorms and $121 million for the West Stadium and a new Olympic-size pool.

 

For education, Wyoming fourth graders tested some of the highest in the U.S.

 

Military bills focused on recruitment and retention by addition spouse and child education benefits. This change should help recruit more people to the Wyoming National Guard.

 

 

State troopers are having a similar recruitment and retention issue. There was a problem with equitable retirement. State troopers do not receive the Wyoming Retirement System, so they often get recruited to go work at a state position that does offer this. The Legislature is working on making these more equitable and improving death benefits for spouses and children.

 

There were abortion bills this session. Wyoming decided to exclude rape and incest. It will also provide pre- and post-partum care for up to a year for pregnant and new mothers.

 

The Legislature conducted confirmation hearings. Kermit Brown was appointed for another term on the UW Trustees, and Jim Matthis was appointed as well.

 

An important issue for Sen. Furphy is the deaf and hearing impaired. There are large numbers of people in Wyoming with this disability. We are the only state without a commission for the deaf. The bill was defeated, but it would have provided health insurance support for hearing airs.

Wyoming will be working on a digital coin that is backed by the dollar so it is unique and stable. We are leading the country in block chain technology.

 

Wyoming has zero debt at the state level. No significant energy bills passed. There will be no crossover voting.

 

For more information on the Wyoming Legislative Session: wyoleg.gov/

 

Response: Tony Hoch

 

Of the things we think, say, or do:

•Is it the Truth?

•Is it Fair?

•Will it build Good Will and Better Friendships?

•Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned?

 

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Spoke Editor: Caitlin White, 307-630-1965, cwhite@acplwy.org