Wyoming House approves major funding changes for public school maintenance
March 01, 2025 | House of Representative, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming
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The Wyoming Legislature convened for its House Floor Session on February 28, 2025, marking Day 33 of the session. The meeting focused on several key legislative items, including votes on bills and discussions on school finance and maintenance.
The session began with a vote on House Bill 117, which involved concurring with Senate amendments. The roll call resulted in 34 votes in favor and 26 against, with two members excused. This decision confirmed the legislature's support for the amendments made by the Senate.
Following this, the House received messages from the Senate regarding various bills. Notably, Senate File 40 concerning zoning protest petition amendments did not pass, while Senate File 152, which addresses wildfire management, was successfully concurred upon.
Representative Provenza took the floor to acknowledge constituents from various sectors, including skilled trades and education, emphasizing their contributions to Wyoming's economy and community. He expressed gratitude for their efforts and encouraged their continued presence in the state.
The next significant agenda item was Senate File 34, which pertains to K-12 public school finance and major maintenance calculations. Chairman Baer reported that the bill aims to address a $38 million shortfall in major maintenance funding for schools. The proposed changes would increase the allowable square footage for funding from 15% to 35%, thereby providing more equitable support for schools with excess space. The bill also adjusts the funding multiplier from 2% to 2.5% of the replacement value of school facilities.
During discussions, representatives highlighted the need for clarity between routine and major maintenance funding, noting that the current system may not adequately address the needs of all school facilities. The bill passed the committee stage with a vote of 32 to 25, moving it forward for further consideration.
The session concluded with the introduction of Senate File 91, which focuses on the protection of petroglyphs, pictographs, and historic inscriptions on state lands. Chairman Byron moved for the bill's passage, indicating that it had been amended and was ready for further debate.
Overall, the meeting underscored the legislature's ongoing efforts to address educational funding and cultural preservation, reflecting the priorities of Wyoming's lawmakers as they navigate the complexities of state governance.
The session began with a vote on House Bill 117, which involved concurring with Senate amendments. The roll call resulted in 34 votes in favor and 26 against, with two members excused. This decision confirmed the legislature's support for the amendments made by the Senate.
Following this, the House received messages from the Senate regarding various bills. Notably, Senate File 40 concerning zoning protest petition amendments did not pass, while Senate File 152, which addresses wildfire management, was successfully concurred upon.
Representative Provenza took the floor to acknowledge constituents from various sectors, including skilled trades and education, emphasizing their contributions to Wyoming's economy and community. He expressed gratitude for their efforts and encouraged their continued presence in the state.
The next significant agenda item was Senate File 34, which pertains to K-12 public school finance and major maintenance calculations. Chairman Baer reported that the bill aims to address a $38 million shortfall in major maintenance funding for schools. The proposed changes would increase the allowable square footage for funding from 15% to 35%, thereby providing more equitable support for schools with excess space. The bill also adjusts the funding multiplier from 2% to 2.5% of the replacement value of school facilities.
During discussions, representatives highlighted the need for clarity between routine and major maintenance funding, noting that the current system may not adequately address the needs of all school facilities. The bill passed the committee stage with a vote of 32 to 25, moving it forward for further consideration.
The session concluded with the introduction of Senate File 91, which focuses on the protection of petroglyphs, pictographs, and historic inscriptions on state lands. Chairman Byron moved for the bill's passage, indicating that it had been amended and was ready for further debate.
Overall, the meeting underscored the legislature's ongoing efforts to address educational funding and cultural preservation, reflecting the priorities of Wyoming's lawmakers as they navigate the complexities of state governance.
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