Less Contentious Wyoming Budget Session

Cheyenne, WY – The budget surplus that greeted Wyoming lawmakers three weeks ago has resulted in a relatively peaceful budget session. House Speaker Fred Parady says legislators are uinited in their desire to address the state's construction needs. Lawmakers have generally rubber-stamped the Joint Appropriation Committee's 425 million dollars in school and prison construction. However, some budget details still need to be worked out. Legislators are wrangling over how much to put in the Permanent Mineral Trust Fund or set aside for the 2005 session. Conference committee meetings over the budget continue this week.