State of the State Kicks Off Legislative Session

Cheyenne, WY – Governor Dave Freudenthal gave his second State of the State address Monday morning, formally starting to 2004 Wyoming Legislative Session. In a speech that lasted about 50 minutes, the Governor urged legislators to build schools and prisons this session and consider major savings later. During his state of the state message the Governor tried to convince legislators that paying for these things now, will free up money and the need for taxes in the future. He says failure to act now will result in legislators having to come back and face debt or raising taxes. Freudenthal also called for more funding for communities, state employee salaries, and spending money on programs to help communities create jobs. He says the $1.2 Billion surplus gives the state a chance to finally do something for the future.