CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) – Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon says state agencies have submitted plans for 10% budget cuts that will be followed by another 10% cut across agencies as the state faces a possible $1.5-billion budget shortfall by 2022.
The first round of cuts could slash funding for mental health programs and eliminate some services for children and the elderly while the second round will include layoffs.
The governor’s moves come as Wyoming faces a steep declines in revenue in the coal, oil and natural gas extraction industries, which were already struggling before the coronavirus pandemic.
Oil and gas prices were driven even lower and coal production has dropped even more as people stay home and use less electricity, causing utilities to buy less coal.