Education budget still in negotiations

Though he and others are eagerly awaiting news regarding the education budget, Senate District 20 representative Wyatt Agar said Tuesday afternoon that the matter was still in “round robins” with Appropriations, essentially in closed door negotiations.

The Senate and the House, Agar said, both know what they’ve voted on and both sides were just waiting to see the end result. He noted there was a $150 million difference between the budgets the House and Senate have passed out.

Much of what the Senate has voted for deals with SF117, which focuses on modifying the education resource block grant model, amending worker’s compensation provisions related to school finance, providing for a hold harmless provision and requirements for reports and other administrative action.

Agar was unsure of what would come from the Appropriations, but noted all of the stakeholders were able to have a voice at the table.

Other “hot button” topics that are on the horizon, Agar said, include looking at the House version of the “stand your ground” Senate file, which addresses issues such as modifying when defensive force can be used and civil liabilities. Agar doesn’t expect the House bill to be much different from the Senate file.

Also forthcoming is House Bill 14, which addresses extraterritorial jurisdictions and municipalities. Early on, Agar said, the Wyoming Association of Municipalities really pushed back on this, but they have since been working with the County Commissioners Association to draft a copy everyone is comfortable with.