CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Governor Mark Gordon announced on April 8, plans to develop a budget for the expected 1.1 billion Wyoming will receive through the American Rescue Plan.
According to a press release from the Governor’s office, he has “charged a diverse group of stakeholders with developing a blueprint for the use of federal relief funds that will be distributed to the State of Wyoming and local governments later this year.”
In addition to the funds received by the state, millions of other dollars will be distributed to citizens via tax rebates, and to local governments and other entities directly from the federal government.
“Wyoming will survive the impacts of COVID, drive through our period of recovery and set up the conditions for us to thrive in the long-term,” Governor Gordon said. “It is imperative to emphasize long-term benefits because this funding has increased the debt for future generations.”
He stressed it will require collaboration between the legislature and the Executive branch to maximize the benefits of these resources for the people of Wyoming.
“I am committed to working with the Legislature to ensure that we use the funds effectively and responsibly and that we seek to develop big ideas that will have significant and long-lasting impacts” the Governor added. “Wyoming won’t see these funds for some time, allowing us to develop a plan to ensure these dollars benefit citizens for years to come.”
The American Rescue Plan includes $350 billion in aid to states and local governments. Guidance from the federal government on the use of the funds is expected to be issued in May, however, unlike the federal CARES act funding, Wyoming will have nearly four years to spend the funds.
The Governor wants to focus on three areas to identify the most significant problems Wyoming is facing due to this pandemic and also to address the highest priorities. They are:
1) Health and Social Services
2) Education and Workforce
3) Economic Diversity and Economic Development
Each focus area will be led by a member of the Executive branch in collaboration with the Governor’s office. Governor Gordon stressed the importance of using these one-time funds for one-time expenses.
The American Rescue Plan, also referred to as the COVID relief bill was signed into law by President Biden on March 11. Wyoming Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis and Congresswoman Liz Cheney voted against the bill.
“This bill does far more harm than good, and the damage it does will only make our recovery efforts more difficult,” said Rep. Liz Cheney, following the 220-211 House vote.
According to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released last week, 70% of Americans back the Democratic president’s handling of the virus response, including 44% of Republicans.
