Governor gives 2007 State of the State address
We have opportunities presented by a strong economy
by Governor Freudenthal's office
January 11, 2007
(Cheyenne) - Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal gave his 2007 State of the State address to a joint session of the Wyoming Legislature on Wednesday, January 10th, in Cheyenne.
In his speech, he asked lawmakers to seize the opportunity presented by a strong economy and invest in highways, local governments, health, water storage and wildlife. He also asked for tougher sex offender sentencing, permanently removing the food tax, providing property tax relief, improving child care options, enhancing new energy technology research, and banning all open alcoholic containers in vehicles.
Freudenthal noted that revenue projections have been reduced by $250 million by the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group due lower-than-anticipated natural gas revenues but that available revenues are still above $500 million.
He renewed his request for $162 million for the Wyoming Department of Transportation for highway improvements, and $18 million for airports. Freudenthal encouraged lawmakers to help community colleges with construction projects that will bolster workforce training efforts, and to not be concerned about the location of any particular project.
The Governor asked lawmakers to consider direct funding for local governments, rather than funneling dollars and directing projects through the state’s top five elected officials sitting as the State Loan and Investment Board.
The Governor repeated his request for additional funding for large water storage project planning and the Wildlife Trust Fund, earnings of which are used to enhance wildlife habitat and open space.
He asked for more funding for Water Account III, which is intended to fund projects that would keep more water available in Wyoming and less flowing to cities and states downstream.
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