Laramie Live Sessions with Local Legislators: Rep. Matt Greene

In the two weeks before the 61st Wyoming Legislature meets for a budget session, each local legislator will be featured on Laramie Live. Representative Matthias Greene from House District 45 was gracious enough to be the first legislator to discuss where his primary points of focus will be when the Legislature convenes on February 13.

-Last year was your first legislative session, what did you learn from that session that will carry over to this shorter budget session?

"Last year I learned two major points.  First, I learned the legislative process.  It can be unwieldy and bureaucratic, but it is necessary to learn to become an effective legislator.  More importantly, I developed relationships and rapport with my peers in the House and with the House leadership on both sides of the aisle.  I believe this will prove invaluable going forward for me to better represent the people of Laramie."

-What work has been done in the past year on the Judiciary and Labor, Health and Social Services committees?

"For the Judiciary Committee, the major topic we began studying was juvenile justice.  Retired Judge Hartman briefed us of the current status in Wyoming and we realized this topic needed the input of more stakeholders.  Therefore, the working group on juvenile justice increased in numbers and will update us after the session.  This is now a two year interim topic.

"We also covered public meetings and public records laws.  In addition we covered fascinating topics as the savings statute to government claims, governmental claims liability limits, property amounts exempt from execution and attachment, and authorizing an additional district court judge.

"For the LHSS committee, the Affordable Care Act was the main topic we covered.  We discussed its major impacts and will continue this study throughout the upcoming year.  We funded a health insurance exchange steering committee, which will continue into 2012, and a Medicaid options study in an attempt to wrap our arms around the rising costs of health care in our state.

"We funded $14 million, with a federal match of $14 million to decrease our waiting lists for home and community Medicaid waiver programs.  Some waiting lists are up to two years, this funding decreases the waiting list to six months for adult and children; and reduces the waiting list to one month for people with acquired brain injury.

-Where do you think the legislature may struggle to bring the budget together?

"All state funded agencies have been asked to plan budgets including reductions in the amounts of 2%, 5% and 8%. The various plans will give the Legislature guidance as to what spending may be reduced in the coming budget session.  These are tough and uncertain economic times and since revenues have plateaued, reductions must be on the table.  Despite the fact that Wyoming’s economy has been stronger on average than most other states, we must be conservative with our resources. As we try to insulate Wyoming citizens from the larger national economic issues, it’s important to save where we can as we look ahead."

-How could this budget session affect the University of Wyoming/Laramie/Albany County?

"As you know, Albany County does not have the benefit of mineral revenues and high property tax income that many other counties in Wyoming enjoy. Thus, I am concerned about the budgeting for local governments in the state. Specifically, support for local governments is likely to be held to previous levels, rather than increased to account for inflation and other typical increased costs of government. As a result, Albany County unfortunately cannot expect increased funding from the state.

"My other chief concern is about reductions or freezes to other budgets, which may directly impact local community organizations and social programs. Albany County is fortunate to have services provided by the Ark and the Cathedral Home, which receive state funding.  Additionally, services people typically don’t think about may see changes, like the Albany County Tourism Board and the Wyoming Territorial Prison. Statewide, infrastructure and highway funding is always important and may see budget changes this session.

"As for the University I believe the priority is to prevent layoffs and pay employees comparable to other universities. Over the past decade, the state has done a phenomenal job renovating and building state of the art structures. Now it is imperative to invest in the human capital. The University must be able to recruit and retain the best staff in the country. Our students should not settle for anything less."

-Are there any areas of the budget you will be strongly pushing to limit or expand?

"In the past three months I have visited over 900 houses in my district and the number one concern of my constituents is to preserve the Casper Aquifer by purchasing the land and creating a state park.  This will decrease the potential for water contamination and prevent long term costs from water treatment.  In addition, this will greatly improve the quality of life, by allowing biking, horseback riding, camping….This past week I attended a hearing of the Joint Appropriations Committee to advocate for the state’s purchase of this land.

"As aforementioned we must be conservative with our resources and insolate Wyoming citizens from the larger national economic issues, therefore, I firmly believe we must maintain the rainy day fund."

If you would like to contact Rep. Greene about the upcoming budget session, you can do so by calling him at (307)760-3859 or sending him an email at mgreene@wyoming.com. You can also listen to his interview on Laramie Live from Monday, January 30 below.