Budget

The governor expects to decide on how to implement the first round of budget reductions over the next few days

The next step in Gordon's plan calls for state agency directors to identify programs for elimination by July 1, likely resulting in state employees losing their jobs.

A federal block grant to cover child care services is likely to run out.

The cuts will continue through the end of June, which concludes the current budget year, and into the next two-year budget.

Others are looking for alternatives in funding special education.

Multiple projects are now moving ahead without funding and others are expected to be halted.

The department says the request would allow it to look for a call center provider.

Democrats and Republicans have been fighting for months over spending priorities.

Wyoming will continue to fight for the industries which have historically contributed the greatest revenue and which are best positioned to buoy the state going forward.

A large deficit will make it harder for Congress to cut taxes or boost spending when the next recession hits, Powell said.