A special session recap

After going through the 2017 Special Session, all I can say is, “Wow!”

It was good to see everyone and work toward a fix for the budget shortfall. As things turned out, the legislature was able to work with the governor cooperatively to balance the budget. The governor had what was called the “Governor’s Bucket List.” Not all his cuts were maybe the best, but they were his cuts. So, we Republicans agreed to go along with them, in exchange for allowing some transfer from low-priority programs to what the Republican party considered a higher priority. These transfers were augmented by delaying some programs and implementing a state employee furlough program. Again, not everyone agreed to all these proposals.

One of the biggest points of contention was the Shelby prison transfer of funds agreement, where the state would be able to access the fund in exchange for extending the lease with the prison. We heard many arguments for and many against using this money, but when there is a shortfall in the budget, $32 million looks very attractive. Additionally, there were proposals submitted by members of the Legislature. In my opinion, many were not bad ideas but will probably work best if addressed during the regular session, when the public has more time to weigh in on them.

I was very impressed with the legislative leadership of both parties. This special session ran smoothly and with intense focus on priorities. Committee meetings were scheduled and there was still enough down time to catch up with other lawmakers and visit with folks around the Capitol. Individuals not on committees were able to attend committees that had their attention at the moment. It was suggested we all stay available as votes were called as soon as possible to proceed quickly to the goal.

I did have an Education Interim Committee meeting planned for this past Thursday and Friday that had to be canceled due to the uncertainty of the special session. The meeting was to be in conjunction with the Board of Regents meeting in Bozeman. We were to have a short joint meeting in hopes of getting to know more of their issues. Hopefully, it will be rescheduled soon, and I can get an update out to all of you.

I wish you all a great Thanksgiving. Judy and I will be in Wyoming with half our children and six of our 11 grandkids. We’re looking forward to quality family time.

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Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester, can be emailed at [email protected].