State Budget - Get Involved

As lawmakers in Wyoming prepare for the upcoming budget session, it's important to note the Governor's budget; as well as his intention to cut the Department of Health budget. 

The Department of Health is responsible for many programs which serve to improve the health of this state's citizens. The Department has five divisions; Aging, Behavioral Health (which combined the Developmental Disabilities Division), Medicaid, Public Health (combined with Community Health), and Health Care Licensing and Survey. Without a doubt, cuts to the Department's already strained budget will affect a greater number of our population than any other department I can think of. 

Some people question the governor's priorities. It was recently reported that he intends to give the University of Wyoming athletics department $5 million out of the rainy day fund; while intending to cut the state's budget where it hurts most. But we must also consider the priorities of his constituents. Everyone wants something; bigger schools, beautification on our overpasses, wider and faster roads, and so on. 

As we ask ourselves what our state needs most in the forecasted lean years, we need to make sure our representatives and senators know what the people they represent think. It is their job to represent their constituents. If we don't give them our opinion, we have no right to bellyache about the lack of services in our communities; or the fact that Governor Mead wants to use rainy day funds for non-essential purposes. It's important to remember that our elected officials work for us. But how can they govern our state effectively if citizens are not engaged?