Our topics are essentially a look back at some of the legislation passed this session including the late-passing bills such as the lottery; what goals were set out and accomplished; the impact of Senate File 104; and a bit of a look ahead at what the legislative committees are going to begin working on during “the off season”.
 >br>

Also up: the visit by U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi and his warning that the the looming “federal sequestration” is a certainty.

We will also get some measure on what was accomplished this legislative session.

Now that the House and Senate have settled their differences, we’ll look at the overall impact of the budget choices made by the legislature. Also up for discussion: what the budget choices say about the vision for the future of the state, a topic addressed during the Legislative Leadership briefing on Tuesday.

We’ll touch on the impact that the bill to remove administrative responsibilities from Superintendent of Education Cindy Hill has had on the legislative session, and the current attempts at academic accountability including HB72 and HB91.

Other topics: gas tax hike (HB69), silencers in the woods (SF132), losing vacation pay if you quit a job (HB79), lottery tickets at Wyoming corner stores, and another setback for the (mythical) jackalope (HB149).

It has been a busy week largely devoted to the so-called “social bills”. Up for discussion: the signing of Senate File 104 which removed most of the powers of Superintendent of Education Cindy Hill, the lawsuit launched by Superintendent Hill, the killing of the anti-abortion “fetal heartbeat” bill, several gun measures which passed including House Bill 104 which attempts to preempt federal law concerning semi-automatic weapons, a lottery bill that may have a chance, and allowing hunters to use silencers.
 

Our guests this week are Rep. Elaine Harvey, chair of the House Labor, Health and Social Service Committee, Tom Forslund, Director of the Wyoming Dept. of Health, and Ron Feemster, health reporter for Wyofile (you can read Feemster’s story regarding Wyoming lagging behind Western GOP states on Medicaid expansion here).

Three major pieces of legislation we will look at are, in order:

SF0122 Medicaid expansion – would have allocated $156 million in federal funds to expand Medicaid to a low-income population estimated to be 17,600 people in Wyoming.

SF0060 medicaid reform – includes a lot of specific measures to save money in the state health budget.

HB0203 health benefit exchange study and select committee – sponsored by Rep. Harvey, will form study committee to figure out how best to follow federal ACA and decide merits of establishing a state-run insurance exchange.

The program will conclude with a coffeeshop conversation on health care issues recorded at the Western Sky?s Family Diner in Wheatland.

Our guests are Rep. Matt Teeters, chair of the House education committee, Sen. Curt Meier who has led much of the opposition to SF104, and Bob Beck, news director at Wyoming Public Radio.

Ripped off by a roofing contractor? Hot about hitchhiking? Ravenous about roadkill? Mesmerized about a state mythical creature? Clearly, you’ve got a lot on your mind, just like the state lawmakers who are addressing these topics with legislation. And just like them, you can do something by making your voice – or at least your opinion known. Just go to this web address.

Fill out your personal information (or remain anonymous) list which bill or subject you have concerns about, write your comments in 140 characters (just like Twitter), and hit submit. If you don’t know what you’re mad about, the site can help you search bills by subject or legislator.

Old favorites abound. There are several bills dealing with firearms this session. House Bill 5, a bill to allow silencers, suppressors and automatic weapons while hunting drew this comment from Kathleen Averill of Lander: “Wyoming has a pretty successful prosecution rate of poachers because someone heard a shot where and when they shouldn’t have. No brainer. Vote No.” Ryan Kennada of Elk Mountain said this of House Bill 34, which would grant a sales and use tax exemption for firearms: “The more available firearms are to the lawful pubic, the better. I like this bill.”

For some, the issue is near and dear. House Bill 68 could launch a study of how to eventually close the Wyoming Life Resource Center and relocate its severely handicapped clients with community service providers. Four opponents including Stacy DeBock of Lingle wrote: “As family member of one cared for at WLRC, I feel this bill is far more about crunching numbers than caring for those most in the need of help.” Gary Freel of Thermopolis felt so strongly in support of the bill, he logged in six times to vote “yes”.

Capitol Outlook - Fuel Tax Consideration

Many write in simply to say “yes’ or “no” while still signing their name. Others prefer anonymity. The furious debate over Senate File 104 which would end the major duties of Superintendent of Education Cindy Hall ignited 180 responses to the Online Hotline. 117 were in favor of the legislation, 63 were opposed. 60 respondents identified themselves as employees of the Wyoming Dept. of Education. All 60 said pass the bill. One typical anonymous opinion: “We were instructed to “honor” our new leader. I honor god. Respect is earned. Hostile environment. No mind or opinion is acceptable.” A few identified themselves including Darlena Schlachter of Cheyenne:“Publicly supporting this bill puts my job at risk but it is critical this bill pass to save children’s education and taxpayer funds.”

But take away the 60 Dept. of Ed. Employees and the “vote” changes to 63-57 for killing the bill. One opponent, Doug Thompson responded: This bill is revenge for a petty fight. Do not take away the power of a duly elected public official. Vote no.”

The Online Hotline began as a phone hotline. According to Anthony Sara of the Legislative Service Office (LSO), “ 2 or 3 years ago, the number of calls was way down. People were emailing instead of calling. The LSO came up with this idea, took it to the Select Committee on Legislative Technology and Process, and they approved it.” The phone service is still around, but it has clearly been replaced online.When I got the printouts of the responses so far this session, it was 57 pages with over 500 messages. The Online Hotline is not a scientific poll. There is no limit to the number of messages you can leave on a particular bill. However, with a lack of polls in this state, it does provide food for thought – some of it pretty tasty.