Mead: Likely no need for more substantial state cuts

CHEYENNE (AP) — Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead says he expects state lawmakers won’t have to make more substantial cuts to state spending when they convene early next year.

Declining revenues forced Mead to cut $250 million from the state’s two-year, $3 billion general fund budget that started in July. Mead says cutting state agencies much more would force state employee layoffs.

Updated revenue projections are due later this month. Mead says he doesn’t expect to see much change from this summer’s projections.

Wyoming relies heavily on energy production for revenue. Coal production in the state is down sharply so far this year compared to last year.

Travis Deti is executive director of the Wyoming Mining Association. He says he expects coal production will increase slightly in the second half of this year.