Legislative Issues
Legislative Issues of Interest to WEA
Budget
The primary focus for this session is the biennial budget for the state of Wyoming. While the current state of the economy is impacting the general operating budget for the state of Wyoming, the School Foundation budget for the 2011-2012 biennium appears very positive. Our goal is to keep school funding stable.
The Joint Appropriations Committee adjusts the funding model at least every two years. They are proposing no external cost adjustment this year. Instead, they are suggesting that it be addressed during the next legislative session when the entire school funding model goes through the recalibration process. It is important that Wyoming government keep education funding model current in order to stay in compliance with the Supreme Court decision that was finally resolved in 2007.
Legislation Outside the Funding Model
Educational pieces that are outside the school funding model include instructional facilitators, enrichment programs, and summer school. We need to make sure that all are funded at an appropriate level until the recalibration process takes place.
Retirement
The Wyoming Retirement System has requested a 2.87% increase in the contribution rate for state employees. Because of the state of the economy, there is a need for additional money. Governor Freudenthal placed $48.8 million in his budget as a start to funding the increase. The Joint Appropriations committee is recommending that employees pay the 1.43% increase that is the employee portion. Currently, employers pay both the employer and employee share. We are asking the Legislature to fund the employee portion, at least until the recalibration process.
Health Insurance
There has been discussion to move all school district employees into the state health insurance plan. At this point there are many unanswered questions. WEA believes this is something that should be studied as part of the recalibration process. In addition, remember that the status of health care reform at the national level is still in flux.
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