Senate Minority Floor Leader Chris Rothfuss said that he thinks Wyoming has done a good job implementing laws attractive in the banking sector and that the state should be an attractive site for large wealth funds. Rothfuss said he thinks the state has done a better job diversifying the economy than they have in terms of diversifying revenues the state relies on for its own budget.
From his perspective, making budget cuts in the short term could actually lead to budget increases over the long haul. He pointed to the example of major maintenance projects, saying that failure to fund maintenance projects in a timely manner can lead to higher costs in the future. Rothfuss said that he thinks the legislature should look at ways to find additional revenue.
Senate Minority Floor Leader Chris Rothfuss agreed that Wyoming should continue to explore what he called "carbon engineering," another term for technology which aims to reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Rothfuss said it is also important that Wyoming find ways to adapt and remain a player in the energy infrastructure given that "our electrical grid isn't going away even if we move away from coal."
He said it is important for Wyoming "to remain a leader in electrical power production--one of the few sectors that does make money in the state." Rothfuss said that should also include renewable energy sources.
Excerpts from veto message:˙Asset forfeiture has been in place in Wyoming for decades. Asset forfeiture takes the profit out of illegal drugs. Crime should not pay, especially drug crime. In some states civil forfeiture has been abused. We do not have the abuses found in other states. Those who speak against civil forfeiture have not found one abuse of law in a 40-year history.
Legislative outcome:˙Bill passed House 54-6-0, Feb. 9; passed Senate 26-3-1, Feb. 27; State Sen. Chris Rothfuss voted YES; vetoed by Gov. Mead, Feb 27
BetterWyoming blog summary:Requires the Board of Medicine to investigate any complaints that an abortion provider has failed to comply with reporting requirements. The board can impose fines up to $25,000 and forfeiture of medical licenses.
Outcome: Passed House 46-12-2 on 2/25/19; Passed Senate 20-9-1 on 2/25; Sen. Rothfuss voted NO; Signed on 3/8.
Jackson Hole Buckrail summary:The bill would exempt private schools--specifically Jackson Hole Classical Academy (JHCA)--from county zoning authority, as public schools are currently exempted. JHCA could begin construction on a new campus in South Park.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 33-26-1 on Feb/25/19; Passed Senate 25-3-2 on Feb/25; State Sen. Chris Rothfuss voted NO; Signed by Governor on Mar/15.
Utility Dive e-zine summary:Wyoming lawmakers passed a bill to encourage the sale of coal-fired power plants in a bid to extend their lives amid an industrywide trend of retirements. Senate File 159 would direct utilities to attempt to find new buyers for coal plants before retiring them and proposing replacement generation. It passed both legislative chambers by wide margins.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 50-8-2 on Feb/26/19; Passed Senate 27-0-3 on Feb/25/19; State Sen. Chris Rothfuss voted YES; Signed by Governor Mark Gordon on Mar/8/19
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The above quotations are from State of Wyoming Politicians: Archives.
Click here for other excerpts from State of Wyoming Politicians: Archives. Click here for other excerpts by Chris Rothfuss. Click here for a profile of Chris Rothfuss.
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