CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - The Wyoming Legislature will not be meeting in a special session later this month after lawmakers said they completed work they needed to accomplish in response to immediate economic and social impacts caused by the coronavirus.
House Speaker Steve Harshman and Senate President Drew Perkins said in a joint letter that an anticipated five-day special session expected in late June is no longer necessary, the Casper Star-Tribune reported.
“We are confident the Governor will implement our legislative directives addressing the needs of the State without the Legislature meeting in the near term,” the letter said.
The announcement came after several committees were working on proposals to address the impacts of COVID-19.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.
The decision was made in part because of the lack of federal action, Harshman said, adding that another special session could be held either later this summer or in the fall depending on the state’s needs.
“We’re going to continue our work, come out with bills, and then we’ll have those ready for the special session if need be, and then give those recommendations to the governor,” he said. “As far as tough decisions - cutting budgets, raising taxes - those aren’t going to be made in this deal,” Harshman said.
Republican Gov. Mark Gordon’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.