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Senate boosts community-college funding, orders study of funding formula
Summary
During floor action on the state budget the Senate approved multiple amendments adding funding for community colleges, including a dual‑enrollment appropriation, new CTE money and a $350,000 study to examine how state community‑college funds are distributed.
The Wyoming Senate used the third‑reading amendment process Feb. 20 to add and restore funds for community colleges across several amendments.
Sen. Grew successfully moved an amendment (later adopted) providing roughly $750,450 for college‑side dual‑enrollment programs to pair with previously approved high‑school funding. "If you're going to have more students taking it, you need more funding on both sides," he said. Separately, the Legislature added targeted funds for CTE programs and a $350,000 appropriation to hire experts to evaluate the community‑college funding model and recommend a new distribution strategy. Senator Brennan argued that the consultant money would allow "a deep dive into what Wyoming looks like," while others said local leaders should try to resolve funding priorities internally.
Several community‑college amendments were debated consecutively and collectively add millions of dollars to college budgets over the two‑year budget cycle; some proposals passed while larger requests failed or were reduced. Sponsors emphasized workforce needs — nursing, welding, construction trades — and told colleagues the funds would help update equipment, labs and training aligned with local industries.
What this means: Community colleges will receive added resources for dual‑enrollment and CTE priorities; the study could lead to longer‑term formula changes. Lawmakers said changes should be considered an investment in workforce development.
