The Joint Appropriations Committee met to discuss C.A.R.E.S. Act and American Recovery Plan Act money.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) -The Joint Appropriations Committee met this morning to discuss the spending of the remainder of last year’s Cares Act money and assigning The American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) money.

The Cares Act gave 1.25 billion dollars to Wyoming last year, with the bulk going to business relief.

According to Sen. Drew Perkins, the $60 to $70 million left over will be reused in programs established last year. $300 million has already gone to education, with $110 million is going to counties, about $100 million to municipalities.

The ARPA discussions focused on what the Governor and Legislature would like to do with the newest funds. However, they are still waiting on guidance from the federal government on what is allowed.

The committee is also discussing if the Legislature should use $300 million toward COVID recovery to stave off its aftereffects.

$1.68 billion is expected to come to Wyoming in two installments over the next two years. Since the ARPA money doesn’t have timeline regulations like the Cares Act, the Legislature has until 2023 to use it.

As a result, Gov. Gordon and the Legislature are looking into ways to reinvest these monies to benefit Wyoming long-term.

“It’s mostly trying to figure out how to do this smart. To make it effective for the people of Wyoming, spending it wisely and not wasting it,” said Sen. Drew Perkins.

Gov. Gordon is also placing a “Strike Team” task force to plan the best strategy for these funds. The final decisions will be made in the Legislative session early next year.

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