Ayes(SENATE): 27
Nayes(SENATE): 3
Job, Mockler, Phillips
WIPA was successful in renewing the severance tax reduction for workovers and recompletions. (The WIPA-sponsored 1993 legislation expired December 31, 1996.) We defeated a damaging amendment sponsored by Rep. Charles Hessenthaler (R-Big Horn County).
Hessenthaler's amendment would have placed a strike price of $20 per barrel based on Platt's Oilgram price list of West Texas sour crude (used West Texas because Platt's doesn't track Wyoming sour). The bill went through and was signed by the Governor on March 1, 1997 WITHOUT A STRIKE PRICE.
The Workover/Recompletion reduced severance rate is retroactive to January 1, 1997 and is due to expire again on March 31, 2001. If you'd like a copy of the bill let us know. Please make an effort to thank the House and Senate sponsors!
Ayes(HOUSE): 51
Nayes(HOUSE): 8
Barker, Bensel, Berry, Case, Garcia, Massie, Morrow, Ryckman
Ayes (SENATE): 28
Nayes (SENATE): 2
Phillips, Vinich
HB#88
Would permit the establishment of a Senior Citizen Service District when approved by a majority of the voters. Would permit a district mill levy not to exceed 3 mills. (Bad news...potential ad valorem increase if passed by voters in the affected county.)
HB# 97
Permits the Department of Revenue to waive property tax penalties as part of a settlement.
HB# 126
Federal Natural Resource Policy Account- (Passed in both houses but died in Conference Committee due to discrepancies of dollar amount.) Created a special revenue fund to be expended by the Governor's office to monitor and challenge and litigate federal land, water, air, mineral and environmental policies which adversely affect leasehold rights, land uses, private property rights or water policy in Wyoming. (Appropriated $1.5 million House, $750,000 Senate)
SF#148
Authorizes the state to receive federal mineral royalties in the form of production.
SF#143
Creates a 9-member Tax Reform 2000 Committee to recommend standard and options for developing a FAIR, viable and economically competitive state and local tax structure capable of generating sufficient revenues to meet expected needs in the future. (The Governor has 3 appointments, Senate appoints 3 Senate members, House appoints 3 House members.) Committee reports to Governor and Legislature July 1, 1999.
SF# 109 & 113
Failed- Would have formed special taxing districts for regional utilities and airports. (Ad valorem increase)
| 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | |
| NUMBER OF WORKOVERS | 158 | 236 | 134 |
| NUMBER OF RECOMPLETIONS | 38 | 74 | 46 |
| REPORTED SALES TAX COLLECTED ON APPROVED PROJECTS |
$844,343 | $1,329,134 | NA |
| INCREMENTAL INCREASE IN OIL AND GAS VOLUMES | |||
| OIL WORKOVER (barrels) | 1,159,550 | 1,397,461 | 508,198 |
| GAS WORKOVER (MCF) | 13,491,078 | 16,511,137 | 3,336,938 |
| OIL RECOMPLETION (barrels) | 257,341 | 207,860 | 129,163 |
| GAS RECOMPLETION (MCF) | 14,519,861 | 7,340,933 | 1,901,758 |
On another front, according to the arrangement between Express and the State of Wyoming, Express had until February 1, 1997 to comply with the state land easement agreement which stipulated a "revisit" of the Platte Pipe Line tariffs paid by Wyoming producers. Express asked the Board of Land Commissioners for an extension until August 1, 1997, which was granted. We'll keep you advised.
The consultants hired by the state have publicly stated that in order for education funding in Wyoming to be equitable, the legislature needs to come up with another $50-80 million per year in addition to the $600 million per year we already spend on 100,000 K-12 Wyoming students. Hearings will be held across the State and WIPA plans to be in Cheyenne during the special session.