House, Senate Brace for Showdown Over $40 Million University of Wyoming Cut

The Wyoming House voted Wednesday to keep a proposed $40 million cut to the University of Wyoming, setting up a clash with the Senate after that chamber voted to restore the funding earlier this week. The competing positions will likely be resolved in a 10-person conference committee once both chambers finalize their budget versions.

The House rejected an amendment to reverse the cut by a 26-34 vote following more than 90 minutes of impassioned debate. Opponents called the reduction vindictive and ill-considered, while proponents argued that Wyoming families have also had to tighten their belts amid inflation and economic pressure.

Rep. Ken Chestek, D-Laramie, a former UW law professor, opened debate by noting that Appropriations Committee members had justified the cut as necessary “to get the university’s attention.” He argued UW has already responded to legislative directives, eliminating its DEI office and nearly 30 courses in compliance with recent laws. “I think these actions show the Legislature did indeed get the attention of the university,” Chestek said.

House Speaker Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, countered that UW suffers from administrative bloat, citing 6,900 employees for 10,819 students—a ratio he called unsustainable. Rep. Trey Sherwood, D-Laramie, noted that only 765 of those employees are faculty, creating a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. “Plumbers don’t teach,” she said, deriding budget footnotes that shield specific programs from cuts while deepening reductions elsewhere.

Rep. Ken Pendergraft, R-Sheridan, a JAC member who supported the cut, noted the $40 million represents about 4% of UW’s total revenue, not the 10% reduction to its state grant. He pointed to a UW website still listing gender studies and a course called “ecofeminism” as lingering concerns.

Rep. Landon Brown, R-Cheyenne, defended the university, noting that few cut proponents attended UW. Neiman bristled at the implication, noting he runs a successful ranch without a college degree and has every right to opine on state spending.

The Senate voted Tuesday to restore the funding, setting the stage for negotiations. If the contrast remains after the House completes final budget amendments this week, a conference committee of five representatives and five senators will attempt to forge a compromise.