Wyoming governor opposes tax hike to aid education funding

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead said he opposes tax increases and instead favors dipping into the state's substantial reserve funds to help cover a looming shortfall in education funding.

Some lawmakers have argued against using the funds to shore up an education deficit that could reach $530 million over the two-year budget cycle that begins next year.

However, state revenues remain weak amid tough times in the coal, oil and natural gas industries.

Last winter, lawmakers trimmed more than $34 million in K-12 spending, and the school funding system is now undergoing a routine, top-to-bottom review.