House Rejects Attempt to Restore $40M in Funding to University of Wyoming

Lawmakers vote down amendment to reverse budget cut, but approve $6M for university athletics

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Wyoming House of Representatives rejected an amendment that would have restored $40 million in block grant funding to the University of Wyoming, which the Joint Appropriations Committee had previously cut from the school's budget. While some lawmakers questioned the blanket $40 million reduction, the House ultimately voted down the amendment 34-26. However, the House did vote to restore $6 million in funding for university athletics, which the JAC had previously rejected.

Why it matters

The debate over funding for the University of Wyoming highlights ongoing tensions between the state legislature and the university, particularly around issues like diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The $40 million cut represents a significant reduction in the university's budget and could have wide-ranging impacts on the school's operations and ability to attract and retain students.

The details

The $40 million cut to UW's block grant funding was proposed by the Joint Appropriations Committee as a way to 'get the university's attention' after the legislature passed restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion programs at the school. However, some lawmakers argued that the blanket cut was not the best approach, and that the legislature should instead address specific concerns about the university's administration and staffing levels. The House ultimately rejected an amendment to restore the $40 million, but did vote to reinstate $6 million in funding for university athletics.

  • The Joint Appropriations Committee proposed the $40 million cut to UW's budget last month.
  • The Wyoming House of Representatives debated the amendment to restore the $40 million funding on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Ken Chestek

A Laramie Democrat and professor emeritus at the University of Wyoming, who sponsored the amendment to restore the $40 million in funding.

John Bear

A Gillette Republican and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, who explained that the $40 million cut was meant to 'get the university's attention'.

Chip Neiman

The Republican Speaker of the Wyoming House, who described the university as being 'top-heavy' and pushed back against claims that the $40 million cut was meant to harm education.

Julie Jarvis

A Casper Republican who questioned why lawmakers chose a blanket $40 million reduction rather than addressing specific concerns about the university's administration.

Trey Sherwood

A Laramie Democrat and member of the House Appropriations Committee, who warned that the $40 million cut could have unintended consequences for certain programs and areas of study.

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What they’re saying

“You have their attention! They have complied with everything you have requested them to do.”

— Ken Chestek, State Representative, Laramie Democrat (wyofile.com)

“As far as the idea that we're trying to harm education and harm students, that's not true. It's not true at all.”

— Chip Neiman, Speaker of the Wyoming House, Hulett Republican (wyofile.com)

“If that's the concern and that's the issue, why don't we address that specifically, rather than blunt cuts?”

— Julie Jarvis, State Representative, Casper Republican (wyofile.com)

What’s next

The Wyoming House of Representatives will have another opportunity to bring more amendments for a third reading of the budget later this week.

The takeaway

The debate over funding for the University of Wyoming reflects the ongoing tensions between the state legislature and the university, particularly around issues like diversity, equity and inclusion programs. While the House rejected the attempt to restore $40 million in funding, the decision to reinstate $6 million for university athletics suggests lawmakers are still grappling with how to balance budget cuts with supporting key priorities at the state's flagship university.