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Wyoming governor orders spending cuts from state agencies amid COVID-19 pandemic

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Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon announced Wednesday he's instructing all state agencies to cut spending in preparation for an expected drop in revenue related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gordon said in a Wednesday release the he directed agencies to freeze all positions, halt general contracts above $100,000 and review all major maintenance spending.

Gordon said he wants to limit spending for the current budget year, which ends June 30, and through the next biennium.

The state's executive branch has been preparing for program reductions, and the state cannot adjust spending through across-the-board reductions, Gordon said.

Like other states, Wyoming expects to receive coronavirus relief aid funds from the CARES Act passed by Congress, but that money is targeted at COVID-19 response and not backfilling lost revenue, Gordon said.

As of Wednesday, Wyoming has reported 288 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 105 probable cases and two COVID-19-related deaths.

Wyoming is one of few states with no stay-at-home order in place.

Gordon has issued other orders aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, including shutting down schools and certain businesses, including dine-in restaurants, bars, hair salons, coffee shops and personal-service businesses, and banning gatherings of more than 10 people in public places. These orders will expire April 30 but could be renewed.

Gordon has also ordered all visitors coming into Wyoming to self-quarantine for 14 days.