Mead Defends Tourism Cuts

Area business leaders are concerned about Governor Matt Mead’s proposed cuts to the tourism budget, including nearly $ ½-million that would be used to support a program where local businesses can participate in partnership with state marketing. However, when questioned about that proposed cut, Mead explained that it is simply amount one of those tough choices that has to be made.  Mead told reporters that Travel Commission Director Dianne Shober told him she thinks the agency will do OK in spite of the cuts.  Mead went on, “If you say the Department of Tourism doesn’t get cut, there will people lined up from the Department of Health, the University of Wyoming, Community Colleges,  or the Department of Transportation [questioning the decision]”  He says the work of the agency is important and tourism as the state’s second largest industry is very important.   However, he adds, although the cuts are not easy, the department should be able to do its job very well.  Teton County Representative Keith Gingery says, the advertising match is very beneficial to local businesses and he would like to see it retained. Jackson Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jeff Golightly says he is trying to rally opposition to the proposed budget as the legislature takes up discussion of Mead’s proposed cuts in the weeks ahead.