Mead said the state saw a 1.7 percent increase in manufacturing jobs. Industrial employment grew for the third consecutive year. The once-weak manufacturing sector added 584 jobs jobs between October 2012 and October 2013, he said.
The state now has 1,182 manufacturers employing more than 34,000 workers.
Meanwhile, savings grew to $1.6 billion, an increase of $600 million. Permanent funds grew from $5.3 billion to a projected $6.5 billion.
"We are in an enviable position and the time is now to invest in our state, our people and our future," said Mead, who is in the final year of his first term. "My budget makes this investment."
In his speech, which kicked off the 2014 legislative budget session, Mead reiterated his budget recommendations, including support for local governments and pay raises for teachers and University of Wyoming, community college and other state employees.
