Wyoming school districts might see some changes to how the state reimburses them for transportation costs, said Gov. Dave Freudenthal in a speech to the Wyoming Association of County Officials Wednesday evening.

In his speech, the governor briefly highlighted a few changes he expects to make in the state's budget, including a look at how the state funds transportation and food costs for school districts.

He said he expects the state's total budget to be somewhere between $500 million and $750 million.

Currently, the state reimburses school districts 100 percent for fuel and transportation costs. With rising fuel prices, it's important for the state to look at its formula for reimbursement, Freudenthal said, noting that Wyoming buses travel more than one million miles each year.

"We're going to have to adjust the school funding formula," he said.

Freudenthal also spoke about revitalizing the homestead exemption act, which would help provide property tax relief for Wyomingites. An estimated $30 to $50 million would be set aside for property tax relief.

In addition, the governor talked about expanding health care in the Cowboy State to include programs to help those who are uninsured. It's also important for people to remember to take better care of themselves, he said.

"I'm prepared to help people with health care insurance," Freudenthal said. "But they have to take care of their own health and well-being."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com.