Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has signed House Bill 199, also known as the “Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act,” into law, marking a major shift in the state’s education policy.
The new law provides $7,000 annually per child to help families cover private school tuition, tutoring, or other educational expenses for K-12 students. It also offers funding for pre-kindergarten programs, though income qualifications will apply for that portion of the program.
This bill is a significant expansion of the state’s existing education savings account program, which was initially introduced last year. Under the new law, the program becomes universally available, offering financial assistance to families regardless of income for K-12 education, while keeping pre-K assistance available only to those who meet income thresholds.
Governor Gordon praised the bill as a “remarkable achievement for Wyoming,” emphasizing its role in expanding educational choice while maintaining oversight to ensure quality. He expressed excitement about the potential benefits for families and reiterated his commitment to strengthening Wyoming’s public schools.
“The opportunity to expand K-12 choices for families, along with careful oversight, is a positive step for Wyoming’s future,” said Gordon. “While we pursue these opportunities, it is also important that we continue to uphold the strength of our public schools.”
The bill’s journey through the Wyoming Legislature was marked by intense debate, with some lawmakers questioning the speed of the bill’s passage given the recent establishment of the state’s education savings account program. The legislation underwent several amendments, including the reinstatement of requirements for participating students to take statewide assessments and for providers to be certified by the Department of Education.
Initially, the bill proposed offering the $7,000 to all students without income-based restrictions, but through amendments, the legislation included provisions to ensure accountability and continued focus on educational quality.
While supporters of the bill, including Rep. Ocean Andrew, who sponsored the legislation, hailed it as a major victory for school choice, critics raised concerns about the constitutional implications. Opponents argued that using public funds for private education could violate the Wyoming Constitution’s prohibition on funding sectarian schools. Governor Gordon addressed these concerns by suggesting that any potential legal challenges could be handled by the courts, noting that he had carefully considered the issue before signing the bill.
The bill has received mixed reactions, both from local groups and national organizations. The Wyoming Education Association (WEA) expressed disappointment over the governor’s decision, particularly in light of a recent court ruling that found the state has been inadequately funding public education. The WEA warned that the voucher program could lead to waste, fraud, and abuse, and argued that it would benefit wealthier families who already have access to private schools.
On the other hand, conservative groups and school choice advocates celebrated the signing of the bill, viewing it as a step forward in empowering parents and expanding educational options for families. President Donald Trump also voiced support for the measure, praising Wyoming for its leadership in advancing school choice.
In his remarks, Governor Gordon highlighted the importance of considering both the needs of public schools and the expanding desire for educational flexibility. He expressed hope that the new law would contribute to a brighter future for Wyoming students while ensuring that public education remains strong.
With input from Wyo File, Cowboy State Daily, and Sheridan Media.
