Gov. Mark Gordon lauded a controversial universal school voucher bill Tuesday morning in a press conference announcing his intention to sign it.
House Bill 199, “Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act,” will represent a significant expansion of school choice in the state, offering families $7,000 per child annually for K-12 non-public-school costs like tuition or tutoring. The scholarship will also offer money for pre-K costs, but only to income-qualified families who are at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.
The legislation has sparked a deluge of constituent feedback, according to lawmakers, both from supporters of school choice and from critics who call the measure an unconstitutional bill that will erode the quality of public education in the state.
Gordon had himself partially vetoed a similar bill last year, citing constitutional concerns. However, he lauded this version as a “remarkable achievement for Wyoming.”
“I’m very excited that we’re not only going to be able to expand K-12 choices to be accompanied by careful oversight and … ensure that all families have access to the best educational options,” Gordon said, “but as we pursue these opportunities, I want to make sure that we uphold the strength of Wyoming’s public schools.”
Gordon plans to sign the bill Tuesday afternoon.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
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