Wyoming Senate approves universal education savings accounts after extended debate

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Senate on Feb. 19 approved House Bill 199, a measure that creates an education savings account program and removes the income-based limits that had applied under the existing scholarship framework. The final roll call recorded 20 ayes and 11 noes, and the bill was returned as passed to the House.

The bill expands scholarship-style funding to a broader group of families, sets a per-student payment (discussed on the floor at $6,000–$7,000 depending on text and fiscal estimates) and explicitly includes pre-kindergarten in the program. Supporters said the change increases parental choice and spurs competition in education; opponents raised constitutional questions, budget concerns and consequences for small, rural districts.

Supporters told the Senate the measure moves power to parents and gives educators and families more options. “Competition is always the solution. That's the American way,” Senator Smith said on the floor. Senator Olson, who disclosed her role as a founder and current board member of a charter school in Cheyenne, defended…