A measure to create “education savings accounts” using state funds for parents to pay for costs associated with their children’s preschool education or non-public-school expenses is headed to the legislative session, despite concerns it may not be constitutional.
Public funds for private schools? Lawmakers advance ‘education savings account’ bill | News
A measure to create “education savings accounts” using state funds for parents to pay for costs associated with their children’s preschool education or non-public-school expenses is headed to the legislative session, despite concerns it may not be constitutional.
Key Points
The Legislature’s Joint Education Committee advanced the bill on Wednesday. Under the measure, Wyoming parents whose household income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level would be eligible for up to $5,000 a year for a child’s qualifying expenses. The money can be spent on things like tuition, tutoring, after-school-program fees, and travel expenses.
Parental Choice Movement
As the parental choice movement gains steam in conservative political circles, the bill represents what may be a more palatable version of twin education bills that failed in the 2023 session. Senate File 143 – Wyoming freedom scholarship act-2, sponsored by Sen. Cheri Steinmetz, and a similar House version would have given families $6,000 per student to go toward tuition at any non-governmental school or for related educational expenses.
