Clouston: Education Savings Account Bill Advances to Senate

Measure empowers Wyoming families with education choice

CHEYENNE – Representative Ken Clouston (HD-32) was joined by many of his colleagues in the Wyoming House of Representatives Monday to advance HB0166 Education savings accounts-1 to the Wyoming Senate. 

The legislation is written to provide some funding to families, based on a tiered income system, to assist them in making a choice outside of public education. It provides $1,000-$5,000 for students and can be used for tuition, a computer, education software, extra-curricular activities such as taking band, art, career technical education classes at a public school, taking the ACT test, or transporting a student with special needs to a medical appointment.
 
HB0166 has been heavily studied and negotiated throughout the interim and the Legislative Session. 
 
“This bill gives families the choices they want and need to make the best decisions for their children and family,” said Representative Clouston. “At the same time, I remain a strong advocate for Wyoming’s public education system, and I am incredibly proud of our school system. In 2022, the National Center for Education Statistics testing ranked Wyoming fourth overall in the nation, and the very best of the western states. This bill allows our Superintendent of Public Education to set up the Education Savings Account program in a practical and measured manner while maintaining the integrity of Wyoming’s public education system.”
 
Additionally, recognizing the significance of pre-kindergarten education and the long-term benefits of programs for pre-school children, the measure also provides education opportunities for 4-year-olds.  
 
“Please support this bill in your community, support Wyoming families, and give these families some of the education choices that they have been asking for,” Clouston added.
 
The bill passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 44-18. It now moves to the Wyoming Senate. 
 

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Stith Amendment Imposes Conditions on Kelly Parcel Sale to Prevent Full Implementation of Troublesome BLM RMP Preferred Alternative

Amendment Fights for Oil and Gas Leasing, Rights of Way in BLM RMP Outcome

 

CHEYENNE – Yesterday, on third and final reading of the state budget under consideration by the Wyoming State House of Representatives, Representative Clark Stith (R-Rock Springs) successfully sponsored an amendment that would only allow the sale of the Kelly Parcel if the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Resource Management Plan (RMP) outcome does not include certain elements in the federal agency’s preferred option, Alternative B. 

 

The Kelly parcel is a state-owned section in Grand Teton National Park.

 

Before the Governor approves the sale of the Kelly Parcel to the Department of the Interior, the amendment requires the Governor to first take into consideration whether the Rock Springs planning area will remain open for oil and gas leasing and rights of way. 

 

“This amendment takes the fight to the bargaining table. The Kelly Parcel is a valuable piece of land, and the federal government wants to see this sale through,” said Representative Clark Stith. “This amendment leverages the Kelly Parcel to protect Wyoming from the harmful consequences of the BLM’s RMP Alternative B.”

 

Southwest Wyoming House members expressed support for the amendment.  

 

According to Speaker of the House of Representatives Albert Sommers, (R- Pinedale), “We don’t control how the federal government behaves, but this restores the balance in the discussion with the federal government over the future of Southwest Wyoming.” A Sommers amendment that was also successfully passed retains grazing and hunting on the land in perpetuity.

 

“This amendment kills two birds with one stone. By the BLM’s own calculations, the current impact of Alternative B would cost the economy of Southwest Wyoming over $1 billion dollars. Ensuring these resources can be developed is of utmost important to us in Wyoming and our nation’s energy independence,” Representatives Cody Wylie, (R-Rock Springs), J.T. Larson (R- Rock Springs) and Tony Niemiec (R-Green River) Rep. Ryan Berger (R-Evanston) Rep. Jon Conrad (R-Mountain View), Rep. Bob Davis (R-Baggs) and Rep. Scott Heiner (R- Green River) said.

 

How the Wyoming Senate deals with a potential sale of the Kelly Parcel in its version of the budget bill remains to be seen. 

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Wyoming Legislature Honors Fallen Sergeant Nevada Krinkee

    Wyoming Legislature Honors Fallen Sergeant Nevada Krinkee

Joint Resolution Recognizes the Sacrifices and Service of Wyoming Law Enforcement

 

For Immediate Release February 16, 2024 Albert.sommers@wyoleg.gov Ogden.driskill@wyoleg.gov

 

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Legislature formally honored Sergeant Nevada Krinkee of the Sheridan Police Department today with a Joint Resolution signed by all members. Sgt. Krinkee, a more than six-year veteran of the Sheridan Police Department, was killed in the line of duty on February 13. 

 

The resolution notes:

 

“WHEREAS, during his service in the U.S. Army, Nevada earned multiple awards and decorations, including an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Army Commendation Medal (4^th Award), Army Achievement Medal (4^th Award), Combat Infantryman Badge, and Jumpmaster Wings; and

 

“WHEREAS, Nevada joined the Sheridan Police Department in October 2017 at the age of twenty-six; and

 

“WHEREAS, Nevada made an immediate impact on the Sheridan Police Department and Sheridan community through his work as a patrol officer, and was quickly promoted to the rank of Corporal, and then, Patrol Sergeant; and

 

“WHEREAS, Nevada’s leadership set an example for his colleagues at all levels of the Department; and

 

“WHEREAS Nevada was married to Karla, a Corporal with the Sheridan Police Department, and Nevada and Karla recently welcomed their first child, Bella; and 

 

“WHEREAS, Nevada tragically lost his life on February 13, 2024, while serving the community he called his home; and

 

“WHEREAS, Nevada’s legacy to the Sheridan Police Department and Sheridan community is integrity, selflessness, and servant leadership.

 

“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE UNDERSIGNED MEMBERS OF THE SIXTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOING that, on behalf of the State of Wyoming, we hereby honor the life, serve and legacy of Patrol Sergeant Nevada Paul Krinkee.”

 

“Sergeant Krinkee represented the best of law enforcement and the best of our community. A husband, young father, and dedicated officer, Sergeant Krinkee served Sheridan and Wyoming honorably. It is with heavy hearts and the utmost solemnity that we mourn his passing,” Senate Vice President Dave Kinskey, Senator Bo Biteman, Representative Cyrus Western, Representative Barry Crago, Representative Mark Jennings and Representative Ken Pendergraft said.

 

“His ultimate sacrifice reminds us of the selfless commitment men and women of law enforcement make every day to keep our communities safe. It will not be forgotten. Our prayers go out to Sergeant Krinkee’s wife, Corporal Karla Krinkee, and daughter, and their families during this dark hour.” 

 

Legislators wore blue lapel pins in remembrance of Sgt. Krinkee and to honor Wyoming’s men and women of law enforce.

 

“The tragic loss of Sergeant Krinkee is felt across our entire state,” said Senate President Ogden Driskill. “We are grateful to our men and women who serve in law enforcement, who every day put their lives in harm’s way protect us and keep us safe. We are proud to honor Sergeant Krinkee and all those who serve. They have the full respect and support of the Wyoming Legislature.”

 

“We never expect this kind of senseless violence to strike in Wyoming,” said Speaker of the House Albert Sommers. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our law enforcement and first responders, who put our safety ahead of their own. Sergeant Krinkee embodied that bravery and dedication to the fullest. He served our state admirably. We are thinking of and praying for his family, and hope they are comforted knowing his sacrifice and service will long be remembered.” 

 

 

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