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.
####
