Wyoming Voucher Program Halted by Court Amid School Choice Clash

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed House Bill 199, the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act, into law on March 4, 2025, hailing it as a 'remarkable achievement' for school choice. Sponsored by Rep. Ocean Andrew, R-Laramie, the bill expands the state's 2024 Education Savings Account program, offering up to $7,000 annually per K-12 student for private tuition, tutoring, curriculum and extracurriculars, starting in the 2025-26 school year. It also introduces the nation's first need-based pre-K voucher for families at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, though the program faced 26 amendments reinstating testing requirements and provider certifications.

The universal ESA drew intense debate in the Cowboy State, where public schools serve remote ranching communities from Sheridan to Rock Springs. Lawmakers reported floods of constituent calls, with proponents like Andrew decrying the prior program's narrow income limits and opponents, including the Wyoming Education Association, labeling it unconstitutional for diverting public funds. Signed alongside property tax relief, HB 199 aimed to empower parents in a state where private schools are scarce outside Casper and Cheyenne.

Legal troubles swiftly followed. On June 13, 2025, the Wyoming Education Association sued, arguing the program violates the state constitution. Laramie County District Court granted a preliminary injunction, upheld by the Wyoming Supreme Court on Oct. 7, 2025, temporarily halting funds. WEA President Janet Amend accused legislators of creating 'false hope' for families, while the Wyoming Department of Education vows to appeal with Attorney General support.

As the fight continues, Gordon eyes a federal voucher program offering up to $1,700 tax credits per family for private or homeschool costs, with an opt-in deadline of January 2026. Wyoming families await resolution, balancing expanded choices against public education's stability in a state of vast open spaces and tight budgets.