AFC Applauds Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon for Signing School Choice Bill

Dallas, Texas – The American Federation for Children applauds Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon for signing the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act into law in Cheyenne Tuesday afternoon. The legislation creates an education savings account for all Wyoming‘s K-12 families. Low-income families with preschoolers will also be eligible.

“This Act also expands education savings accounts for K-12 students to give families greater flexibility to choose the best educational path for their children,” Governor Gordon said in a press release, further describing the landmark legislation as a “bold step toward strengthening our state’s future.”

The $30 million Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Program will provide up to $7,000 annually for K-12 students at any income level via an education savings account. The same amount will also be available for pre-K students living in households at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (currently about $80,375 for a family of four).

Statement from Ryan Cantrell, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Federation for Children 

“Today, Wyoming joins the growing list of states across our country putting education decisions back where they belong – with parents. Education freedom is sweeping the nation, and we are grateful Wyoming now stands among the states forging this path.

“AFC appreciates Representative Ocean Andrew, whose unwavering leadership played a pivotal role in delivering school choice to Wyoming families. School choice champions Senate President Bo Biteman, House Speaker Chip Neiman, Senator Evie Brennan, and other elected officials also deserve a great deal of credit for their support through the legislative process.

“A family’s ZIP code should never dictate the educational opportunity a child is able to receive. With Governor Gordon’s signature on the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act, Wyoming students will soon have the opportunity to access educational settings that best meet their unique needs, abilities, and interests.”

Details:

• Who would be eligible? All Wyoming K-12 students would be eligible for up to $7,000 per child; pre-K students at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level would also be eligible
• How do education savings accounts work? HB 199 allocates $30 million for education savings accounts to reimburse families for education-related expenses; the program will initially serve up to about 4,000 students
• What would the scholarships cover? The scholarships would cover education-related expenses including tuition and fees, tutoring, transportation, and more
• When would the program start? The Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Program would become effective for the 2025-2026 school year
• How will accountability be ensured? The Wyoming State Superintendent will administer the program and investigate reported misuse

About AFC:

The American Federation for Children is the nation’s largest school choice advocacy organization and the most successful force for education freedom in America, passing over 200 laws across 31 states throughout our history. Our affiliated Super PAC, AFC Victory Fund, is the only nationwide Super PAC focused on advancing school choice.