The 2026 budget session began in spectacular fashion, and it is already clear this will not be a smooth ride. Supporters should hold on to their hats. There is turbulence ahead, and engagement will matter every step of the way.
Today, the Wyoming House failed to introduce the School Funding Recalibration bill after it did not receive the required two-thirds vote. That matters. It shows that your voices are being heard.
Educators, parents, administrators, counselors, experts, and students testified for months. None supported this bill as written.
With that said, there is a mirror bill in the Senate. If it is introduced, we will keep fighting for what Wyoming schools need:
- Real, meaningful raises for educators
- Annual external cost adjustments (known as ECAs)
- A three-year rolling average for ADM
- Protecting class sizes
- Preserving local control and the block grant
- No mandate to join the state health insurance plan
We are not done fighting for full funding of public education.
In related news, HB123 (yet another voucher bill) has been drafted and is awaiting introduction in the House, even though $30 million in public funds that lawmakers somehow approved last year for an unconstitutional voucher program is currently tied up in the courts.
Instead of continuing efforts to funnel public dollars to private schools, the Legislature should focus on fully funding Wyoming’s public schools and the more than 93 percent of Wyoming students they serve.
Now is the time to contact your senators about recalibration and let them know where you stand and to reach out to your representatives to tell them that public funds belong in public schools.