On June 13, the Wyoming Education Association (WEA) filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program. Myself and State Treasurer Curt Meier are named as defendants alongside the state.
This filing included a motion for preliminary injunction to prevent the Department of Education and Treasurer’s Office from enforcing, implementing, or distributing any funds for the ESA program. Initial funds are scheduled to be distributed on July 1. The WEA has requested an expedited hearing on this motion.
The timing of this legal filing displays wanton disregard for the nearly 4,000 Wyoming families that have signed up for the program and the many service providers that are counting on those families. It is reckless and Wyoming children are the collateral damage.
To our applicant families and the education service providers and schools that have worked hard to be prepared to support these families, know that I am continuing to prepare to distribute funds as planned. I will be working with the Attorney General's office to fight for your right to choose the best educational path for your children, and will update you as we know more.
In case you missed it, I also published additional information on the implementation of the Home School Freedom Act and Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act this week.
 Megan Degenfelder
The ESA program was established by the Wyoming Education Savings Account Act in 2024, which was amended by the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act this year. The program provides eligible students to receive $7,000 annually, beginning in the 2025-26 school year, for various educational expenses, including private school tuition, curriculum, tutoring, extra-curricular activities, and other approved education-related costs.
All families with students in kindergarten through grade 12, who are between the ages of 5 and 21 on August 1, 2025, qualify for these funds regardless of income. Families with pre-kindergarten students who will be age 4 by August 1 may receive funds for one year of kindergarten readiness instruction. Pre-kindergarten applicants must have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify.
The Education Service Provider (ESP) application for schools, service providers, and vendors launched on April 1. An ESP Handbook and an FAQ document will help providers navigate the program and explore opportunities to provide services for ESA students. For technical assistance with the application, email [email protected].
For more information, email [email protected].
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