Representative Byron Highlights Legislative Action on Education and Wildlife Protection Bills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2025
Representative Byron Highlights Legislative Action on Education and Wildlife Protection Bills
CHEYENNE, WY – Representative Andrew Byron (HD22) is speaking out on two key pieces of legislation currently making their way through the Wyoming Legislature: House Bill 199 (Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act) and House Bill 275 (Treatment of Animals).
HB 199: Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act
“I deeply appreciate the dedicated teachers across Lincoln and Teton counties who have personally reached out to me with their serious concerns about this bill,” said Representative Byron. "HB 199 seeks to divert an estimated $44 million from public education, raises the annual education savings account (ESA) limit to $7,000 per student, and eliminates income eligibility requirements for these funds."
Byron and other critics argue that by removing income eligibility, the bill effectively turns public funds into a universal welfare program for all income brackets. According to recent polling from the Wyoming Education Association, nearly 70% of Wyoming Republicans oppose the type of ESA policy, often referred to as school vouchers, included in HB 199. Byron also pointed to HB 162, which passed in 2024 and achieves similar objectives but includes necessary income requirements.
“Let’s not forget, 93% of Wyoming students attend public schools," said Byron. "This bill doesn’t reflect Wyoming’s values. It could cost taxpayers upwards of $40 million annually and would divert essential funding away from our public education system.”
Throughout the legislative process, Byron and his colleagues proposed multiple amendments to address the concerns voiced by constituents across the state. However, few of these amendments were accepted. “The rejection of these amendments makes it clear that the driving force behind this ESA bill comes from out-of-state interests, not the needs of Wyoming’s students,” Byron added.
Despite strong opposition, HB 199 has passed through the House. Byron is urging Wyoming residents to continue voicing their concerns to their representatives.
HB 275: Treatment of Animals
HB 275, a bill designed to prevent and address wildlife torture, received unanimous support (9-0) from the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee. “This is leadership, this is stewardship,” said Chairman Byron. “By passing this bill out of committee with full support, we’ve taken a crucial first step toward making this important legislation law.”
Byron underscored the necessity of the bill, explaining, “Wyoming has recognized a gap in our statutes—an absence of clear provisions addressing wildlife torture. It’s time to close that gap with strong legislation that directly focuses on preventing such cruelty.”
Legislative Session Challenges
Byron pointed to the slow pace of debate this legislative session and the challenges of getting bills heard amidst a heavy influx of proposed legislation, many of which, he says, are driven by out-of-state interests, like the school vouchers bill. "My colleagues continue to sponsor and support bills that Wyoming isn’t asking for. As we approach critical deadlines, many pieces of legislation that could truly benefit Wyoming’s people won’t even have the chance to be heard," Byron said. "It’s difficult to tackle real issues facing our state when too many are prioritizing national special interests over the needs of their own constituents."
As the session progresses, Representative Byron remains focused on advocating for policies that reflect the values and needs of Wyoming residents. He encourages Wyoming citizens to keep sharing their thoughts and concerns so that he can continue to represent their interests in the legislature.
Contact: Representative Andrew Byron, House District 22
Email: Andrew.Byron@wyoleg.gov
Phone: 307-690-2767
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