Wyoming House overrides governor's veto on Hathaway Scholarship amendments
March 04, 2025 | House of Representative, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming
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On March 4, 2025, the Wyoming House of Representatives convened for a pivotal session, where lawmakers voted to override two gubernatorial vetoes concerning significant education and scholarship legislation. The discussions centered around House Enrolled Act Number 45, originally House Bill Number 36, which pertains to amendments to the Hathaway Scholarship program, and House Enrolled Act Number 47, originally House Bill Number 94, which addresses charter school authorizations.
The first override vote, led by Majority Floor Leader Representative Harshman, focused on the Hathaway Scholarship amendments. Harshman emphasized the importance of the scholarship program, which has seen its endowment grow from $400 million to $786 million, significantly exceeding last year's scholarship payouts. He argued that the bill would allow students in career and technical education (CTE) programs to qualify for scholarships even if they are enrolled in less than half-time courses. This change aims to support students pursuing essential skills in trades, which are increasingly in demand in Wyoming's job market.
Representative Ocean echoed Harshman's sentiments, highlighting that 60% of open jobs in the state require CTE skills. He urged fellow lawmakers to support the override, framing it as a commitment to valuing trade careers equally with other educational paths.
The House ultimately voted decisively in favor of the override, with 55 votes in favor and only 5 against, signaling strong bipartisan support for the Hathaway Scholarship amendments.
Following this, the House moved to address the second veto regarding charter school authorizations. The Majority Floor Leader again initiated the override motion, indicating the ongoing commitment to expanding educational options within the state. The discussions surrounding this bill are expected to continue, as lawmakers consider the implications of charter school expansions on the educational landscape in Wyoming.
The successful overrides reflect a legislative push to enhance educational opportunities and support for students in Wyoming, particularly in fields critical to the state's economic future. As the session progresses, the outcomes of these discussions will likely shape the state's educational policies and funding strategies moving forward.
The first override vote, led by Majority Floor Leader Representative Harshman, focused on the Hathaway Scholarship amendments. Harshman emphasized the importance of the scholarship program, which has seen its endowment grow from $400 million to $786 million, significantly exceeding last year's scholarship payouts. He argued that the bill would allow students in career and technical education (CTE) programs to qualify for scholarships even if they are enrolled in less than half-time courses. This change aims to support students pursuing essential skills in trades, which are increasingly in demand in Wyoming's job market.
Representative Ocean echoed Harshman's sentiments, highlighting that 60% of open jobs in the state require CTE skills. He urged fellow lawmakers to support the override, framing it as a commitment to valuing trade careers equally with other educational paths.
The House ultimately voted decisively in favor of the override, with 55 votes in favor and only 5 against, signaling strong bipartisan support for the Hathaway Scholarship amendments.
Following this, the House moved to address the second veto regarding charter school authorizations. The Majority Floor Leader again initiated the override motion, indicating the ongoing commitment to expanding educational options within the state. The discussions surrounding this bill are expected to continue, as lawmakers consider the implications of charter school expansions on the educational landscape in Wyoming.
The successful overrides reflect a legislative push to enhance educational opportunities and support for students in Wyoming, particularly in fields critical to the state's economic future. As the session progresses, the outcomes of these discussions will likely shape the state's educational policies and funding strategies moving forward.
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