Wyoming Education Association was pleased to host 23 members at the Equality State Policy Center's grassroots lobby event January 27-28, 2019.
From left: WEA Executive Director, Ron Sniffin, Governor Mark Gordon, Government Relations Director, Tammy Johnson and WEA President, Kathy Vetter at the annual WEA Legislative Reception on January 27, 2019.
For more photos and videos of member experiences from the 2019 SHAPE Wyoming lobby event, be sure to check out the upcoming edition of WEANews magazine and visit the WEA Facebook page.
WEA for the Win - SF 143
Success in Today's Senate Education Committee:
SF 0143—Civics proficiency. This bill would have required students to pass a test identical to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services test to graduate from a Wyoming high school. This high stakes test requires students to memorize facts about American history, the U.S. Constitution, geography of the U.S., complete a 100 question test, and get 60% correct to pass. Thank you to Senators Chris Rothfuss, Bill Landen, Affie Ellis, and Hank Coe who all voted NO on the bill in the Senate Education Committee today.
COMING TOGETHER FOR STUDENTS
Thanks to the Equality State Policy Center, grassroots lobbyists from around Wyoming came together to support issues of importance during SHAPE Wyoming. WEA members from across the state joined this training, met with Governor Gordon at the Annual WEA Legislative Reception and then headed to legislature this morning to take action for Wyoming’s students. This event was powerful and inspiring as members used their unified voice and made real change on the floor. WEA thanks its members who literally go the extra miles to make a difference for public education! Don’t forget that you can take action on critical issues during the legislature by becoming a cyber lobbyist by clicking here.
In the House today:
HB 0008– Major maintenance multiplier. This bill passed third reading.
In the House Education Committee Today
The committee met on adjournment tonight and a report will be forthcoming tomorrow.
In the Senate Today
SF 0120– Student expulsion hearing requirements. This bill passed on first reading in the Committee of the Whole.
SF 0001 – General Government Appropriations. Today was the first reading of the state budget bill in both chambers of the legislature. WEA will be closely watching the External Cost Adjustment (ECA), which is currently being reflected a line item that needs no appropriation. Because the cost of health insurance premiums did not go up this year, the state was relieved of approximately $20 million expected costs. The state did not “recoup” that amount as a savings, but left it in the budget to cover the requested 1.5% needed for the ECA.
From the Capitol to the Classroom, Stay Informed With WEA!
You can join the unified voice for public education when WEA makes a call to action by visiting our new WYOEALobby webpage. You will find:
Information about current bills before the Wyoming Legislature;
Talking points on critical issues facing Wyoming educators;
Ways to take action in support of public education;
Contact information for your legislator.
This new webpage is designed to help you become a Cyber Lobbyist from your own community.
Becoming a part of the WEA unified voice is easier than ever. Join the momentum by utilizing these new tools!
