New Polling Shows Nearly 70% of Wyoming Republicans Oppose Universal Vouchers
Cheyenne, Wyoming – Polling done last week by the Republican firm co/efficient shows significant opposition to the universal voucher idea currently under consideration by the Wyoming Legislature.
The firm surveyed a significant sample of Wyoming Republicans who had voted in the most recent general election.
Results indicate that 68 percent of those surveyed “oppose” or “strongly oppose” universal school vouchers. With 11 percent unsure, only 22 percent of those Republicans surveyed support vouchers in some capacity.
"Wyoming public schools are the heart of our communities, especially in our rural areas, where they serve as both a foundation for learning and a cornerstone of connection, opportunity, and growth," said Kim Amen, president of the Wyoming Education Association. “Universal vouchers are counter to all of these values.”
There were several additional key findings from these Republican voters. Those surveyed were “less likely” or “much less likely” to support vouchers, knowing the following:
- 64 percent - knowing it takes funding and resources from public schools
- 66 percent - knowing it will divert roughly $500 million of state funds to private schools over the next decade
- 69 percent - knowing the challenges faced by other Red States who passed voucher programs
- 70 percent - knowing taxes may have to be raised to cover the deficit in education funding
- 75 percent - knowing the influence out-of-state companies would have on Wyoming’s vouchers
- 76 percent - knowing there will be no accountability for more than $500 million of taxpayer funds spent on the program during the next decade
Additionally, 86 percent of respondents believe that state funding should be provided to public school systems to prevent cuts in services to existing students and to prevent tax increases to local taxpayers.
"An investment in our public schools is an investment in our communities, our future, and the strength of Wyoming itself," Amen said.
For this survey, more than 660 Republicans were polled. The margin of error is +/- 3.78 percent.
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As a unified voice, the Wyoming Education Association – with more than 6,300 members –engages, educates, and empowers our members to advance high quality public education for all. WEA envisions a society where education is seamless, respected, and highly valued.