1. Enduring Local Prosperity
Will this policy encourage families to set down roots, leading to long-term economic development through better local opportunities for the next generation?
Result: ✅ Passes
By increasing Hathaway Scholarship awards, SF 47 lowers the cost barrier for Wyoming students to pursue post-secondary education within the state. This may encourage young residents to remain in Wyoming for college rather than leaving for out-of-state institutions, strengthening long-term workforce retention. A better-educated resident population can improve productivity, attract employers seeking skilled labor, and support intergenerational economic stability. However, the long-term impact depends on whether graduates find viable in-state employment opportunities after completing their education.
2. Flexible Self-Reliance
Does this policy give individuals,communities and/or the state the flexibility to adapt to changing political and economic circumstances? Will this help individuals and communities move away from ongoing reliance on government programs, subsidies and mandates, and toward independence and resilience?
Result: ✅ Passes
The policy promotes individual advancement through education, which can enhance self-reliance by increasing earning potential and reducing dependence on social assistance programs. At the same time, it relies on state funding rather than market-driven solutions or private alternatives, meaning adaptability is constrained by legislative budgets and priorities rather than individual or community initiative alone.
3. Private Property Rights
Does this policy remove institutional barriers, so that individuals or businesses may more easily use their land, property and labor in ways that do not violate the rights of others?
Result: N/A
4. Transparent Constitutional Government
Is this policy limited to carrying out the functions of a small and transparent government as described in the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions, while dividing power appropriately between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of Wyoming's government?
Result: N/A
5. Responsible Taxation & Spending
Question:Will this policy reduce government spending, broaden the tax base, simplify tax policy or lower tax/fee intake?
Result: ⚠️ Caution
This bill increases state spending by about $7 million annually. On the positive side. This spending increase is for a clearly defined purpose, the education of children. Whether it is fiscally responsible depends on the availability of sustainable funding sources and competing budget priorities.
6. Local and State Control
Will this policy return power to Wyoming families or local governments from state government? Or will this policy transfer power to state government from the federal government?
Result: N/A
7. Voluntary Exchange & Individual Choice
Does this policy remove obstacles from business and consumers engaging in voluntary, mutually beneficial transactions, ultimately giving consumers more choices?
Result: ✅ Passes
Expanded scholarships increase student choice by reducing financial pressure to forgo education, incur heavy debt, or leave Wyoming. Participation remains voluntary, and students retain autonomy over their educational and career paths.
8. Profit Motive & Fair Competition
Does this policy encourage entrepreneurs and businesses to seek profits through calculated risks based on market prices rather than government signals, lowering prices for consumers?
Result: N/A
9. Electoral Accountability
Does this policy assist Wyomingites in voting more securely and/or easily for eligible candidates in transparent elections for public office? Or provide mechanisms for holding elected or nonelected officials accountable for their actions to the people of Wyoming?
Result: N/A
10. Generational Resource Stewardship
Would this policy ensure Wyoming's natural resources can be shared across current and future generations of Wyomingites?
✅
Final Verdict: Passes the WyLiberty Policy Compass
Score: 3 Pass | 1 Caution | 0 Fail | 6 Not Applicable
Summary:
Senate File 47 (2026) scores positively on 3 of 4 considered Compass Points, leading Wyoming Liberty Group to support this legislation. SF 47 proposes to increase scholarship award amounts in the Hathaway Scholarship Program for Wyoming natives. The standard tuition rate is $2,700 per semester tuition for in-state students, plus $7,000 for room and board for the 2026-27 academic year. This bill would raise the value of academic performance scholarship awards by $340 to $680 per semester (students with a higher GPA get more money). The needs based scholarship would increase from $1575 to $2120 per year. The cost is estimated to be about $7 million in fiscal years 2027, 2028 and 2029. These increases would better match current education costs, allowing students to more affordably pursue post-secondary education at Wyoming public colleges and universities.