A bill that many people called the most important education measure this session has died after failing to get the necessary two thirds support for introduction in the Wyoming House of Representatives.

The bill would have empowered the Wyoming Department of Education to coordinate early childhood learning in the state and would have made money available to help enhance pre-school and day care programs in the state.  But state involvement in the program made many nervous, including House Education Committee Chairman Matt Teeters who's committee studied the issue last year.

“We’ve had discussions about early childhood and we know that early childhood programs are good.  But do we want to that under the umbrella of the state or do we want to continue to let local non-profits to deal with it.  There are people who are worried about moving towards that state system, which I won’t support either.  I think those programs are best left in the hands of our locals.”

Teeters said there are ways the state can assist these programs, without overseeing them.  Supporters say enhancing early education would better prepare children for school.  Studies say that helps enhance learning.