Rep. Ocean Andrew, a Republican from Laramie, is facing backlash in both his professional and personal life due to his support for two controversial education bills in the Wyoming Legislature, Wyo File reports.
These bills, which critics argue could undermine the state’s public school system, have sparked a public boycott of Andrew’s food truck business, On the Hook.
The legislation includes a universal school voucher bill, which passed the House earlier this year, and a proposal to allow school districts to hire teachers and administrators without formal certification. Supporters of the bills, including Andrew, argue that they would provide parents with more educational choices and help address the state’s teacher shortage. However, opponents contend that these measures could erode the quality of education in Wyoming’s public schools.
In response to Andrew’s legislative actions, some residents have launched a boycott of his food trucks, which visit several Wyoming cities, including Rawlins, Casper, and Jackson. The effort, which is circulating on social media platforms like Facebook, urges consumers to reconsider supporting On the Hook until Andrew shows greater support for Wyoming educators. Erin McColley Haynes, a prominent voice in the boycott, posted on Facebook:
“Please consider supporting him ONLY when he starts supporting Wyoming educators.”
Andrew, who also serves as the House Majority Whip and chairs the House Education Committee, acknowledged the criticism but dismissed it as a result of misinformation. He explained that his goal with the teacher certification bill is to allow school districts more flexibility in hiring qualified individuals, particularly in areas with teacher shortages. While he emphasized that the bill does not intend to lower educational standards, he acknowledged the debate surrounding it.
The controversy also surrounds Andrew’s House Bill 199, known as the “Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act,” which would provide up to $7,000 per student for non-public K-12 education expenses. Critics argue that this bill likely violates the Wyoming Constitution, which prohibits public funds from being used for private education. Despite constitutional concerns and significant opposition, the bill passed the House after a lengthy debate and with limited amendments.
Andrew defended his education reform proposals, pointing to a survey in which nearly 60% of Wyoming residents expressed concern about the direction of public education. He explained that his aim is to create more options for families and to address what he sees as inefficiencies within the current public education system.
In addition to his political career, Andrew co-owns On the Hook, a food truck business specializing in fish and chips, which he launched in 2016. What started as a single truck has since expanded into a company that operates in 20 states and has gained a strong social media following. Despite the boycott effort, it remains unclear how much impact the campaign will have on Andrew’s business.
