State legislatures seem to be taking up the issue of financial education en masse as bills are being proposed in several states, hopeful signs, yes, but we know that it's when it becomes a law that it matters. 

• Kentucky State Treasurer Thinks Personal Finance Should Be Graduation Requirement (Courier Journal) as a bill moves through the legislature there:

I believe students across our commonwealth need access to financial literacy lessons like Luci has had. That is why I am supporting HB 132. This bill would make financial literacy instruction a high school graduation requirement for every student in Kentucky. It would ensure that our students are taught important financial lessons before they begin independent lives. 

• Bill Proposed to Require College Students to Pass Financial Literacy Class Before Graduation (WHOtv.com)

A bill under review in the Iowa House of Representatives would require all college undergraduate students to take a financial literacy course before graduating. SF 2361 passed in the Iowa Senate March 7^th. The idea of the course is to help a student understand average salary in jobs and average debt upon graduate. 

• HB 429 Would Make Personal Finance A High School Requirement in Pennsylvania (The Sentinel)

Rep. Rosemary Brown, R-Monroe County, has introduced a bill that would allow students take a financial literacy course in place of one of their current graduation requirements.

• DECA teaches and inspires future leaders (The Brazil Times)

A local DECA chapter recently went to the state-wide competition/conference in Indianapolis, and came back with a many life lessons. The Chapter Campaign Project initiated by Deborah Stallcop at Northview High School, was recognized during the event.

About the Authors

Laura Matchett

After graduating with an education degree and spending 7 years in an elementary classroom, Laura made the switch to the non-profit world and loves interacting with students, educators and business professionals across the country. She is passionate about all students having access to high quality education and views personal finance education as one way to ‘level the playing field’. When Laura is not locating or creating high quality educational resources, you can find her mountain biking or searching for the best ramen in town!

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Tim Ranzetta

Tim's saving habits started at seven when a neighbor with a broken hip gave him a dog walking job. Her recovery, which took almost a year, resulted in Tim getting to know the bank tellers quite well (and accumulating a savings account balance of over $300!). His recent entrepreneurial adventures have included driving a shredding truck, analyzing executive compensation packages for Fortune 500 companies and helping families make better college financing decisions. After volunteering in 2010 to create and teach a personal finance program at Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto, Tim saw firsthand the impact of an engaging and activity-based curriculum, which inspired him to start a new non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance.

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