Conn. Republicans tout financial literacy bill

Press Release

HARTFORD In early March, Deputy Republican Leader Paul Cicarella (RNorth Haven) and Chief Deputy Republican Leader Henri Martin (R-Bristol) touted a measure (S.B. 1165) to boost the financial literacy of high school students across the state during a public hearing of the legislature’s Education Committee. Cicarella, who also appeared before the committee, and Martin provided testimony in support of the measure that would require high school students to complete a one-half credit course in personal financial management and financial literacy for graduation. Both lawmakers are co-sponsors of the bill.

The measure was originally developed by the Republican lawmakers (Proposed S.B. 18) as a part of their larger “A Better Way to a Prosperous Connecticut” package of legislative workforce measures to put young people on a path to a well-paying career and best support themselves and their families.

“The first step of workforce development is financial literacy, understanding the value of a dollar, and the cause and effects of how you earn and spend your money, ” said Cicarella.

“Over the past year, I’ve heard stories of local high school students that went through an exercise on budgeting,” the senator added.

“The students were shocked to realize the cost of necessities like a phone, groceries and insurance. These young people are on the verge of adulthood and being on their own, so it is important that we impart this critical skill of financial literacy. By doing this, we can empower young people to avoid the pitfall of debt, leading the way to a prosperous future.”

Research shows that over 60 percent of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck and struggle to save for shortterm or long-term goals.