I have spent the past several months emphasizing the need for a financial literacy education graduation requirement in Maryland's public schools.  Our nation's painful economic crisis has reminded us that far too many of our neighbors lack an understanding of the proper use of credit, the risks of excessive debt, the principles of sound household budgeting and the importance of saving for the future.

I am pleased to report that legislation has been introduced in the General Assembly that would require Maryland high school students to complete a standalone course in financial literacy in order to graduate from high school.  Senate Bill 264 (.pdf) has been sponsored by Senator Anthony Muse and co-sponsored by Senators Kathy Klausmeier and Rich Colburn, while House Bill 335 has been sponsored by Delegate Jay Walker.  I am grateful to these lawmakers for their leadership on this landmark education reform and consumer protection initiative.  

Please thank Delegate Walker and Senators Muse, Klausmeier and Colburn for their support.

On Feb. 10th,  Senate Bill 264 is scheduled for a hearing before the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs (EHE) Committee and I will be testifying to show my support.

Over these past several months, I have become truly inspired by the bipartisan, statewide coalition that has grown in support of financial literacy education.  I have visited those school systems that have already established graduation requirements, and have met those students and parents who now have the essential tools of personal financial security as a result. 

Please contact your legislators and encourage them to support Senate Bill 264 and House Bill 335.  

To find your legislators and their contact information, please visit http://mdelect.net/.