Sen. Berthel Applauds House Passage of High School Financial Literacy Measure 

Today, Chief Deputy Republican Leader Eric Berthel (R-Watertown), ranking member of the Education Committee, applauded the House of Representatives’ adoption of  S.B. 1165, which is a measure that promotes financial literacy for the state’s public high school students. The measure also cleared the Senate in early May.

The measure’s original concept (Proposed S.B. 18) requires high school students to complete a one-half credit course in personal financial management and financial literacy for graduation. The policy is part of the Senate Republicans’ comprehensive ‘A Better Way to a Prosperous Connecticut’ series of legislative workforce measures to put young people on a path to a well-paying career to support themselves and their families.

Senator Berthel has also advocated for similar financial literacy programs since elected to the legislature in 2015.

Senator Berthel said, “After advocating for financial literacy education for nearly a decade, I’m thrilled that this bill is now on its way to the Governor’s office.”

“Statistics have shown that high school students who are taught financial literacy have better outcomes and higher success rates in their careers and in managing their finances. Living in a state with one of the highest costs of living is a challenge for many residents, and particularly more difficult for young people. Many young people leave Connecticut in search of a lower cost of living for a higher quality of life. For those who choose to stay in our beautiful state, financial literacy education will help them to be more adequately prepared for the challenge of managing their finances. At the same time, it helps the state to retain the future drivers of our economy,” he said.

The legislation now advances to Gov. Ned Lamont’s desk to be signed into law.