On July 20, 2023 Connecticut’s Governor Ned Lemont signed a  bill into law requiring high school students to take a financial literacy course. The bill makes the financial literacy class a graduation requirement for the class of 2027 and future classes. Phillip Kennan a financial literacy teacher at Hall High School said “I think it’s a fantastic idea to have it be a graduation requirement.  Without it, many of us would be ill equipped to handle life’s financial curve balls.” 

Connecticut State Representative Corey Paris was the bill’s leading advocate saying the bill is “good policy filled with good i

ntent.” The signing of the legislation makes Connecticut the 20th state to create a similar bill. But before the bill was passed there was some debating surrounding it. “Beyond the fiscal impact, we have the opportunity here to affect choices at the local level and possibly student outcomes,” said Connecticut State Representative Steve Weir voted against the bill stating his concerns for the students grade point averages.

Connecticut State Representative Kathleen Mccarty, who in the past has argued against legislation similar to this bill voted yes saying “I know we are putting a lot of extra work on our boards as far as a mandate goes, but I think there was a lot of compromise that was made on the bill.”  

Many students at Hall High School who are not freshmen are taking the financial literacy course. “It is a crucial class that teaches kids how to be financially smart. With this class kids are set up better for their future outside of high school” said  James Varellas, a current senior enrolled in financial literacy at Hall High School, “I think a required fin lit class should definitely be a thing.” 

A financial literacy course is a new change to graduation requirements which has huge support from students and teachers alike. This class will have a lasting impact on future students leading to more financially responsible adults.