A newly proposed bill in the state legislature would require public schools to teach students financial literacy skills. The bill’s sponsor joins us to talk about the importance of these skills. We also explore a report that ranks Wisconsin’s fiscal outlook compared to the rest of the country, and discuss new efforts to combat violent crime in Milwaukee.
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State Lawmaker Makes Push For More Financial Literacy Curriculum In Classroom
A state lawmaker plans to introduce a bill that would make financial literacy education mandatory in Wisconsin schools.
The idea has received support over the years, but some critics worry that the requirement would take away local control from school districts.
State Rep. Scott Krug, R-Nekoosa, said he’s been talking with stakeholders from the state Department of Public Instruction, school board members and business leaders to incorporate personal financial literacy curriculum into classrooms.
“I think its absolutely critical that every student who either graduates high school or college in the state of Wisconsin has a basic understanding about how financing affects their lives going forward,” Krug said.
Krug added that the vast majority of school districts have already implemented some form of financial literacy into their class offerings, indicating that they recognize it as an important priority. He said he hopes his bill will ensure all students have access to the curriculum.
“We’re looking to bring it across the curriculum throughout courses, whether it’s a history class or a math class, or any other classes that can incorporate what these standards actually say. I think it’s something that we can fit into the existing school day without putting too much pressure on existing electives and other courses that are already out there,” Krug said.
Some of the new concepts that Krug would like to see folded into the curriculum include looking at career choices and their correlation with earnings, weighing financial risk and reward, how to make basic investments, and how to watch out for predatory loans and payday lenders.
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New Collaborative Effort Aims To Reduce Gun Violence In Milwaukee
New efforts are underway in Milwaukee to reduce gun violence there, including involvement from the state Department of Justice and the Department of Corrections. One of WPR’s reporters discusses the upcoming changes.
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Rating Wisconsin's Fiscal Strengths And Weaknesses
A new state-by-state report on fiscal well-being finds Wisconsin ahead of the pack on some key indicators–and way behind on others. The report’s author shares the good and the bad on the state government’s financial well-being.
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State Lawmaker Seeking Mandatory Financial Literacy Education In Wisconsin's Schools
A Wisconsin state lawmaker is proposing making financial literacy education a requirement in Wisconsin schools. He joins the program to make the case for the legislation.
Episode Credits
- Rob Ferrett Host
- Veronica Rueckert Host
- Chris Malina Producer
- Scott Krug Guest
- Gilman Halsted Guest
- Eileen Norcross Guest
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