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June 24, 2025 In Blog

Advocating for Financial Literacy in Delaware Schools: Make Your Voice Heard!

 By: Jane Brady, Chair, A Better Delaware

It is not often that everyone in the Delaware State House of Representatives agrees, but that’s exactly what happened when House Substitute 1 for House Bill 203 was called for a vote. The bill passed 40-0. (The house has 41 members, but one member was absent).

The bill seeks to fundamentally change the systemic disparities that have existed with regard to access to financial knowledge and education. It proposes a 1/2 credit financial literacy requirement be placed in the social studies curriculum of every high school in Delaware beginning in the 2026-2027 school year

Financial literacy is no longer a luxury for the rich. Financial realities today are more complex than ever. Many households in America are living paycheck to paycheck. Some have no savings – over a third report they have no retirement savings.
Studies have shown that nearly 90% of American teens admit they don’t understand the principles and concepts of personal finance.

Delaware students deserve the opportunity to learn about disciplined savings, the impact of interest, how to manage debt effectively, how to recognize the difference between a good investment and a risky one, what taxes they are paying and the impact of taxes on their financial stability, and how to plan for a career. These are essential skills that will help them engage successfully in the 21st-century economy.

Managing your financial stability is as foundational as being able to read or do math. Some schools in Delaware have a personal finance class – some offer even more than 1/2 a credit financial education class. Every school should offer at least a 1/2 credit class.

Many people who work with those who struggle financially support this bill. The National Council on Economic Education assisted the prime sponsor, Representative Jeff Hilovsky, in writing and advocating for the bill. Supporters are reported to include a diverse group of advocates, including the Delaware Bankers Association, Junior Achievement, the Committee of 100 Black Men, the Board of Realtors and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

You might ask “Why are you telling me all this? The bill passed unanimously in the House.”  That’s correct.  But recently, a few Senators key to getting this bill out of committee and onto the Senate floor for a Senate vote have held the bill up. Contact Senators Elizabeth Lockman, David Sokola and Laura Sturgeon  and tell them that you want them to allow this bill to come out of committee and onto the floor for a vote.

It is generally believed that the bill will pass with a significant margin if allowed to get to the floor. These individuals should not hold up such an important and universally supported piece of legislation. Make your voice heard. Have a role in making Delaware better. Urge your Senator to demand their colleagues release this bill and to vote YES for financial literacy.

Jane Brady serves as Chair of A Better Delaware. She previously served as Attorney General of Delaware and as a Judge of the Delaware Superior Court.