Money Course Legislation Builds Momentum

The Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar Association are teaming up to back a bill ensuring high school students in the Sunshine State are required to take a financial literacy course, nicknamed The Money Course, before graduating. More than 40 legislators are behind legislation which would require the course with Sen. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, leading the charge in the Senate while Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, R-Fort Myers, and Rep. Manny Diaz, R-Hialeah, back it in the House.

We want to empower young people with the finance skills that will take them into young adulthood and beyond," said Stephen Nagin, chairman of the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar Association. "Dedicating a semester to financial literacy will help set them up for success over the long term."

Floridas students arent the only ones hurt by financial illiteracy, said David Hart, the executive vice president of the Florida Chamber. Our states businesses, small and large, suffer when our young adults lack the fundamental financial knowledge to contribute to Floridas economy. And sound personal finances are a top factor employers consider when hiring.