Amendment ID: S2856-149

Amendment 149

Improving Financial Literacy

Messrs. O'Connor and Tarr move that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following sections:-

SECTION XX. Section 1Q of Chapter 69 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking paragraph (b) and replacing it with the following:-

(b) A school district, charter school, approved private day or residential school or collaborative school shall incorporate the financial literacy standards established pursuant to section 1D and subsection (a) into existing curriculum including, but not limited to, mathematics, history and social sciences, technology or business.

SECTION XX. Chapter 71 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following new section:-

Section 98. (a) In all public schools, financial literacy shall be taught as required subjects to promote an understanding of personal finances and financial stability. Instruction shall include (i) loans; (ii) interest and interest accrual; (iii) credit card debt; (iv) online commerce; (v) rights and responsibilities of renting or buying a home; (vi) saving, investing and planning for retirement; (vii) the role of banking and financial services; (viii) balancing a checkbook; (ix) state and federal taxes; (x) charitable giving; (xi) evaluating media content, including online content, that relates to personal finance matters; and (xii) saving, investing and planning for higher education or professional training.

SECTION XX. The department may apply for federal, state or other funding, including funding available through the Economic Empowerment Trust Fund established pursuant to section 35QQ of chapter 10 to implement the provisions of this section.