WA House unanimously adopts Rude’s financial education bill

By on Monday, February 12th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

OLYMPIA – The Washington State House of Representatives has adopted legislation making financial education a high school graduation requirement. Rep. Skyler Rude (R-Walla Walla) recently shared on the House floor what a required course in money management may look like.

“Methods of interest calculation, effect borrowing costs, decide the most effective loan options for paying for a car, illustrate the total cost of reducing a credit card balance to zero with minimum payments versus above minimum payments,” he said.

Rude said development of curriculum and the new graduation requirement was a team effort involving education professionals and community members.

“It is my belief that this is a really great way for us to equip our graduating students to be successful in their personal lives and their careers,” Rude said.

House Bill 1915 requires school districts to provide high school students with access to financial education instruction beginning in or before the 2027-28 school year.

The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.