H.C.R. 15 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.C.R. 15
By: Woolley
Public Education
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND

State law declares that the primary purpose of the public school
curriculum is to prepare citizens to function productively in a free
enterprise society.  Current law specifies the subject areas that
constitute the foundation and enrichment curriculums of public schools,
and requires the State Board of Education to identify the essential
knowledge and skills that all students should be able to demonstrate.  The
enrichment curriculum includes the study of economics with an emphasis on
the free enterprise system and its benefits. Several recent studies have
concluded that many Americans lack the basic knowledge and skills
necessary for the management of their financial affairs. The
Administration of President George W. Bush and the Department of Treasury
have acknowledged the importance of financial education by establishing
the Office of Financial Education under the Department of the Treasury.  


PURPOSE 

The purpose of this bill is to educateTexas concerning personal finance
knowledge and skills.  House Concurrent Resolution 15 directs the State
Board of Education to consider the inclusion of elements relating to
personal finance among the essential knowledge and skills in the required
public school curriculum.  


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department,
agency, or institution.  


ANALYSIS

House Concurrent Resolution 15 directs the State Board of Education to
consider the inclusion of elements relating to personal finance among the
essential knowledge and skills in the required public school curriculum.