As we measure how states compare, Kentucky usually ranks near the bottom on many of the positive categories and ranks toward the top on many of the negative categories. Financial literacy and economic education is no exception. While Kentucky is showing signs of improvement with the legislature and Governor Bevin passing financial literacy requirements for high school students after decades of failed attempts, there is still much work to be done.
Financial Literacy Starts at the Schools
As a professor of economics and finance at Kentucky State University, Frankfort’s University, I have dedicated my life to increasing financial and entrepreneurial knowledge to everyone. Currently, I work with K-12 teachers encouraging them and training them to use economics and financial lesson plans in their classrooms. For the past three years, I have taught a university level financial literacy course (Finance 101) at Frankfort High School for graduating seniors during the last three years.
Make Financial Literacy a Lifelong Endeavor
As a legislator, I want to promote and encourage the legislature to continue the Commonwealth’s support of financial literacy by moving beyond the original law that mandated each high school senior have some financial education. We need to add innovative programs to all grade levels to train students to think more entrepreneurially, and prepares them to be more financially and economically aware. This training can also go beyond the K-12 classroom, by encouraging all ages, from K – gray, to become life-long learners in financial and economic knowledge, as well as developing a more entrepreneurial mind-set.
Kentucky Needs a Greater Vision
I have a passion to see Kentucky strive and be its best, I see Kentucky becoming more entrepreneurial and financially savvy which will translate into Kentuckians having more financial freedom, which causes less stress, which leads to more happiness and a healthier outlook on life. This is why I am running to be your State Representative. I am Gary Stratton, and I am asking for your vote. Thank you.