STATEHOUSE (April 1, 2021) – Legislation to improve civic engagement among young Hoosiers could soon be signed into law, according to State Reps. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) and Tim Wesco (R-Osceola).
House Enrolled Act 1384 would require students to take a semester-long civics education course in grades 6, 7 or 8. Teshka said young Hoosiers usually take a government class during their senior year of high school, but this legislation is designed to reach students earlier.
"Younger generations want to be civically engaged, but may not know how or where to begin," Teshka said. "By introducing the concepts of democracy and public service to students starting in middle school, they will be more informed citizens and participate in their government."
Wesco, chair of the House Elections and Apportionment Committee, said this legislation comes out of a recommendation from the Civics Education Task Force led by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch.
"As students grow up and begin to vote on issues impacting their communities and nation, they need to understand the basics of their government," Wesco said. "Learning civics from a young age can help prepare the next generation of strong leaders."
House Enrolled Act 1384 is now eligible for action by the governor. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7, which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.
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State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21, which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
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