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After decades of underinvestment, the decline in civics education has contributed significantly to the discord, dysfunction, and widespread disengagement plaguing our nation today. Currently, the federal government invests a mere 5 cents per K–12 student in civics education compared to 54 dollars per K–12 student for STEM.
We need policy change and accompanying funding to ensure that civics education — reimagined for the modern era — is prioritized in K–12 schools.
Comprehensive civics education for every student in the United States is a key solution agreed upon by a majority of Republicans and Democrats alike. Civics education, when done well, produces a more informed and engaged citizenry and stronger democratic institutions—which leads to a better educated workforce, greater market stability, and better business climate.
The bipartisan Civics Secures Democracy (CSD) Act (S.879 / H.R.1814) would authorize transformational federal investment in K–12 civic education, ensuring its national prioritization to states, districts, and schools and providing the support necessary for teacher professional development, curricular materials, and student programming.
On June 14, 2022, the bill was formally reintroduced by a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, led by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Chris Coons (D-DE). They have been joined by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Angus King (I-ME), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA). In the House, the legislation has been filed by Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR).
Please join Business for America and civic-minded businesses in urging Congress to pass comprehensive, bipartisan civics education legislation in 2022.
The following companies and business organizations have signed our business letter urging Congress to pass the bipartisan Civics Secures Democracy Act (S.879 / H.R.1814).
"Civic engagement is vital for the health of our democracy. With expanded civics education in K-12 and higher education, this bill will equip new generations of Americans with a deeper understanding of their responsibilities as citizens and how to exercise their cherished rights."
- Senator Chris Coons (D-DE)
"The United States continues to be a model for the world because we are taught from a young age the merits of democracy, our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the civic duties that are inherently part of being an American. This bill would help our schools inspire the next generation of public servants and teach all young Texans the value of freedom."
- Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
“Over the last several decades, civics education in American schools has seen a significant decline. The divide in this country continues to grow as we neglect civics education and fail to build a nation adequately informed of our democratic principles, norms, and institutions. Now, more than ever, it is important that we work together, across the aisle to invest in our young leaders—to secure our democracy for future generations. This legislation does just that.”
- Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
"In order to preserve America’s unique form of governance, prioritizing access to civics and history education is key. As a former history teacher, I believe that lack of knowledge of America’s history is one of the greatest threats to preserving our republic and ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come. Indeed, when Americans have a deeper understanding of our nation’s history and founding principles, they become more engaged citizens, who participate in our government the way our Founding Fathers intended.”"
- Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK)
Speakers
Jerry Zimmerman | SVP & Deputy General Counsel, Government & Industry Relations, Allstate Corporation
Louise Dubé | Executive Director, iCivics
Chuck Dunlap | President & CEO, Indiana Bar Foundation
