Hinson Joins Cato Institute for Bipartisan Discussion on Civics Education

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) joined Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI-08) at the Cato Institute for a discussion on their bipartisan Prep Civics and Government Act, legislation that promotes efforts to increase civics education to help the next generation understand our nation’s history, the significance of our institutions, and encourage them to participate in democracy. Several Iowa educators were in attendance and participated in the conversation about civic engagement and civil discourse. An excerpt of Hinson's prepared remarks are below.

"In Congress, I am committed to working across the aisle to support our educators and youngest learners, and expand civics and government education.
 
"Unfortunately, we’ve fallen short in our investment and attention to civics education. In 2018, only about 24% of eighth grade students were considered proficient in a national civics assessment. Even more concerning, less than half of American adults surveyed by the Annenberg Public Policy Center in 2022 could correctly identify the three branches of government.

"I am proud to have such a great partner in Rep. Kildee on the bipartisan Prep Civics and Government Act – legislation that expands access to civics and government education and hopefully helps turn informed students into civically engaged adults.

"Times have changed and there is a concerning downward trend in civic engagement among young people – they’re not voting, they’re not working on public policy, or involved in community issues they care about. There has never been a more important time to incorporate additional civics education into school curriculums and ensure our students know the unique opportunities they have to participate in our democracy and shape their communities and country."
  

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