My life as a retired optometrist, military medical commander, industry consultant, and state legislator has been guided by the simple principle of taking action to solve problems and help others. This guiding spirit has led me down many different paths, from serving in the military to advocating for financial literacy in Delaware schools. It was a journey that shaped my perspective and fueled my passion to make a difference in the lives of others.
When I was first approached about running for office, I was hesitant. I had never thought about politics, but as I watched my grandchildren play, I realized the importance of advocacy. They have no voice, no vote, no say in how their future is shaped. It has become clear to me that it is the responsibility of responsible individuals to stand up and do the right thing for their future, regardless of their personal convenience. So I decided to run for office because I want to bring about positive change for future generations.
Throughout my life, I have always met the needs of our communities and witnessed firsthand the importance of access to quality health care and education. But it was during my career as an optometrist that I began to recognize another pressing issue facing society: the lack of financial literacy among young people.
Years ago, I noticed an alarming trend in the lack of basic life skills and financial knowledge among high school students. Many struggled to make eye contact and articulate themselves effectively. It was clear that they were not equipped to navigate the complexities of adulthood, especially when it came to managing household finances.
I decided to take action to close this gap. Using my background in leadership, I have developed a comprehensive course focused on personal growth. This also includes financial literacy. I approached local schools with a proposal. As a volunteer, you can help address challenges that students are facing, whether they know it or not. We believed we could add value to their lives by giving them the tools they need to succeed.
What started as a simple idea quickly evolved into a passion project. I became deeply invested in the well-being of these students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many of them come from single-parent families, and in the rush of daily life, financial education was often neglected. I saw this as an opportunity to make a difference by giving students the knowledge they need to build a bright future.
As I continued to teach and mentor these students, I began to see the broader impact of a lack of financial literacy. It's not just about balancing your checkbook or understanding interest rates, it's also about power and opportunity. It's about giving students the confidence to take control of their financial future and pursue their dreams.
When I was elected to office, I suddenly had a platform to make an even bigger impact. That's why I'm proud to sponsor House Bill 203. This bill would require Delaware public high school students entering their ninth grade in the 2026-2027 school year to complete a half-credit course in financial literacy before graduation. This bill is more than just a bill, it's a lifeline for local youth in Delaware. This is your chance to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the tools they need to succeed.
More than 90% of Delawareans report that financial education is an urgent need. It's not a luxury that few people experience. Financial education is necessary for everyone. Now is the time to prioritize the well-being of young people and invest in their futures. House Bill 203 is just the beginning. Together, we can pave the way for a future where all students have the opportunity to thrive. There is never a wrong time to do the right thing, and now is the time to take action.
State Representative Jeff Hirofsky represents District 4 (Angola, Long Neck, and Oak Orchard).