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RALEIGH — U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan wants the federal government to put in its 2 cents — well, probably a great deal more than that — about financial literacy.
 

The North Carolina Democrat has authored a bill that would give grants to states that create financial literacy programs for students in sixth grade through high school.
 

“All this economic turmoil has made it clear to me that we’ve got to be doing a better job of educating our students,” Hagan said.
 

Much of the mortgage crisis might have been avoided if more people had a better idea about how to manage basic finances, she said.
 

This is the first bill Hagan has authored, although she has signed on as a co-sponsor to other bills since her election to the Senate in November.
 

Introducing legislation is no guarantee that it will pass. And lawmakers hoping to reign in spending may look askance at a new grant program.
 

In 2005, and again in 2007, Hagan pushed financial literacy legislation when she was in the state Senate.
 

Financial literacy information is now given to North Carolina students as part of a course on civics and economics.
 

In her campaign last year, Hagan talked about financial literacy, pointing to her efforts as an example of work that hit home with people.
 

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Hagan said her bill would give states an incentive to have broad programs that teach the material in multiple grades.
 

“I also think it’s imperative that we involve parents,” Hagan said.
 

Her bill would allow schools to expand their outreach to students’ parents and coordinate the financial education efforts of the federal government.

Contact Mark Binker at (919) 832-5549 or mark.binker@news-record.com