A bill that requires cursive writing to be taught in Pennsylvania schools has passed the House of Representatives.
In a 195-8 vote on Tuesday, House Bill 17 passed and now moves to the State Senate for consideration. The bill’s primary sponsor was Rep. Dane Watro (116th District), who represents parts of Schuylkill and Luzerne counties.
The only dissenting votes against HB 17 were Reps. Nikki Rivera, Heather Boyd, Dan Miller, Joseph Hohenstein, Arvind Venkat, Greg Vitali, Perry Warren, and Christopher Rabb, all Democrats.
“In our digital world, cursive has fallen by the wayside, but there are many reasons for students to get a basic grasp on cursive writing,” Watro says.
In a statement on the passage of his bill, Watro says studies have proven that cursive writing stimulates parts of the brain linked to memory, language, and thinking. Cursive writing also supports fine motor development, dexterity, and strengthens hand-eye coordination.
He says cursive writing still plays a critical role in everyday life, especially when it comes to signing legal documents and checks.
Additionally, documents like the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution are written in cursive, Watro says.
“At least 24 states have laws requiring cursive instruction because those states understand cursive provides students another way to learn, express themselves, and be better prepared for the future academic, professional, and personal lives,” Watro says.
Image: Canva
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