Civics Education

Policy Committee    September 8, 2025

NEW HOPE, Sept. 8 – As we approach the 250^th anniversary of the founding of our nation, civic engagement is at an all-time low. Educators and former lawmakers testified before the House Majority Policy Committee on reversing that trend and ensuring strong civics education in our K-12 schools to help preserve democracy. 

• Host: Rep. Tim Brennan (D-Bucks)
• Testifiers:
  • Gov. Mark Schweiker- 44th Governor of Pennsylvania
  • Rep. Joe Hoeffel- Former Congressman, U.S. House of Representatives (PA-13)
  • Rep. James Gerlach- Former Congressman, U.S. House of Representatives (PA-6)
  • Lauren Cristella- President, Committee of Seventy
  • Shannon Salter Burghardt- Educator, Allentown School District

Agenda + Testimony

• Hearing agenda and testimony: Civics Education

Media Release + News Coverage

• Former lawmakers, educators discuss need to update PA’s civics education standards, September 8, 2025
• Bucks County Beacon, Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee Hosts Hearing in Bucks County on Improving Civics Education in Our Schools, September 9, 2025
• PA Patch, PA's Failing Grade In Civics Topic Of House Majority Policy Hearing In Bucks, September 9, 2025

Video + Photos

• Click here to view the entire hearing
• Click here to view photos of the hearing