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Lawson focusing on financial literacy in '14
Happy to be back in what she calls "practically my home county," Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson spoke at the Wednesday meeting of the Rotary Club of Greencastle.
The Danville resident served as the District 24 State Senator for 16 years, representing much of Putnam County. Upon being appointed to the post of secretary of state in March 2012.
Nearly two years later, Lawson is still right at home discussing her office's duties overseeing elections. She did have extensive experience, with time served as Hendricks County clerk and on the Senate's elections committee.
However, Lawson has also repeatedly expressed her commitment to the other three divisions her office oversees -- business services, securities and auto dealers.
Her Wednesday talk was more in line with these duties.
"I need your help in spreading the word about financial literacy," Lawson said. "Education is the key."
One group her office is aiming to educate is senior citizens about securities fraud, something she carried out later Wednesday afternoon in speaking to residents at Asbury Towers.
Lawson said on such visits, more than one resident will always tell her about scam emails they've received.
The key, Lawson said, is to ask questions. Ask about licensure. Ask about qualifications. Don't be afraid to ask anything.
A legitimate investment professional will not be afraid to answer.
Another group Lawson is targeting is high school students, hoping to reach them before they head off to college. When she visits high schools, she covers such subjects as budgeting, saving, setting spending limits and credit cards.
Half of all college students graduate with at least $8,000 in credit card debt, Lawson said.
As secretary of state, Lawson is unable to visit every high school in Indiana, so she is working on ways to train teachers in educating students on financial literacy.
One idea is to reimburse schools for substitute pay on days when teachers are away for such training.
Of course, going into an election year, Lawson is also thinking about elections. She said there are several bills currently in the General Assembly dealing with a number of election issues.
Additionally, Indiana has joined a consortium of 28 states comparing their voter registration books in an attempt to stop voter fraud.
The office of secretary of state is set to be on the primary and general election ballots in 2014. As of Thursday, neither Lawson nor any other hopefuls have declared their candidacy.