Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
05/07/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/07/2025 09:36
Watro’s Cursive Bill Wins Committee Approval
May. 07, 2025
HARRISBURG - Legislation that would require cursive handwriting instruction in Pennsylvania schools was unanimously approved today by the House Education Committee, according to the bill's sponsor, Rep. Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill).
"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 said during the committee meeting to consider House Bill 17.
He explained studies have shown writing in cursive stimulates areas of the brain linked to memory, language and thinking, and it has been found to support fine motor development, strengthening hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Additionally, many historical documents - such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution - are written in cursive, so having the skills to write and read cursive preserves the ability to access and comprehend important historical sources, which is vital for an informed, engaged citizenry.
Cursive also plays a role in everyday life, such as signing a check or a legal document. It's a skill that remains relevant in both professional and personal settings.
"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 their future academic, professional and personal lives," said Watro.
The legislation now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
Representative Dane Watro
116th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Chris Comisac
717-772-9845
ccomisac@pahousegop.com
RepWatro.com / Facebook.com/RepWatro
"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 said during the committee meeting to consider House Bill 17.
He explained studies have shown writing in cursive stimulates areas of the brain linked to memory, language and thinking, and it has been found to support fine motor development, strengthening hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Additionally, many historical documents - such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution - are written in cursive, so having the skills to write and read cursive preserves the ability to access and comprehend important historical sources, which is vital for an informed, engaged citizenry.
Cursive also plays a role in everyday life, such as signing a check or a legal document. It's a skill that remains relevant in both professional and personal settings.
"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 their future academic, professional and personal lives," said Watro.
The legislation now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
Representative Dane Watro
116th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Chris Comisac
717-772-9845
ccomisac@pahousegop.com
RepWatro.com / Facebook.com/RepWatro
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