Report: Congress Members—Just over 8 percent majored in economics

A recent report from the Employment Policies Institute found that only one in five (20 percent) members of Congress have an academic background in business or economics.   The organization looked at lawmakers' college degrees and found that most of them—55.1 percent—majored in either a government-related field or "humanities." Just over 8 percent majored in economics, while almost 14 percent studied business or accounting.  This report sparked us to take a look at the business or economics backgrounds of our local elected officials.

On Friday, August 26, the following email was sent to each elected official in Franklin government, including the Franklin School Board.

[We] recently read that a report from the Employment Policies Institute found that only one in five members of Congress have an academic background in business or economics.   The organization looked at lawmakers' college degrees and found that most of them—55.1 percent—majored in either a government-related field or "humanities." Just over 8 percent majored in economics, while almost 14 percent studied business or accounting.

THE FRANKLININDEPENT JOURNAL (FIJ) is asking each elected official in Franklin government where their primary academic background lies, and is asking for your cooperation in participating in our survey.  The results will be published in an upcoming story in FIJ. If you wish to participate in this two question survey please answer the following questions—if not, please let us know that you will not participate in this survey.

1. What do you consider to be your primary academic background?
2. If you hold a college degree, what was your major?

Thank You for your participation and cooperation in this survey.

To-Date we've recieved four responces; two school board members and two Aldermen.

Look for our story on this survey on Wednesday, August 31.

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